Shinrin-yoku (森林浴): Forest bathing
Daily Life at the Château: 001
Shinrin-yoku (森林浴) means “forest bathing” and encourages spending time immersing yourself in nature. Studies show that spending time amongst trees can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost the immune system.
Photo by Ruby Rose Davenport, September 2023, a volunteer at our château.
Daily life at the château unfolds slowly, with a rhythm that feels timeless. Our days begin at sunrise, thanks to lively calls of birds echoing through the orchard, park, and our little forest. On some mornings, a thick fog blankets the fields, wrapping everything in a cotton-like stillness. Quiet.
We’ve learned to navigate the quirks of rural living and still marvel at the tractors trundling by at sunrise (yes, we’re up then too!), and often well after sundown, when we sit down to dinner.
My favorite thing is to practice forest bathing: to walk under the trees, in the park, in the little forest overlooking the pastures, or in the orchard—grounding myself. In the fall and winter, I’ll find an occasional apple or pear to snack on, a small gift from this place. It’s beautifully peaceful, and if you catch the light at sunset, it feels like magic is in the air.
Last spring, a couple visiting from the UK, Nic and Luke, found a personal way to connect with our trees. Inspired by the serenity of our park, they began practicing early morning Wing Chun beneath the trees, and invited us to join them. We did. Much to the consternation of locals driving to work at 7.30 am! This fall, a group of volunteers from Australia and Singapore formed a small yoga circle near our weeping willow tree. There’s something about our trees—they inspire community, gathering, and a quiet connection.
The practice of forest bathing is transformative for me. It slows me down, helps me breathe, and melts away stress. Life feels simpler and richer in these moments, and I know I am a happier person because of them.