Forest bathing, a form of ecotherapy that comes from the Japanese practice of shinrin yoku, is the art of taking in the forest - of really experiencing it, not just seeing it. The idea is that time spent in nature is a healing experience and should be treated as such. Back in May, I wrote a blog called Basics of Grounding. You'll see some common themes between grounding and forest bathing, but also some distinct differences.
Being in nature is a healing experience in itself. When you go outside and breathe clean air, it replenishes the body both physically and mentally. We're all accustomed to the hustle and bustle of daily life, the never ending grind of always being productive, but what if you made time every day just to go outside and take deep breaths, notice the trees and what lives in them, and the way grass feels on your feet, the way raindrops sound when they hit the ground. There is medical evidence that surrounding yourself by nature can help heal you of what ails you whether it is physical or mental.
If you don't have a local forest to bathe in, never fear! You can practice forest bathing in any natural environment whether it's a grassy lawn or local park. The whole point is that you do more than just stand there. You want to really experience the nature around you. Slow down and notice things whether it's birds flitting around or a small caterpillar devouring a leaf. Feel nature with all of your senses. If you don't have a lot of time you can refer back to the five senses exercise I mentioned in my blog post Basics of Grounding. This is a quick and easy way to get the benefits of grounding and forest bathing if you are unable to go on a long excursion on a trail or galavanting in the woods.
If you are interested in learning more about forest bathing, check out Your Guide to Forest Bathing by M. Amos Clifford! You might also find decks such as Anima Mundi Tarot, The Awakening Tarot, and The Southern Botanic Oracle useful in helping you connect with nature.