Last time I told you about what shinrin-yoku is and what makes it so special.
This time an exercise.

The photo  shows the olive grove where, during the yoga retreat that I organize, we consciously make contact with nature.
The olive tree has been for centuries considered a sign of spiritual growth and development. It is the tree of wealth and of love. It symbolizes fertility, strength, peace, and purity.

During this shinrin-yoku session we do an exercise that makes you aware of our connection with trees. Trees produce oxygen, which we breathe and need to survive. With each exhalation, we release the waste carbon dioxide into the air. In turn the trees needs this to produce oxygen.

The exercise goes like this:
Go to a forest or park where there are several trees. You can sit down or stay standing. Close your eyes, but you can also keep them open if you prefer.

Focus on your breathing. With each inhalation, you breathe in the oxygen that the trees have produced for you. And with every exhalation, you give carbon dioxide back into the air, so that the trees can absorb it again.

Be aware that we mutually need each other and in this way experience the circle of life. Feel the relaxation in your body and mind. Do this for 5 minutes or as long as you like.

You can recall this moment of peace and relaxation at any time of the day, just by imagining yourself in the forest and breathing consciously. Of course, it’s even better if you can do this exercise in the forest itself. Then you not only breathe in the oxygen, but also the phytoncides produced by trees.

Did you do the execise? Please leave a remark to let know what was your experoence.

And if you like to know more about the yogaretreat on Samos, have a closer look on my website.

Namaste!