Soon after I moved to the Pacific Northwest I learned about forest bathing. The Japanese call it shinrin-yoku, which means bathing in the forest atmosphere. Research has shown that it can boost your immune system, lower your blood pressure, help with depression and reduce stress hormones.
It simply involves setting aside a period of time for the sole purpose of gently and slowly immersing yourself in the sounds, scents, textures and sights of a cluster of magnificent old trees. It's a meditation of sorts, and you can do it walking, standing or sitting.
I've always enjoyed being in the woods. Over the years, I've made many photographs there. I never really thought of it as anything other than just being in among the trees, but I've grown to love the idea that I am bathing in them.
Photographs:
above:
Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
below:
Mt. Rainier, Washington
Port Townsend, Washington
Port Orford, Oregon
Near Mt. Hood, Oregon
Near Mt. Hood, Oregon
Near Mt. Hood, Oregon
Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
Manzanita, Oregon
Manzanita, Oregon
Tecate, Mexico
Tecate, Mexico
Tecate Mexico
Mt. Rainier, Washington
Mt. Rainier, Washington
and finally, a new painting entitled "In The Forest"
