A concept called ‘Forest Bathing’ has been growing and it has nothing to do with the water! Forest bathing is a slow walk in the woods with the emphasis on slow, and without the pervasive accessories of the urban life in the concrete jungles- no cellphones, tablets or headphones allowed. It’s entirely about immersing oneself in the healing properties of natural trees and plants.

The concept takes inspiration from the Japanese practice of ‘shinrin-yoku’, which translates to “taking in the forest atmosphere. “There are several shinrin-yoku organisations across the world that arrange nature walks and retreats. Forest and mountain walking are also being considered as official wellness activities.

Precisely, a forest bathing trip involves visiting a forest for relaxation and recreation while breathing in volatile substances called phytoncides (wood essential oils), which are antimicrobial organic compounds derived from trees, such as limonenea-pinene.

Incorporating forest bathing trips into a good lifestyle was first proposed in 1982 by the Forest Agency of Japan but it is the new trend with enormous benefits that people are adapting in their regulars. A simple walk in a forest, quiet and slow, taking in the sounds, scents, colours, forms and general vibe of nature awakens the sense of empathy, helps the continually working mind embrace nature and go back to where we started without the junked up structures we live and work in.

In a world invaded with technology and digital communication, there’s a need to step into a parallel world/sphere away from it. Winds of change are ushering people to a path of self-awareness and connection directing them towards spiritually rejuvenating activities that take a breather from the conventional; like the clichéd concepts of religion and astrology.

Not necessarily moving backwards, there is a trend and evolution of balance being developed between the tech and the anti-tech in the quest for a meaning of life apart from the robotic societal existence and the persona we wear which is not our actual self.

Soul searching and existential awareness are the key concept people are looking at to take a break from the same and it is a trend that is intensifying amongst individuals today. Detoxing, De-stressing, rejuvenating through indulging in new ways of self-exploration are drivers of substantial living today.

A healthy state of mind nurtured well with a state of equilibrium between a smart tech savvy self and the spiritually enlightened being with desirable mental peace, self-awareness and awareness towards  being physically fit.