18日2月2024年・月曜日

Starting today, we’re excited to embark on a daily journey of Shinrin Yoku Invitations. Each day, we will offer a small prompt to inspire reflection and mindfulness in your interactions with the natural world.

① BEFORE
Approach the invitation with an open heart and mind. You may leave the invitation in any given moment.

Mindfulness: Before reflecting on your connection with forest, take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Acknowledge any emotions you’re currently feeling without judgment.

Compassion: Reflecting on past experiences with nature might bring up a range of emotions—joy, nostalgia, or even sadness for moments gone by. Remind yourself that it’s okay to feel these emotions.

Gratitude: Embrace a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with these memories.

Physical Comfort: Choose a quiet and comfortable place where you are unlikely to be disturbed. This could be a cozy corner of your home, a garden, or any space where you feel at ease.

Sensory Setting: Enhance the atmosphere with elements that make you feel at ease.

Journaling Tools: Have a notebook and pen handy if you wish to write down thoughts, emotions, or memories that arise during your reflection.

Personal Safety: Ensure that your chosen space is safe and accessible, especially if you decide to venture outside. Let someone know about your plans if you’re heading into a secluded area.

② INVITATION 1
For our first invitation, we encourage you to find a quiet moment to journey back in time and reflect on your EARLIEST experiences with the forest. If you struggle to recall a specific forest memory, don’t worry—think instead about any encounter with nature, whether it be a garden, a park, or even a cherished plant in your home.

③ AFTER

You may want to leave the invitations in any moment if you feel discomfort for any reason or you may want to ask some questions.

What emotions surfaced during my reflection?

Were you surprised by any of your emotional reactions?
Which memory of nature was the most vivid, and why do you think it stood out to me?

What senses were involved—sight, smell, touch, sound?
How did revisiting this memory affect my current state of mind?

Did the memory bring peace, joy, longing, or perhaps inspire a new perspective on your current life situation?
What did I discover about my connection to nature or/and myslef?

Has this invitation inspired you to seek more time in forest/nature?

How can I incorporate the peace or joy I found in this memory into my daily life?