Back to nature…
- Dr. Richard L. Biffle, III
- Jun 9, 2018
- 2 min read
I’ve been back in Maine for over two weeks and continue reading a wide variety of articles and books, as well as being part of other activities related to all things STEAM. This information expands the design and organization of current and future discussions, research, projects and activities --- information and resources that provide deeper understandings of integrating our thoughts and ideas associated with STEAM. In many cases the information reviewed shares the experiences of many prestigious individuals (past and present) in the sciences, technology, architecture and engineering, art, and mathematics who share their love of nature in a wide variety of experiences, contexts and settings and how this has influenced and/or shaped their thinking and work.
I’ve had a number of conversations over the past months about how STEAM engages our “senses” in a “360-degree method” --- an approach that increases our knowledge and understanding about the interrelationships and intersections between STEAM and the natural world. In this regard, I recently had a marvelous experience at the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden (CMBG).
I was invited to be part of the CMBG learning session, “Shinrin-Yoku: The Art of Forest Bathing,” with Tracey Hall, a certified forest therapy guide and environmental educator. “Shinrin-yoku” is a term that means "taking in the forest atmosphere" or "forest bathing." It was developed in Japan during the 1980s and has become a cornerstone of preventive health care and healing in Japanese medicine. The idea is simple: if a person simply visits a natural area and walks in a relaxed way there are calming, rejuvenating and restorative benefits to be achieved.
Our small “community” of 6 members experienced the benefits of moving slowly and mindfully through the forest. Our walk consisted of a “series of invitations” to slow down and open our senses while interacting with the natural world --- exploring and discovering the diversity of the forest in unique ways. The walk focused on health, wellness, happiness and “renewal” during an easy pace covering one mile in two hours. Each of the seven “invitations” provided opportunities to be engaged in thoughtful and thought-provoking encounters with the environment. At the end of each “walking segment” we gathered together and were given the option of sharing our feelings/observations with one another. These conversations provided a rich “tapestry” of thinking, observations, perspectives, emotions and feelings --- a beautiful series of “moments,” as we created and built a “sense of community” in a remarkable setting.
“Shinrin-yoku” is an extraordinary “trek” that provides numerous opportunities to embrace the forest in inspiring and meditative ways. On this journey, I was able to make deeper connections with inner beliefs and outlooks that generated a new array of ideas in a transformative and inclusive manner. Building great futures and reasoning requires challenging explorations and discoveries through creative and innovative thinking.
“Shinrin-yoku” is a wonderful “gift” of seeing the world through a unique perspective of engagement, contemplative reflection, purpose and intentionality. It opens the mind, body and spirit to all that is possible and can be --- a conduit of knowledge and learning --- a shared experience!
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