Unintended

 I had been saving scraps for our eventual compost pile.  We didn’t want to over-tech it, just a pile and a pitch fork maybe. Until recently, we didn’t even know where it was going to go.

I found organic compost starter at our local hardware store and the weather is good.  What inspiration to start decomposing!  We decided on our spot and started with a pile of grass clippings. I added dry pine needles I have been clearing off the hill. Making a bowl to contain my collected kitchen scraps, I added a grocery bag of egg shells and walked away.

Later that day I came back around the corner and saw this.  I started laughing at myself.  A Robin couple, who have been following me all day, chasing the bugs I’ve been unearthing, perched on the edge of the nest at one point and completed the picture.  I thanked them, and feel grateful for the image of borning life.

Small Re-mind-ers

This post is dedicated to all those seemingly small efforts out there, and those that started small and grew, messages that bring back to mind what we have forgotten.

Kudos!

Shel Silverstein Forever Stamps

… to the US Postal Service for honoring Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree. This short yet long story tells one story of the relationship we have with plants.

We humans are infants compared to the wise ones that seeded this earth with oxygen, developed a neural net, survived catastrophic events, and still show unappreciated compassion for animal beings and the ignorance of humans who left. We are returning however, in hopes to be welcomed back to the world of true Beings.

Rooted Network

For many of us, rain forest devastation is overwhelming. Thank you to these organizations that list the small ways any person on earth can help make make a difference to heal the forests:

Rain Forests Mongabay

Rain Forest Foundation

Utopia

Vision of Earth

Children’s Voices

Never under estimate the wisdom of children. I willingly surrender to their re-minders.

Oceanic Efforts

Read about Danni Washington here

I love pictures, so this one is a lovely primer: Oceanology

For the rest of us who are still mystified by our salty mother:

Oceans for Dummies

Idiot’s Guide to Oceans

And another Kudos to those organizations that organize people to make a difference:

Ocean Conservancy

4Ocean

Heal the Ocean

Seaspiracy

Recommended

The Secret Life of Plants Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird

and here is an old video from around the same period in time:

Oryngham means thank you for listening in the language of the plants. It is not a word, as we humans understand it, because its meaning cannot be spoken—nor can it be heard. However, we can experience it by feeling with our bodies and listening to what our ears cannot hear. When we learn to listen to plants without the need to hear them speak, a language that we have forgotten emerges; it is a language beyond words, one that does not wander or pretend or mislead. It is a language that conveys its rich and meaningful expression by bypassing the household of our mind and directly connecting one spirit to another.

Monica Gagliano, PhD

Thus Spoke the Plant Monica Gagliano, PhD

A journey by one scientist who overnight perceived the soulfulness of another living creature, and was taken further into that knowing by the plant beings.

Braiding Sweetgrass Robin Wall Kimmer

Please read this beautiful summary in The Marginalian of some voices that came before and after

Here are some other tree-friendly reviews from The Marginalian:

The Hidden Life of Trees

Finding the Mother Tree Suzanne Simard

Another journey of a person awakening to the realization we sentient beings, called humans, are not alone.

Planet Ocean
In the Minds of Plants
The Magical Forest

Here is the trailer.

Publications from National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)

1.The Effects of a Forest Therapy Programme on Mental Hospital Patients with Affective and Psychotic Disorders. Bielinis E, Jaroszewska A, Łukowski A, Takayama N. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Dec 23;17(1):118. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17010118. PMID: 31877954 Free PMC article. Clinical Trial.
2.Current Development Status of Forest Therapy in China. Zhang Z, Wang P, Gao Y, Ye B. Healthcare (Basel). 2020 Mar 17;8(1):61. doi: 10.3390/healthcare8010061. PMID: 32192040 Free PMC article. Review.
3.Psychological Benefits of Walking through Forest Areas. Song C, Ikei H, Park BJ, Lee J, Kagawa T, Miyazaki Y. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018 Dec 10;15(12):2804. doi: 10.3390/ijerph15122804. PMID: 30544682 Free PMC article.
4.The Psychological Effects of a Campus Forest Therapy Program. Kim JG, Khil TG, Lim Y, Park K, Shin M, Shin WS. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 May 14;17(10):3409. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17103409. PMID: 32422871 Free PMC article.
5.Effects of forest bathing on pre-hypertensive and hypertensive adults: a review of the literature. Yau KK, Loke AY. Environ Health Prev Med. 2020 Jun 22;25(1):23. doi: 10.1186/s12199-020-00856-7. PMID: 32571202 Free PMC article. Review.
6.Effect of Forest Therapy for Menopausal Women with Insomnia. Kim H, Kim J, Ju HJ, Jang BJ, Wang TK, Kim YI. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Sep 9;17(18):6548. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17186548. PMID: 32916805 Free PMC article.
7.Health and well-being benefits of spending time in forests: systematic review. Oh B, Lee KJ, Zaslawski C, Yeung A, Rosenthal D, Larkey L, Back M. Environ Health Prev Med. 2017 Oct 18;22(1):71. doi: 10.1186/s12199-017-0677-9. PMID: 29165173 Free PMC article. Review.
8.Effects of Forest Therapy on Health Promotion among Middle-Aged Women: Focusing on Physiological Indicators. Park BJ, Shin CS, Shin WS, Chung CY, Lee SH, Kim DJ, Kim YH, Park CE. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Jun 17;17(12):4348. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17124348. PMID: 32560522 Free PMC article.
9.Effects of Walking in a Forest on Young Women. Song C, Ikei H, Kagawa T, Miyazaki Y. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Jan 15;16(2):229. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16020229. PMID: 30650572 Free PMC article. Clinical Trial.
10.Benefits of a Three-Day Bamboo Forest Therapy Session on the Physiological Responses of University Students. Zeng C, Lyu B, Deng S, Yu Y, Li N, Lin W, Li D, Chen Q. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 May 6;17(9):3238. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17093238. PMID: 32384727 Free PMC article. Clinical Trial.
11.Effects of Forest Therapy on Depressive Symptoms among Adults: A Systematic Review. Lee I, Choi H, Bang KS, Kim S, Song M, Lee B. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2017 Mar 20;14(3):321. doi: 10.3390/ijerph14030321. PMID: 28335541 Free PMC article. Review.
12.Physiological and Psychological Effects of a Forest Therapy Program on Middle-Aged Females. Ochiai H, Ikei H, Song C, Kobayashi M, Miura T, Kagawa T, Li Q, Kumeda S, Imai M, Miyazaki Y. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2015 Dec 1;12(12):15222-32. doi: 10.3390/ijerph121214984. PMID: 26633447 Free PMC article. Clinical Trial.
13.Health Benefits Derived from Forest: A Review. Grilli G, Sacchelli S. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Aug 23;17(17):6125. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17176125. PMID: 32842490 Free PMC article. Review.
14.[Psychological Effects of Forest Therapy Program on Workers]. Ikei H, Koizumi H, Song C, Kouzuki M, Teratani S, Sakuma T, Miyazaki Y. Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi. 2015;70(2):161-6. doi: 10.1265/jjh.70.161. PMID: 25994348 Japanese.
15.[Report on how to stimulate local economy using forest therapy and on effect of forest therapy in Akazawa]. Kumeda S, Sakai H, Hirata S, Koyama Y. Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi. 2011 Sep;66(4):677-81. doi: 10.1265/jjh.66.677. PMID: 21996767 Japanese.
16.[Possibility of clinical applications of forest medicine]. Li Q, Kawada T. Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi. 2014;69(2):117-21. doi: 10.1265/jjh.69.117. PMID: 24858507 Review. Japanese.
17.[Forest medicine research in Japan]. Miyazaki Y, Ikei H, Song C. Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi. 2014;69(2):122-35. doi: 10.1265/jjh.69.122. PMID: 24858508 Review. Japanese.
18.Forest Therapy Alone or with a Guide: Is There a Difference between Self-Guided Forest Therapy and Guided Forest Therapy Programs? Kim JG, Shin WS. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Jun 29;18(13):6957. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18136957. PMID: 34209647 Free PMC article. Clinical Trial.
19.The effects of forest therapy on depression and anxiety in patients with chronic stroke. Chun MH, Chang MC, Lee SJ. Int J Neurosci. 2017 Mar;127(3):199-203. doi: 10.3109/00207454.2016.1170015. Epub 2016 Apr 10. PMID: 27033879 Clinical Trial.
20.The Effects of Forest Therapy on Immune Function. Chae Y, Lee S, Jo Y, Kang S, Park S, Kang H. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Aug 10;18(16):8440. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18168440. PMID: 34444188 Free PMC article. Review.
21.Benefits of A Three-Day Bamboo Forest Therapy Session on the Psychophysiology and Immune System Responses of Male College Students. Lyu B, Zeng C, Xie S, Li D, Lin W, Li N, Jiang M, Liu S, Chen Q. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Dec 8;16(24):4991. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16244991. PMID: 31817971 Free PMC article.
22.Influence of forest therapy on cardiovascular relaxation in young adults. Lee J, Tsunetsugu Y, Takayama N, Park BJ, Li Q, Song C, Komatsu M, Ikei H, Tyrväinen L, Kagawa T, Miyazaki Y. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014;2014:834360. doi: 10.1155/2014/834360. Epub 2014 Feb 10. PMID: 24660018 Free PMC article.
23.Physiological and psychological effects of forest therapy on middle-aged males with high-normal blood pressure. Ochiai H, Ikei H, Song C, Kobayashi M, Takamatsu A, Miura T, Kagawa T, Li Q, Kumeda S, Imai M, Miyazaki Y. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2015 Feb 25;12(3):2532-42. doi: 10.3390/ijerph120302532. PMID: 25809507 Free PMC article.
24.[Effect of forest therapy on the human psycho-neuro-endocrino-immune network]. Li Q, Kawada T. Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi. 2011 Sep;66(4):645-50. doi: 10.1265/jjh.66.645. PMID: 21996762 Japanese.
25.Comparative Study of the Restorative Effects of Forest and Urban Videos during COVID-19 Lockdown: Intrinsic and Benchmark Values. Zabini F, Albanese L, Becheri FR, Gavazzi G, Giganti F, Giovanelli F, Gronchi G, Guazzini A, Laurino M, Li Q, Marzi T, Mastorci F, Meneguzzo F, Righi S, Viggiano MP. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Oct 30;17(21):8011. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17218011. PMID: 33143327 Free PMC article. Clinical Trial.
26.The influence of forest therapy camp on depression in alcoholics. Shin WS, Shin CS, Yeoun PS. Environ Health Prev Med. 2012 Jan;17(1):73-6. doi: 10.1007/s12199-011-0215-0. Epub 2011 Apr 19. PMID: 21503628 Free PMC article. Clinical Trial.
27.Six-Step Model of Nature-Based Therapy Process. Oh KH, Shin WS, Khil TG, Kim DJ. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Jan 21;17(3):685. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17030685. PMID: 31973063 Free PMC article.
28.An Exploratory Study on the Effects of Forest Therapy on Sleep Quality in Patients with Gastrointestinal Tract Cancers. Kim H, Lee YW, Ju HJ, Jang BJ, Kim YI. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Jul 10;16(14):2449. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16142449. PMID: 31295818 Free PMC article. Clinical Trial.
29.[Elucidation of the physiological adjustment effect of forest therapy]. Song C, Ikei H, Miyazaki Y. Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi. 2014;69(2):111-6. doi: 10.1265/jjh.69.111. PMID: 24858506 Clinical Trial. Japanese.
30.The Effects of Forest Therapy on Coping with Chronic Widespread Pain: Physiological and Psychological Differences between Participants in a Forest Therapy Program and a Control Group. Han JW, Choi H, Jeon YH, Yoon CH, Woo JM, Kim W. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2016 Feb 24;13(3):255. doi: 10.3390/ijerph13030255. PMID: 26927141 Free PMC article.
31.[Physiological and psychological effects of walking in stay-in forest therapy]. Park BJ, Tsunetsugu Y, Morikawa T, Kagawa T, Lee J, Ikei H, Song C, Miyazaki Y. Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi. 2014;69(2):98-103. doi: 10.1265/jjh.69.98. PMID: 24858504 Japanese.
32.The effect of cognitive behavior therapy-based “forest therapy” program on blood pressure, salivary cortisol level, and quality of life in elderly hypertensive patients. Sung J, Woo JM, Kim W, Lim SK, Chung EJ. Clin Exp Hypertens. 2012;34(1):1-7. doi: 10.3109/10641963.2011.618195. Epub 2011 Oct 18. PMID: 22007608 Clinical Trial.
33.Traditional Korean Medicine-Based Forest Therapy Programs Providing Electrophysiological Benefits for Elderly Individuals. Yi J, Ku B, Kim SG, Khil T, Lim Y, Shin M, Jeon S, Kim J, Kang B, Shin J, Kim K, Jeong AY, Park JH, Choi J, Cha W, Shin C, Shin W, Kim JU. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Nov 6;16(22):4325. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16224325. PMID: 31698811 Free PMC article.
34.The Physio-Psychological Effect of Forest Therapy Programs on Juvenile Probationers. Jeon JY, Kim IO, Yeon PS, Shin WS. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 May 20;18(10):5467. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18105467. PMID: 34065329 Free PMC article.
35.[Physiological and psychological effects of viewing forest landscapes in a seated position in one-day forest therapy experimental model]. Ikei H, Song C, Kagawa T, Miyazaki Y. Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi. 2014;69(2):104-10. doi: 10.1265/jjh.69.104. PMID: 24858505 Japanese.
36.Effect of Forest Therapy on Depression and Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Yeon PS, Jeon JY, Jung MS, Min GM, Kim GY, Han KM, Shin MJ, Jo SH, Kim JG, Shin WS. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Dec 1;18(23):12685. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182312685. PMID: 34886407 Free PMC article. Review.
37.A Guide to Nature Immersion: Psychological and Physiological Benefits. Lim PY, Dillon D, Chew PKH. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Aug 18;17(16):5989. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17165989. PMID: 32824731 Free PMC article.
38.The Role of Social Context in Physiological and Psychological Restoration in a Forest: Case Study of a Guided Forest Therapy Program in Taiwan. Yu CP, Chen HT, Chao PH, Yin J, Tsai MJ. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Sep 25;18(19):10076. doi: 10.3390/ijerph181910076. PMID: 34639379 Free PMC article.
39.Terpenes from Forests and Human Health. Cho KS, Lim YR, Lee K, Lee J, Lee JH, Lee IS. Toxicol Res. 2017 Apr;33(2):97-106. doi: 10.5487/TR.2017.33.2.097. Epub 2017 Apr 15. PMID: 28443180 Free PMC article. Review.
40.The Influence of Forest Resting Environments on Stress Using Virtual Reality. Wang X, Shi Y, Zhang B, Chiang Y. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Sep 5;16(18):3263. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16183263. PMID: 31491931 Free PMC article.
41.Relief of Chronic Posterior Neck Pain Depending on the Type of Forest Therapy: Comparison of the Therapeutic Effect of Forest Bathing Alone Versus Forest Bathing With Exercise. Kang B, Kim T, Kim MJ, Lee KH, Choi S, Lee DH, Kim HR, Jun B, Park SY, Lee SJ, Park SB. Ann Rehabil Med. 2015 Dec;39(6):957-63. doi: 10.5535/arm.2015.39.6.957. Epub 2015 Dec 29. PMID: 26798610 Free PMC article.
42.Short-Term Effects of Forest Therapy on Mood States: A Pilot Study. Meneguzzo F, Albanese L, Antonelli M, Baraldi R, Becheri FR, Centritto F, Donelli D, Finelli F, Firenzuoli F, Margheritini G, Maggini V, Nardini S, Regina M, Zabini F, Neri L. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Sep 9;18(18):9509. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18189509. PMID: 34574446 Free PMC article.
43.Individual differences in the physiological effects of forest therapy based on Type A and Type B behavior patterns. Song C, Ikei H, Lee J, Park BJ, Kagawa T, Miyazaki Y. J Physiol Anthropol. 2013 Oct 2;32(1):14. doi: 10.1186/1880-6805-32-14. PMID: 24088391 Free PMC article.
44.A systematic review of randomized controlled trials on curative and health enhancement effects of forest therapy. Kamioka H, Tsutani K, Mutoh Y, Honda T, Shiozawa N, Okada S, Park SJ, Kitayuguchi J, Kamada M, Okuizumi H, Handa S. Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2012;5:85-95. doi: 10.2147/PRBM.S32402. Epub 2012 Jul 26. PMID: 22888281 Free PMC article.
45.Evidence-Based Status of Forest Healing Program in South Korea. Park S, Kim S, Kim G, Choi Y, Kim E, Paek D. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Oct 1;18(19):10368. doi: 10.3390/ijerph181910368. PMID: 34639668 Free PMC article.
46.[Forests and health: Discourse and practises from the 18st to the 21st century]. Barthod C, Fournier P. Sante Publique. 2019 May 13;S1(HS):15-23. doi: 10.3917/spub.190.0015. PMID: 31210475 French.
47.Nature-based rehabilitation for adults with acquired brain injury: a scoping review. Vibholm AP, Christensen JR, Pallesen H. Int J Environ Health Res. 2020 Dec;30(6):661-676. doi: 10.1080/09603123.2019.1620183. Epub 2019 May 27. PMID: 31131619
48.Nature’s Role in Outdoor Therapies: An Umbrella Review. Harper NJ, Fernee CR, Gabrielsen LE. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 May 12;18(10):5117. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18105117. PMID: 34065947 Free PMC article. Review.
49.Forest Walking Affects Autonomic Nervous Activity: A Population-Based Study. Kobayashi H, Song C, Ikei H, Park BJ, Lee J, Kagawa T, Miyazaki Y. Front Public Health. 2018 Oct 1;6:278. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00278. eCollection 2018. PMID: 30327762 Free PMC article.
50.Is It Possible to Predict the Concentration of Natural Volatile Organic Compounds in Forest Atmosphere? Kim G, Park S, Kwak D. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Oct 27;17(21):7875. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17217875. PMID: 33121073 Free PMC article.
51.[Physiological benefits of forest environment: based on field research at 4 sites]. Lee J, Park BJ, Tsunetsugu Y, Kagawa T, Miyazaki Y. Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi. 2011 Sep;66(4):663-9. doi: 10.1265/jjh.66.663. PMID: 21996765 Clinical Trial. Japanese.
52.The Influence of Virtual Forest Walk on Physiological and Psychological Responses. Alyan E, Combe T, Awang Rambli DR, Sulaiman S, Merienne F, Diyana N. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Oct 29;18(21):11420. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182111420. PMID: 34769937 Free PMC article.
53.‘Everything just seems much more right in nature’: How veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder experience nature-based activities in a forest therapy garden. Poulsen DV, Stigsdotter UK, Djernis D, Sidenius U. Health Psychol Open. 2016 Mar 31;3(1):2055102916637090. doi: 10.1177/2055102916637090. eCollection 2016 Jan. PMID: 28070397 Free PMC article.
54.Association between the Psychological Effects of Viewing Forest Landscapes and Trait Anxiety Level. Song C, Ikei H, Park BJ, Lee J, Kagawa T, Miyazaki Y. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Jul 29;17(15):5479. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17155479. PMID: 32751322 Free PMC article.
55.[Preventive medical effects of nature therapy]. Miyazaki Y, Lee J, Park BJ, Tsunetsugu Y, Matsunaga K. Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi. 2011 Sep;66(4):651-6. doi: 10.1265/jjh.66.651. PMID: 21996763 Japanese.
56.Conifer-Derived Monoterpenes and Forest Walking. Sumitomo K, Akutsu H, Fukuyama S, Minoshima A, Kukita S, Yamamura Y, Sato Y, Hayasaka T, Osanai S, Funakoshi H, Hasebe N, Nakamura M. Mass Spectrom (Tokyo). 2015;4(1):A0042. doi: 10.5702/massspectrometry.A0042. Epub 2015 Oct 14. PMID: 26819913 Free PMC article.
57.Effect of Viewing Video Representation of the Urban Environment and Forest Environment on Mood and Level of Procrastination. Bielinis E, Simkin J, Puttonen P, Tyrväinen L. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Jul 15;17(14):5109. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17145109. PMID: 32679839 Free PMC article.
58.The Psychological and Physical Effects of Forests on Human Health: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Stier-Jarmer M, Throner V, Kirschneck M, Immich G, Frisch D, Schuh A. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Feb 11;18(4):1770. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18041770. PMID: 33670337 Free PMC article. Review.
59.[Psychological relaxation effect of forest therapy: results of field experiments in 19 forests in Japan involving 228 participants]. Tsunetsugu Y, Park BJ, Lee J, Kagawa T, Miyazaki Y. Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi. 2011 Sep;66(4):670-6. doi: 10.1265/jjh.66.670. PMID: 21996766 Japanese.
60.Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomised Trial of Social Prescribing of Forest Therapy for Quality of Life and Biopsychosocial Wellbeing in Community-Living Australian Adults with Mental Illness: Protocol. Thomas T, Baker J, Massey D, D’Appio D, Aggar C. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Dec 4;17(23):9076. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17239076. PMID: 33561041 Free PMC article. Clinical Trial.
61.Temporal and Spatial Variability of Volatile Organic Compounds in the Forest Atmosphere. Meneguzzo F, Albanese L, Bartolini G, Zabini F. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Dec 5;16(24):4915. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16244915. PMID: 31817339 Free PMC article.
62.Forest experience and psychological health benefits: the state of the art and future prospect in Korea. Shin WS, Yeoun PS, Yoo RW, Shin CS. Environ Health Prev Med. 2010 Jan;15(1):38-47. doi: 10.1007/s12199-009-0114-9. Epub 2009 Oct 21. PMID: 19844774 Free PMC article.
63.Psycho-Electrophysiological Benefits of Forest Therapies Focused on Qigong and Walking with Elderly Individuals. Yi J, Kim SG, Khil T, Shin M, You JH, Jeon S, Park GH, Jeong AY, Lim Y, Kim K, Kim J, Kang B, Lee J, Park JH, Ku B, Choi J, Cha W, Lee HJ, Shin C, Shin W, Kim JU. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Mar 15;18(6):3004. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18063004. PMID: 33804164 Free PMC article.
64.A comparative study of the physiological and psychological effects of forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) on working age people with and without depressive tendencies. Furuyashiki A, Tabuchi K, Norikoshi K, Kobayashi T, Oriyama S. Environ Health Prev Med. 2019 Jun 22;24(1):46. doi: 10.1186/s12199-019-0800-1. PMID: 31228960 Free PMC article.
65.Combined Effect of Walking and Forest Environment on Salivary Cortisol Concentration. Kobayashi H, Song C, Ikei H, Park BJ, Kagawa T, Miyazaki Y. Front Public Health. 2019 Dec 12;7:376. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2019.00376. eCollection 2019. PMID: 31921741 Free PMC article.
66.Physiological Effects of Visual Stimulation with Forest Imagery. Song C, Ikei H, Miyazaki Y. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018 Jan 26;15(2):213. doi: 10.3390/ijerph15020213. PMID: 29373558 Free PMC article.
67.Spiritual care of cancer patients by integrated medicine in urban green space: a pilot study. Nakau M, Imanishi J, Imanishi J, Watanabe S, Imanishi A, Baba T, Hirai K, Ito T, Chiba W, Morimoto Y. Explore (NY). 2013 Mar-Apr;9(2):87-90. doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2012.12.002. PMID: 23452710 Clinical Trial.
68.The Relationship between the Restorative Perception of the Environment and the Physiological and Psychological Effects of Different Types of Forests on University Students. Liu Q, Wang X, Liu J, Zhang G, An C, Liu Y, Fan X, Hu Y, Zhang H. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Nov 21;18(22):12224. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182212224. PMID: 34831980 Free PMC article.
69.The Influence of Forest Activities in a University Campus Forest on Student’s Psychological Effects. Kim JG, Jeon J, Shin WS. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Mar 2;18(5):2457. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18052457. PMID: 33801534 Free PMC article.
70.The Prefrontal Cortex Activity and Psychological Effects of Viewing Forest Landscapes in Autumn Season. Joung D, Kim G, Choi Y, Lim H, Park S, Woo JM, Park BJ. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2015 Jun 26;12(7):7235-43. doi: 10.3390/ijerph120707235. PMID: 26132477 Free PMC article.
71.Waterfall Forest Environment Regulates Chronic Stress via the NOX4/ROS/NF-κB Signaling Pathway. Zhu Z, Zhao X, OuYang Q, Wang Y, Xiong Y, Cong S, Zhou M, Zhang M, Luo X, Cheng M. Front Neurol. 2021 Mar 18;12:619728. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2021.619728. eCollection 2021. PMID: 33868142 Free PMC article.
72.Effects of Nature-Based Group Art Therapy Programs on Stress, Self-Esteem and Changes in Electroencephalogram (EEG) in Non-Disabled Siblings of Children with Disabilities. Kang SJ, Kim HS, Baek KH. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 May 31;18(11):5912. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18115912. PMID: 34072927 Free PMC article.
73.[Trees and woods are true medicines for people]. Corrieri U. Epidemiol Prev. 2021 May-Jun;45(3):214-217. doi: 10.19191/EP21.3.P214.067. PMID: 34212703 Italian.
74.The Effects of a Health Promotion Program Using Urban Forests and Nursing Student Mentors on the Perceived and Psychological Health of Elementary School Children in Vulnerable Populations. Bang KS, Kim S, Song MK, Kang KI, Jeong Y. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018 Sep 11;15(9):1977. doi: 10.3390/ijerph15091977. PMID: 30208583 Free PMC article. Clinical Trial.
75.Physiological and Psychological Assessments for the Establishment of Evidence-Based Forest Healing Programs. Park S, Choi Y, Kim G, Kim E, Kim S, Paek D. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Sep 2;18(17):9283. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18179283. PMID: 34501872 Free PMC article.
76.A systematic review of anxiety interventions in stroke and acquired brain injury: Efficacy and trial design. Chun HY, Newman R, Whiteley WN, Dennis M, Mead GE, Carson AJ. J Psychosom Res. 2018 Jan;104:65-75. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2017.11.010. Epub 2017 Nov 16. PMID: 29275788 Free PMC article.
77.Effects of Integrated Indirect Forest Experience on Emotion, Fatigue, Stress and Immune Function in Hemodialysis Patients. Kang H, Chae Y. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Feb 10;18(4):1701. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18041701. PMID: 33578807 Free PMC article.
78.Benefits of Indirect Contact With Nature on the Physiopsychological Well-Being of Elderly People. Elsadek M, Shao Y, Liu B. HERD. 2021 Oct;14(4):227-241. doi: 10.1177/19375867211006654. Epub 2021 Apr 8. PMID: 33827295
(Dec 14 2021)

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Studies in forest therapy have increased this past century

Dose of Nature an information-accessible site by topic, summarizing findings.

PubMed Journal publications for those who really want to dig deep into the science.

the forest library a list of journal and social .media articles. (Note: as of 12/29/21 this site is temporarily off line)

Global Wellness Institute is a portal to additional databases, Cochrane and TRIP.

Amazonian Tree Flora a database for identification and mapping of tree species in the Amazon

What would a deer do?

I do not know why I identify with a deer in situations that pose a quandary. Perhaps it is my projection onto deer-folk, that they are discerning, gentle, will seek a safe location before making any major decisions. Generally, they pretty much don’t want to hurt anyone, and look out for their family. Foraging and traveling – eating and visiting places in nature…

So yes, I get it. Maybe that is a life I seek, one like a deer, which means, maybe I want to make some life decisions – as a deer would do. so here is just a projection, a guess if I were a dear, what would I do

  1. Look up at what caught my attention. Does it involved me or my family? No? Continue grazing.
  2. Am I hungry? Find food.
  3. Look up at what caught my attention. Am I scared? Find a location where I am safe, slowly to not attract attention, or quickly because I sense it’s right there.
  4. Am I tired, pregnant, cold? Curl up in my secret place and take care of myself.
  5. Is something attracting me? Go to it.
  6. Is something repulsing me? Stay away from it.

You get the picture.

What is your favorite animal, an animal you identify with?

What are the qualities of this animal you admire?

Shinrin Yoku

Here are a variety of studies showing the health benefits of “forest bathing” My personal guess is based on how more and more research is revealing the interactive nature of our emotional, physical and mental and social health, these studies span out in many different directions beyond relief from heart, digestive, immune system troubles and cancers.

Keep an eye out for more information about the benefits of remembering you who truly are.

Photo by Johannes Plenio on Pexels.com