2 Simple Mindfulness Practices to Harmonize with Nature, by Michelle Chua

Nature is a haven of healing and wisdom, and the more we spend quality time with her, the more we can access our own healing nature.

Below are two mindfulness practices for strengthening your connection with Mama Earth and your inner nature of peace and vitality.

The first practice, called forest-bathing, has become a frequent practice during our Hike + Yoga community adventures and retreats.  A common therapeutic practice in Japan, called Shinrin Yoku, forest-bathing is proven to reduce stress hormone production, improve feelings of happiness and free up creativity, as well as lower heart rate and blood pressure, boost the immune system and accelerate recovery from illness.  

The second practice, called earthing or grounding, is to simply and mindfully make sustained contact between your physical body and the earth, like barefoot walking or sitting or lying down directly on the grass, sand, dirt or other earth surface.  Just like while forest-bathing, consider shutting off your digital device and practicing conscious breathing and presence to maximize the wellness benefits.

I've been practicing this more regularly with my partner and the dogs by barefoot walking for 20-60 minutes on the smoothest dirt hiking trails I can find at Griffith Park in Hollywood.  We've found the practice beneficial in spending quality time together while helping to decrease the intensity and duration of sore muscles after regular trail runs. 

Below is a summary of the listed benefits of earthing.  Find the explanations and science behind them here.

Want to experience a guided practice of connecting with Mother Earth?  Join us at any of our upcoming Forest-bathing Hike + Yoga gatherings or retreats in California or abroad!

Comment below with your experience of forest-bathing or earthing!  Where do you like to practice these?