Tag: <span>forest bathing</span>

Published October 11, 2021 by

Sometimes the big picture is elusive

big picture, infinity, thanksgiving

Sometimes the big picture is elusive because of all the distractions before us. (Sometimes we can’t see the forest for the trees.) On the other hand, if infinity spreads outward to the stars and also inward into the smallest atoms of these trees, then the big picture doesn’t matter. It’s all a big picture.

An infinite universe exists in the bark of these trees, in our bodies, and in outer space. We can start anywhere. It doesn’t matter if we see the trees in the forest, or the forest within the trees.

This photo was taken on our annual family Thanksgiving walk at First Lake in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia. A chance to do some forest bathing. I’m so grateful to be alive for this brief time on earth, and grateful for a wonderful family.

Photography

Avard Woolaver big picture black and white forest bathing infinity landscape nature photography photography Thanksgiving trees

Published March 15, 2017 by

Forest bathing / Shinrin-yoku

forest bathing, shinrin-yoku, forest, winter, Nova Scotia
Forest Bathing, Newport, NS; 2017            © Avard Woolaver

The Japanese have many terms that we don’t use in English. One of my favourites is “forest bathing”– a leisurely visit to a forest. It is becoming more widely practiced in North America but has been a stress management activity in Japan since 1982. Ben Page, founder of Shinrin Yoku LA, remarked in a USA Today story, “A hike is generally oriented as a journey from point A to point B, whereas forest bathing is not about reaching a physical destination. The destination in a forest-bathing walk is more like a mental space of effortless relaxation and awareness.”

Studies have shown that exposure to nature creates calming neuro-psychological effects leading to reductions in stress, anger, anxiety, depression, and sleeplessness. It’s a good reason to take a walk in the woods whenever possible. I’m fortunate to live near a beautiful forest where I can get some exercise, calm my mind, and take some photos.

It’s pleasurable to walk in the forest, even in winter. There are numerous animal tracks in the snow, as well as interesting ice formations, and plenty of crisp, fresh air.

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Photo tip: Taking forest photos in a relaxed stare of mind is quite different from the immediacy of capturing a moment. Take note of how your vision changes when you are forest bathing.

Blogging Colour Landscape Light Observation Photography

Avard Woolaver forest forest bathing Nova Scotia photography winter