I have to admit how fortunate I feel to be enjoying good health during this pandemic; however, this week I did experience a case of spring fever along with cabin fever. Thus, I decided to prepare a picnic lunch & go hiking in the mountains up by the Provoo River where I rarely see anybody else.
Japanese researchers have found that leaving the civilized world behind for a few hours could be the healthiest thing we can do. Walk in the woods in Japan is known as “shinrin-yoku” or “forest bathing”.
While walking in the woods or in a park one is breathing in the phytoncides emitted by trees & plants. This phytoncide exposure reduces stress hormones, indirectly enhancing the immune system. Another benefit of such outings is that you need to watch your step which keeps you focused in the present moment.
I do identify with Socrates observation, “Wisdom begins with wonder.” Keeping that in mind, I encourage you to wonder wherever you find yourself wandering- that is as long as you can continue to practice social distancing.