LOCALadk Magazine

There is something in the air. Can you feel it? Research shows that millions of people are feeling it, and so can you. This something is coming from the forest in the form of phy- toncides—volatile organic compounds that contain antibac- terial properties, which are released from the trees, and as it turns out, are good for us. "Forest bathing," or Shinrin-yoku, as it is known in Japan, has become increasingly popular throughout many parts of the world. Studies have shown that people who spend more time in nature have measurable health benefits. For many of us this does not come as a sur- prise, but rather, a ritual. The Adirondacks offer millions of acres of green space in which phytoncides are just waiting to heal us. It is why Sara- nac Lake residents Suzanne Weirich, and her partner, Helene Gibbens, became certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guides as well as NYS Licensed Hiking Guides. The two own and op- erate Adirondack River walking, and are excited to bring the practice of Forest Bathing to the area. Suzanne and Helene invited me to participate in a forest bathing sensor y walk so I could experience firsthand what it was all about. They lead sensor y walks through all seasons; these sensor y experiences could be through a forest, in a river or on a lake — depending on the season and the group. What they offer is a unique guided sensor y immersion expe- rience, a different perspective on how to take in nature. This adventure was rain or shine, and as Adirondack weath- er would have it, it was a chilly, rainy, late April morning when I met with the pair and three others. We drove to a "secret" spot; despite the wet weather I was quickly taken with the beautiful location they had chosen. Suzanne guided the experience, and started by giving us some background on forest bathing and some of the health benefits—reduced levels of stress was a big one. I was ready for that. Forest bathing is not about how much distance you cover during the walk, but rather slowing down and taking time to engage all your senses as you "bathe" in your sur- roundings. Suzanne gathered us in a small group and invited us to close our eyes and tune in to our sense of sound. It can be difficult with the busy lives we all lead to take the time out to just stop and listen, but it is so important. This exercise made me think of the quote by Baba Ram Dass, "The quieter you become, the more you can hear." This was true. I could easily hear the loud whoosh of the wind, but I could also hear droplets of water hitting a small pool behind me. That drip, drip became rhythmic, and soon was louder than the wind. For a few minutes I was only focused on those droplets and the soft splosh sound behind me. We walked farther up the trail and again gathered in a cir- cle to discuss the next sensor y invitation. Suzanne talked about movement in the forest, and focusing on something in motion. She does not offer examples, because part of the idea is for each person to experience something unique that speaks to them. I saw a lot of motion, but was mesmerized by the flutter of the remaining beech leaves that had hung onto their branches throughout the long winter. In early spring they are thin and weathered, so just a little wind makes them dance as if no one is watching. I have noticed the beech leaves on other hikes, but this was the first time I really focused on just that movement, that leaf y dance. We gathered together again and shared what movement had caught our attention. It was fascinating and fun to hear how each motion obser ved was unique to that individual. One person talked about how she watched the trees sway- ing in the wind from their ver y tops all the way down to the smallest movement near the ground. Another person talked about seeing things move, but also how he felt motion inside himself based on the time he took to focus on the forest. A Sensory Experience By Anne Brewer

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