Finding Peace Outdoors: Veterans and Nature’s Healing Power

Lt Col Charlie Brown Very interesting. I did not know forest bathing was also a Japanese practice because of becaming familiar with terminology for the concept in association with Norway . . . so I checked it out and found it has some recent history! Shinrin-yoku, Friluftsliv, Skogsbad . . . . (Japanese, Norwegian, Swedish)
One source online says the concept of forest bathing was coined in Japan in the 1980s and adopted in Norway from Japan! Another source says forest bathing is practiced throughout Scandinavia, and another one says it has spread from Japan to Korea, where it is being categorized as a science.
There were more references I did not investigate (like in Pittsburgh and Colorado) . . . however the practice can not possibly be "new" given how Zen and Dao the love and appreciation of nature is in Asia, and the well known the love of the outdoors is in Scandinavia
Of course there has not been a time in my own life when I was unaware of how highly valued nature is by our Indigenous Tribes whose respect and love of nature has been a long-standing tradition of being actively engaged in protecting the sacredness of the wilderness and natural environments.
Forests and being outdoors in natures energy and beauty seem to have been much more valued in earlier times by earlier generations here in U.S., also, as many of us recall. Thus the establishment of Forests and Parks as federal resources intended to remain protected and as pristine and untouched by civilization as possible for our enjoyment - with due respect.
It is a joy to see subsequent generations embracing nature through the use of terminology like "forest bathing" which describes a long lasting valued tradition for the love of nature, apparently "new" to many. Hopefully, not all of our resources and protected federal and state lands will disappear because a variety of administrations seem intent on destroying what should continue to be highly valued and protected.

My whole life was being out doors sking skating on a large lake with a bon fire going or hunting for food.. Sometimes running a trap line. I found just sitting on the bank of some lake or river watching the Animals and birds, while fishing is the most relaxing/ I don't care if I catch anything just Lessing to the sounds of the river, bird, and animals is relaxing. I was told after eating a meal being out side for 20 minuets makes a tapper person and helps your body digest better..

SSgt Robert Simonds thank you very much
I’m just like that I gotta get out in the fresh air

SFC Jo Ann Klawitter - Are you a hunter or fisher woman also? I only ask as I find sitting on a bank of a river or lake with or with out a pole in the water is very relaxing. Just watching the Animals and birds ,who have the samw needs humans do in home food, freedom, and love. How they live is very interesting. Many animals and birds mate for live, just like a human when they marry is suposed to be for life.

SSgt Robert Simonds I used to fish for bullhead when I was younger with a cane pole
When I got older, it was more for vacation like the Bahamas off the coast of Florida