Forest Bath
Beginning last winter I began walking in parks and nature preserves near my home in Connecticut. I found the stark bare trees beautiful and sculptural, each with its own personality, and I began to photograph them. The Japanese movement called shinrin-yoku or forest bathing advocates spending time immersed in nature to improve health and well-being. There have been scientific studies demonstrating significant reductions in stress hormones and improvements in mood after time in the forest. My experience leads me to believe there is validity to shinrin-yoku. I invariably felt rejuvenated, calm and happier after my outings, which compelled me to continue my explorations in the landscape. As weeks went by and covid-19 limited my ability to explore, interact or walk on crowded streets, this focus on the natural world became a vital counterpoint to my isolation.
