Into the Woods: Forest Bathing In The Art Coast®
Did you know that every time you go for a hike, you’re also enjoying therapeutic benefits? Research shows that spending time among the trees or practicing shinrin yoku (the Japanese term for “forest bathing”) benefits your mind and body. And with acres of scenic forests and dunes to explore, Saugatuck/Douglas is the perfect place to put this activity to the test.
A Practice in Mindfulness
Forest bathing is based on three Japanese concepts. First, yūgen—being mindful of the beauty surrounding you and tapping into the deep emotions this evokes. Second, komorebi, which translates to “sunlight leaking through trees.” This is all about observing the interplay and contrast between light and dark. Third, wabi-sabi, or celebrating the beauty of imperfection and impermanence.
Much like other mindfulness practices, forest bathing encourages people to be fully present as they take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest. This allows you to observe—rather than judge—and pause the continuous loop of anticipation, recall, and worry that runs through your head.
Good for Body and Mind
By directing one’s attention away from negative thoughts, forest bathing promotes a more positive mental state. Walking also decreases cortisol, a stress hormone that can trigger feelings of anxiety.
Other physical and mental perks include higher oxygen levels in your brain, which increases brain function. We have photosynthesis to thank for this. Trees and other plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere.
The forest is also a fantastic source of phytoncides, or antimicrobial compounds released by plants. These can benefit the immune system and lower stress. Walking through the woods, you inhale uplifting aromas that can improve your mood through aromatherapy.
How to Get Started
If you feel comfortable doing so, leave your phone behind. The goal is to be in the moment, so you don’t want any distractions. Next, engage all six of your senses. Listen to the birds singing or the wind rustling leaves. Observe the various shades of green in the trees. Notice the sun filtering through the branches. Touch the roughness of tree bark or dip your toes in the water or sand. Inhale the scent of fresh pine. And most importantly, breathe. Forest bathing isn’t a race from point A to point B. It’s about moving with intention and enjoying the beauty of the moment.
Where to Practice Forest Bathing Along the Lakeshore
As you explore this 173-acre preserve, you’ll see dunes, wetlands, the Kalamazoo River Channel, and fantastic views of Lake Michigan. Watching for migrating birds or looking for deer tracks in the sand allows you to aim your mental energy away from worry and focus on a more mindful, in-the-moment pursuit.
This state-owned park boasts 2.5 miles of secluded beach, 200-foot tall wooded dunes, and four trails ranging from 2.5 to 5.5 miles. During your time in the forest, you’ll see (and smell) beautiful pine forests, wetlands with frogs croaking, and plenty of wildflowers, depending on the season. Your opportunity to feel awe and appreciation may come when you reach the top of the dunes that lead down to the beach. The sweeping views of Lake Michigan are inspiring.
Tallmadge Woods Nature Preserve
Near Saugatuck’s prestigious Ox-Bow School of Art, this preserve connects with Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area to create 275 acres of protected Lake Michigan shoreline. As you hike the 1.7-mile wooded trail above the Kalamazoo River, you’ll wind through a dune forest that gradually rises to the Crow’s Nest overlook. With plenty of protected wildlife species, this is a great spot to tune out your worries and tune in to the soothing sounds of birdsong, frogs, and insects.
