Several weeks ago I came across an article on forest bathing…a term I’d never heard of. Forest bathing (also known as Shinrin-yoku) is a Japanese preventative health technique instituted back in the 80’s that involves walking calmly in the woods…gently breathing and taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the atmosphere. General studies have revealed that spending time in nature promotes human health…improves memory, increases attention span and reduces stress – even looking at nature photography can help too!
And wouldn’t you know it that today there’s an article in the Washington Post about forest bathing! “So whereas a nature walk’s objective is to provide informational content and a hike’s is to reach a destination, a Shinrin-yoku walk’s objective is to give participants an opportunity to slow down, appreciate things that can only be seen or heard when one is moving slowly, and take a break from the stress of their daily lives.” If there’s one thing I’ve learned…having a camera in my hand provides that opportunity to slow down and take it in…and even more so in nature. The article goes on to state that “another possible explanation for forest bathing’s soothing effects involves our sense of awe when viewing natural beauty”…and natural beauty can certainly be found in New Mexico.
So on my list to experience was to soak up the sights, smells and sounds of Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument about 40 miles outside of Santa Fe. The cone-shaped tent rock formations are the results of volcanic eruptions that occurred some 6 or 7 million years ago. Amazing to think that some of the formations reach as high as 90 feet.
The higher in elevation the more interesting the vegetation…often clinging to the cracks and crevices on the cliff face…
A vibrant pop of Indian paintbrush surprised when least expected…
yucca bloom
Don’t get me wrong…hiking to the top was breathtakingly beautiful…but it was spending time in the initial 1/2 mile into the canyon that just blew me away. As a lover of detail…this is where I could spend hours photographing. Over time…wind and water cut into these coned-shape rocks creating slot canyons with curvy walls and deep, long, shady passageways.
This is a moderate 3 mile hike with a few areas that can be a little tricky trying to maneuver with a camera in hand…but with forest bathing you take your time and soak it in!
More soon!
OMG, GG. This is the most amazing photography I’ve ever seen. Better than National Geographic to me, especially because I know, and love, the photographer. Your photography is always stunning but this just leaves me almost speechless, which as you know rarely happens. I absolutely feel as if I just took that slow walk with you just through these amazing photos. Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us. Love and hugs… XoXo
No doubt this place was gorgeous! I thought of you and Bro so often knowing that you should be put state on your list for a future visit! THANK YOU for all of your kind words…far from Nat Geo…but know I so appreciate your wonderful comments. Love you MORE!
magnificent!!! thanks for the tour.
Thanks so much Pat! Always appreciate your visits!
The blue of the New Mexico sky is so special and so are those wide open vistas but the textures you captured here in the canyons are incredible!
Thanks Susan…I could’ve spent hours and would’ve loved the opportunity to return at various times of a day…so gorgeous! This was my first experience with slot canyons, so of course I’d love to visit more within the southwest area!
Robin, Thank you so much for introducing me “forest bathing.” I love this activity and the matching terminology. Your photos always take me on adventures and remind me why one of my favorite words will always be “explore.” A glorious hike!
Don’t you just love that term! Thanks Donna!
Spectacular !!!!!
Thanks so much Mary!!
A piece of heaven on earth if there ever was one, Robin. I have just put this place on my Bucket List! For one thing, I LOVE the idea of forest bathing. WOW.
Thanks Ginnie! So true…absolute heaven with all the wide open space!
Simply unearthly and brilliant! Your photographs simply go beyond beautiful. It’s impossible to find words. And I love this concept of forest bathing.
Thanks Ruth! I was smitten as well when I first read about it…and the timing of the Washington Post article on the day I was posting…well… Always appreciate your visits!
Forest bathing. So often done it…never knew it had such a beautiful name:)
Dates with God:) Spirit walking:) Having spent hours and hours sunbathing as a youngster,
it speaks rest to my heart to look at heading into nature like this.
There you go, inspiring me again:)
Thank you,
Jennifer
I loved how the article differentiated a hike versus a nature walk vs forest bathing…so true! Thanks always Jennifer! Your words inspire me too!
Yes to forest bathing and even desert bathing……basically BATHING in nature!!!
Absolutely!!! Thanks Catherine!
Splendid natural wonders and a splendid natural photographer!
Oh…thanks Elena!! So appreciated!
As we traveled across this beautiful country the rock formations always amazed and intrigued me. Thanks for showing me more amazing formations!
You are very welcome Kathy! Thanks for your comment and your visits! I really do want to seek out more of these slot canyons!
Forest bathing! What a wonderful way to describe my daily two hour walks with my dogs.
The rock formations are just amazing and I like to reach out and touch them.So beautifully shaped. I have never seen anything like it, thank you for taking us along.
Yes! The perfect term! Thanks so much!
Oh forest breathing what a term…heavenly! And the scenes too. I will mark this down as a spot I must visit next time I am in Santa Fe.
Yes, Donna…it’s a must! Thank you!
These pictures are a delight… man alive, since I was a kid I am intrigued by the ‘life lines’ in soil… all those layers. Fabulous pictures. Aren’t we the lucky ones to see all these fabulous creations of nature.
So fortunate indeed! I’m with you…those lines, those layers, those colors…amazing! Thanks Astrid!
Exquisite photographs, and as always, inspiring words and thought-provoking ideas. Thank you, Robin!
Thanks Patricia! So appreciate it!
I read an article about forest bathing a year or so ago. In that article, it sounded like something I couldn’t exactly incorporate into my own life, which is not something you’d want to bathe in. But I could see doing so among such beautiful rock formations. Another place I must visit. Thank you for sharing your wonderful view.
I really liked how the article explained it…you either hike to reach a destination or walk along to learn about plants and stuff…or you s-l-o-w way down with the objective of appreciating it all, reducing stress, whatever just like a bath can provide…. I do that best with my camera for sure! Thanks Maery!!
Your photography is gorgeous! Loved all the canyon detail! So beautiful! As for forest bathing, I love that I can finally put a name to a something I’ve been doing for years. Love calmly taking in all the sights and sounds of nature. It’s a practice that definitely feeds the contemplative in me.
Oh how it feeds me too! Thanks Mary – so much!!