What Is 'Forest Bathing?' Seems More Like 'Walking.'

AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File

There is an internet thing called "First World Problems," in which people point and laugh at people whining about silly things, like the tragedy of their local Whole Foods being out of gluten-free pizza dough. But there are also "First World Trends," which, not all that long ago, we might have called "New Age," or even just hippie silliness.

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Just when you thought things couldn't get any sillier, along comes "forest-bathing." Yes, really.

An ancient Japanese practice known as "forest bathing" is experiencing a resurgence in Ohio, offering participants a unique way to enhance their health and well-being.

The term "forest bathing" originates from the Japanese practice of "shinrin-yoku," which means immersing oneself in the forest atmosphere.

Sarah Huber, a participant, shared her experience with forest bathing.

"I do feel like it brings a different kind of calm," said Huber.

Now, let me be the first to say, yes, being out in the woods does bring a sense of calm. To me, it does. I live out in the woods, which is in no small part the reason behind my usual calm outlook. But "forest bathing?" Why not just say "going for a walk?" And I suspect the Japanese word used implies more "immersion" than "bathing," which is a different rhetorical kettle of fish.

But wait! There's more!

Initially, Huber began with traditional fitness classes, but she soon transitioned to the expansive outdoor space offered by My Fitness Suites.

"We have 18 acres here so it gives people the opportunity to reconnect to their health, our slogan is my mind, my body, my life, and so we want people to have all aspects of their health," said Tyler Menke, a representative from My Fitness Suites.

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Ah. This company is charging people. To go for a walk in the woods. Wonder how much that walk costs? I'm pretty sure there are stretches of woods in Ohio where one can go walk for nothing. We had them back in the day, when I was growing up in the upper Midwest - we called them "parks."


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If you want to talk about the healthful benefits of going for long walks in the woods, I'm your guy. Walking is one of the best natural exercises you can get. We are literally built to walk and run. In fact, among mammals, humans are champion long-distance runners and walkers. And the woods are a great place to go for such a walk, to get away from traffic noise, the mess, and (honestly) the bad smells of a city. For that matter, a walk anywhere in nature is great. In the years we lived in the Denver area, we were close enough to the big Cherry Creek State Park that I walked there a lot, and that park is mostly high prairie and some riverine/lakeside woodland.

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Walking is good for you. Being outdoors in the sunshine is good for you. But for the luvva Pete, don't let anyone talk you into paying them to go for a walk in the woods. You can manage that on your own; just don't get lost.

Robert Frost phrased it very well:

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,   

But I have promises to keep,   

And miles to go before I sleep,   

And miles to go before I sleep.

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