Empowering Earthlings: Awakening the BodyMind with Forest Immersion (Shinrin-Yoku)
Channel: Novasutras
Date: 2020-06-29

Panel discussion with: Kendon Smith, M.D. & Paul Schaafsma & Michelle Merrill, Ph.D.

As without, so within.  What we seek to accomplish for the planet has work within as a necessary corollary.  
Begin with your roots in the forest 
Listen without and within, 
And find your place among other beings, at home on the Earth.
Every cell in our bodies knows that our origins are the same as the ancient trees. Life on Earth teaches us how to be together, and how we are related to the life around us. We need only remember how to listen to those most ancient teachings.
Michelle will explore the history, practice and science of “forest bathing” (shinrin-yoku). We’ll uncover how shinrin-yoku deepens our connection with all other beings in loving-kindness, and realigns our relationship with the complex wonder and sacred beauty of the universe. Shinrin-yoku empowers us to be more effective agents for world unity and Earth care. 
Paul will talk of his experiences with shinrin-yoku, encountering forest immersion as a kind of rebirth. We are all like "babes in the woods," sprung from the Earth. Quiet contemplation and connection with the natural world rejuvenate and invigorate us in profound ways. We recognize that we are invited to be here by the Earth -- we are welcome guests, not trespassers. 
Kendon will delve into the concept of the BodyMind within, our wordless primary decision maker.  Through BodyMind, we are conscious of who we are holistically, within-ourselves-between-ourselves-within-the-world.  Access to BodyMind reinforces the sense of renewal and enhanced self-value that is associated with being present to Nature. 
As more and more of us can ask ourselves upon awakening each day, "How do I really feel this morning?", with the question rooted in developing increasing body-sense awareness, we move toward greater and greater possibilities of world unity and self unity. 

Recorded during World UNITY Week, June 23, 2020
Learn more at http://novasutras.org