A wooden bridge stretches gently over a murmuring stream, framed by cherry trees in full bloom. The morning light filters through the delicate pink petals, casting a warm, golden glow over the path ahead. A couple walks hand in hand, their silhouettes softened by the dreamy haze of floating blossoms. The air is filled with the quiet rustle of petals drifting to the ground and the soft whisper of water flowing beneath. Lanterns and wooden fences dot the serene landscape, inviting a sense of peace and timeless beauty. In this tranquil moment, the world feels suspended in quiet harmony, a place where hearts connect and the soul finds rest.

In Japan, there is a practice known as Shinrin-yoku, often translated as “forest bathing.” Unlike hiking or exercising outdoors, Shinrin-yoku is not about physical effort or reaching a destination. It does not involve submerging yourself in water but rather immersing your senses in the living presence of the woods. Participants stroll unhurriedly among towering trees, absorbing the atmosphere without an agenda. This slow-paced wandering helps settle racing thoughts, lowers stress levels, and recalibrates energy. By tuning in to the fragrance of pine needles, the interplay of sunlight and shadow, or the soft sound of a breeze passing through leaves, you gradually disengage from the mental chatter that typically dominates daily routines.

Creating a habit of venturing into natural settings on a regular basis nurtures a sense of grounding. Much like putting a scattered puzzle back together, the forest can piece together parts of you that feel disjointed. Even a short visit—an hour’s walk along a shaded trail—can act as an antidote to the overstimulation of city life or digital devices. Rather than trying to force relaxation, you simply allow your surroundings to guide you toward a slower tempo. This gentle return to an ancient rhythm has been linked to numerous health benefits, from reduced blood pressure and improved mood to heightened creativity. In Japan, doctors even prescribe Shinrin-yoku as a form of therapy for stress-related illnesses, recognizing that nature has the power to heal in ways that modern medicine cannot. 

Yet, despite these benefits, many people rarely spend time in nature. The demands of work, family, and technology often take priority, leaving little time for stillness. Even when people do venture outside, they are often distracted—listening to music, checking their phones, or rushing through their walk without truly engaging with their surroundings. The result is a restless mind, a body disconnected from its natural rhythms, and a spirit in need of renewal.

The people of Okinawa, known for their long and happy lives, naturally integrate nature into their daily routines. Many of them wake up early to watch the sunrise, take walks along the ocean, or tend to their gardens. They do not see nature as something separate from daily life—it is part of who they are. Their connection to the earth, the sea, and the changing seasons is one of the reasons they live with such balance and vitality.

That sense of renewal also enriches your connection with what truly matters. When you remove distractions, your thoughts find space to breathe. Sometimes, the solutions to pressing problems reveal themselves after a quiet hour among the trees. Other times, old worries lose their grip, like leaves carried away on a flowing stream. If you begin a walk feeling drained or stuck, you may emerge with a fresh perspective, ready to engage the world again from a calmer center. In this way, nature becomes more than just a backdrop; it becomes a teacher offering gentle lessons in patience and interdependence.

Of course, not everyone has direct access to vast forests or national parks. You can still harness the restorative qualities of nature by seeking out whatever green spaces exist nearby—an urban park, a quiet grove of trees, or even a garden cultivated with care. The key is approaching these places as you would a sanctuary: quietly, attentively, and with respect for the living world around you. Even a few minutes spent observing the swaying branches, the texture of bark, or the subtle shifts of light can help reset your mental landscape.

Over time, these regular excursions can fortify the pursuits you hold dear. If you return to your responsibilities feeling more centered, your effectiveness often increases. You may find that previously tedious tasks become more manageable, or that you have renewed patience for friends and loved ones. In this sense, time spent in nature complements your broader goals, gently reminding you of life’s organic pace and sparking the sense of purpose—your Ikigai—that propels you forward.

Practically speaking, making nature visits part of your routine could be as simple as scheduling a weekend walk or setting aside a monthly trip to a nearby forest preserve. Treat it as a cherished appointment rather than an occasional whim, just as you would plan for exercise or social gatherings. If you live in a bustling urban area, consider a weekly pilgrimage to the nearest green corner—perhaps a community garden or a riverside path—knowing that even small pockets of nature can offer moments of calm.

There is a Japanese saying: “Kachou Fuugetsu” —”Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon.” It is a reminder to appreciate the beauty of nature and let it teach us. The flowers bloom and fade, the birds sing and move on, the wind carries change, the moon cycles through its phases—all without hurry, without stress, in perfect rhythm with life. 

In the end, returning to the forest invites you to align with a more natural rhythm that technology and modern life often obscure. Each step amid the trees feels like a homecoming, revealing an unspoken bond between humans and the earth we inhabit. Whether you trek for miles or simply sit quietly against a sturdy trunk, you engage in an ancient dialogue, one that whispers of balance, renewal, and an enduring connection to something larger than your daily preoccupations. By weaving this practice into the fabric of your life, you gift yourself a steady refuge—an ever-present wellspring of tranquility and wisdom waiting just beyond the borders of your everyday world.

Excerpt from IKIGAI: Embrace and Celebrate the Journey of Life, by Nicolae Tanase

©Excellere Reporter 2025