Hannah Fries

Full of achingly gorgeous photos, Forest Bathing Retreat by Hannah Fries is a beautiful introduction to the concept of shinrin-ryoku, or forest bathing. Scattered throughout are quotes and poems by nature-oriented people, and each section contains meditative suggestions to help you with your own exploration of the rejuvenating effects of forest bathing. There's plenty for the linguistic and science minded as well. Words and phrases to help you better appreciate the experience of nature are also scattered throughout. Words such as 'petrichor'- the smell of earth after rain, or 'psithurism’- sound of wind through trees. Many, like shinrin-ryoku itself, are from other languages, English have no comparable word for the concept. It was fascinating to learn how trees communicate with one another. I already knew plants were cognizant of sounds, and of emotional energy. I found it rather synchronistic that mention was made of fungi mycelia as conduits of communication. I'm currently reading Mycelium Running by Paul Stamets, pretty much a primer on that subject alone! Highly recommended for dendrophiles, and nature lovers, as well as those wishing to learn more about this unique form of stress relief.

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Storey Publications for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.… (más)