Forest Bathing: The Rejuvenating Practice of Shinrin Yoku by Héctor García


Forest Bathing: The Rejuvenating Practice of Shinrin Yoku
Title : Forest Bathing: The Rejuvenating Practice of Shinrin Yoku
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 4805316004
ISBN-10 : 9784805316009
Language : Japanese
Format Type : Hardcover
Number of Pages : 160
Publication : First published April 1, 2018

Shinrin Yoku: "taking in the forest atmosphere", the medicine of simply being in the forest, "forest bathing".

From the healing properties of phytoncides (self-protective compounds emitted by plants) to the ways we can benefit from what forest spaces can teach us, Forest Bathing: The Rejuvenating Practice of Shinrin Yoku discusses the history, science and philosophy behind this age-old therapeutic practice. Examples from the ancient Celts to Henry David Thoreau remind us of the ties between humankind and the natural world—ties that have become more and more elusive to Westerners.

This book explains the traditional Japanese concepts that help readers understand and share in the benefits of the Japanese approach to forest bathing—a cornerstone of healing and health care in Japan. These concepts include:

- Yugen: Our living experience of the world around us that is so profound as to be beyond expression
- Komorebi: The interplay of leaves and sunlight
- Wabi sabi: Rejoicing in imperfection and impermanence

The book goes on to offer guidelines for finding our replenishment in these peaceful, isolated spaces—from turning off the phone (or leaving it at home) to seeking the irregularities in nature, which in turn can make us less critical of ourselves. Finally, it offers tips not only on being fully present and mindful while you're in the forest, but also on how to take that mindfulness home with you—even if that home is the busiest and most crowded of cities.


Forest Bathing: The Rejuvenating Practice of Shinrin Yoku Reviews


  • Anna PG

    The book was generally interesting and I enjoyed reading it, but I had a feeling that the authors kept forgetting what the topic was. In my opinion, some passages were added just to make the book longer. The "scientific" chapter of the book is not scientific enough. The pictures are great, though.

  • Elankumaran

    Shinrin Yoku ❤️

    After the outstanding books, ‘Ikigai’ and ‘The Ikigai Journey’ Héctor Garcia and Francesc Miralles brought up this amazing work ‘SHINRIN YOKU - The Rejuvenating Practice of Forest Bathing’. In this, they show us the importance of connecting back with nature through the Japanese tradition of forest bathing.

    It talks about the benefits Shinrin Yoku provides as a therapy to all humans to improve their health in many ways. A walk in the wild can simply strengthen the immune system(particularly the NK cells that directly fight tumor cells), reduces blood pressure, reduces stress levels, improves concentration, improves sleep, increases sexual energy, improves visual health and overall mood, and sense of well-being. You don’t need to always go to the forest to do this, you can easily get the benefits from your home by simply adding more greenery to your atmosphere.

    The 10 principles of Shinrin Yoku for everyday living
    1. Bathe in greenery once a week
    2. Live mindfully
    3. Hug a tree
    4. Listen to the bird sing
    5. Walk with no direction in mind
    6. Stop and breathe
    7. Write a Kaiku
    8. Let Wabi-Sabi inspire you
    9. Have a cup of tea
    10. Feel the Yugen

    “Magic, indeed, is all around us, in stones, flowers, stars, the dawn wind, and the sunset cloud; all we need is the ability to see and understand.”

  • E.

    Kern van het verhaal: in de natuur zijn ontspant.

  • Evelina Rustem

    Foarte dragut sa imi incep vacanta de vara cu o lectura atat de usurica, in trenul ce ma duce la bunica, in celalalt capat de tara. O mica enciclopedie de povestioare, invataturi si exercitii practice!

  • Rugma Nair

    Another good book from the authors of Ikigai. 'Shinrin Yoku', translated as Forest bathing is one of the oldest philosophy which reinforces the idea that we are one with the nature. The pages repeatedly revolves around the importance of going back to mother nature, once in a while for mental as well as physical wellbeing.

    The book talks about statistics as well as scientific theories which prove the goof effect of nature or trees on us. Statistics shows that development has no relation with forest disappearance whatsoever. It turns out that japan, being among the 10 most developed countries in the world, has the highest area of mountains, with 67% of its territory being forest cover.

    Apart from generating phytoncides which have a positive impact on living things, a forest or any part of nature, nurtures the concepts of 'Yugen' - a feeling that nature provokes in us the moment we understand we are not separate from the universe, that we are the universe and 'Wabi Sabi' - beauty of imperfection.

    The book is loaded with all this and many more information for the interested ones.

  • Lauren | laurenbetweenthelines

    Dit kon mij maar matig boeien, ik heb het uitgelezen omdat het een dun boek is (184 p.) en het al enkele jaren in mijn boekenkast lag - ik heb dit boek gekregen -. Uiteraard geloof ik dat een wandeling in de natuur zijn nut kan bewijzen maar om hier 184 pagina's lang over te lezen...

  • Neus

    'Asume que eres parte importante del universo, no algo separado de él. Eres universo y el universo eres tú. Deja que tu ego se diluya en el entorno hasta fundirte con la naturaleza'.

  • Adriana

    Relaxanta dar cam prea simpluta.

  • Krıshna Sonı

    Natural. Calming. Lush.
    Also, this review is biased because this book is special ❤️

  • Barışalp(BaBi) Tamer

    Doğada hiçbir şey kusursuz değildir. Tamamlanmış bir şey yoktur ve hiçbir şey sonsuza dek aynı kalmaz. “Kusurlu olanın güzelliği” bize kabul etmeyi, noksanlıklarımızın aslında gelişmemize fırsat tanıdığını öğretir. (Wabi-sabi)

  • Marieke Camps

    Heel mooi geschreven, en je wordt al zen voordat je het uit hebt

  • Avi

    Superficial coverage of Japanese concepts with a lot of digressions into other cultures, still a decent occasionally thought provoking book (particularly on the subject of relaxation).

  • Alex Pler<span class=

    "Al mirar el firmamento nocturno, para convocar el sentimiento yugen solo necesitas respirar hondo y cerrar los ojos unos instantes. Imagina que eres un viajero en una gran nave espacial que es el planeta Tierra. Visualiza cómo nuestro mundo atraviesa las estrellas. Abre los ojos otra vez y siente el yugen del cielo estrellado en todo su esplendor: somos viajeros cósmicos."

  • Eline schrijft hier

    Na het uitbrengen van enkele bestsellers over het Japanse concept ikigai, richten Francesc Miralles en Héctor García zich in Shinrin-yoku op de ‘kunst van het bosbaden’. Aan de hand van verschillende invalshoeken proberen Miralles en García met hun boek het enthousiasme voor bosbaden in westerse landen aan te wakkeren. De auteurs bouwen hun boek op uit zes hoofdstukken waarin ze dieper ingaan op de achterliggende filosofie van shinrin-yoku die ze vervolgens koppelen aan wetenschappelijke onderzoeksresultaten. Naast het opnemen van Japanse volksverhalen, maken de auteurs de lezer warm met westerse natuurbelevingen zoals die van Thoreau.

    Wil je mijn volledige recensie lezen? Ga dan naar elineschrijfthier.nl. ↖️

  • Sreena<span class=

    A gentle reminder to slow down, unplug, and reconnect with the natural world around us!

    An enlightening and captivating book that delves into the art and science of immersing oneself in nature. The author expertly explores the healing powers of spending time in forests, providing a comprehensive understanding of the practice of Shinrin Yoku. The book seamlessly blends scientific research with poetic descriptions, offering a holistic approach to connecting with nature.

    It's a true gem that will encourage you to step outside and experience the healing power of nature firsthand.

  • Radek

    W dzisiejszych czasach takie książki przydają się nam, mieszkańcom miast, którzy zapominają w codziennej gonitwie o prostych prawdach. Łączność z przyrodą, uważność, śpiew ptaków może nam przynieść wiele korzyści zdrowotnych, uspokoić nas, zredukować stres. Choć może z pozoru wydawać nam się, że to naiwne prawdy to jednak warto od czasu do czasu, zanurzyć się w ostępach leśnych dla przywrócenia równowagi.

  • Laura Velásquez

    El libro tiene una buena idea en general, pero siento que los autores olvidan el horizonte y a veces son repetitivos con las ideas. Mencionan que hicieron una búsqueda científica... pero utilizan pocas referencias haciendo que sea una lectura amena pero en absoluto basado en la ciencia. También pienso que pudo ser más corto, la idea es sencilla y la expresan en demasiadas páginas. Sin embargo, me llevo del libro volver a la naturaleza y meditar un poco más seguido.

  • Mcperdy

    Me ha encantado este libro los beneficios que nos aporta la naturaleza son increible y no cuidamos de ella.
    Los japoneses son las personas que mas respeto presentan abte ella y los que realmente saben sus beneficios hasta el punto que en sus seguros médicos hay una parte de medicina preventiva y pasan un fin de semana en el bosque, cerca del monte Fuji...
    Recomiendo mucho su lectura kisses

  • Aydın Tezcan

    Doğu kültüründeki orman banyosu uygulaması ile ilgili çok temel bilgiler verdi. Sanki internetin yüzeysel bilgi verme mantığında bir blogtan birkaç yazı okumuş gibi hissettim. Daha kapsamlı olmasını isterdim, ama yine de temel bilgiler almak ve ne yönde derinleşmek istediğine karar vermek isteyenler için başlangıç olabilecek bir kitap.

  • Mihaela Negrea

    I love this book. As a future japanese university student I found the information very useful. I’ve realized that I am a shinrin yoku person. I have a little cottage in the woods and I like to spend time there with the trees and the birds. I can not describe the peace from my soul during these times of healing!

  • Catherine

    This book is truly something special. This book has really opened my eyes to the importance of being in nature and to embrace all it has to teach us. I loved the discussion of history from different religions, the science behind forest bathing, and the practical ways to live this out in our lives. I read this after Ikigai and it was the perfect transition.

  • Magdalena Spasova

    Добра за леко четиво на плажа, но няма да научите нищо ново. Както повечето книги от жанра, информацията може да бъде поднесена в една страничка, която е разтегната до колкото е възможно и повторена няколко хиляди пъти, за да се получи цяла книга. Но както казах, не е зле за плажа

  • Claire

    I have read other books by Hector and have always enjoyed them. I enjoyed this too but there was more science here than I expected. Don't get me wrong, the science is interesting and I now have a deeper knowledge of what I'll be doing and the benefits of it once I enter the forest.

  • Erwin

    Great book with lots of practical information on the power of the nature around you and how this can help nurture your body and soul. This book can certainly help you breng more calmth and serenity in you day to day activities

  • Soumya Kundu

    Serves as a good introduction to the practice of Shinrin Yoku. Does not go into great depth. Provides some insight into the Japanese lifestyle and culture. Simple style of writing. Not too engaging. Light read.

  • Anouk

    Nederlandse vertaling, erg interessant