Abstract
Forest bathing has various functional and emotional benefits. This study explores picnicking, writing a haiku, and forest walking as forest bathing “invitations”—using Fern Tor Nature Preserve as a place to practice forest bathing. Sixty-seven Marist College students were assigned to visit Fern Tor Nature Preserve, without their phones on, twice, during a three-week period. They were required to walk and write a haiku poem during one visit, and picnic with a small group of friends during the other visit. They wrote about these experiences in a guided journal. The research utilized qualitative content analysis. Findings revealed that eating in nature (picnicking) allows us to be more mindful; our sense of perception is heightened. We can appreciate food’s taste, smell, texture (including auditory texture), and color more than when we are dining with our devices. Moreover, we are more aware of the food quantity when we eat mindfully. Forest walking is relaxing and wondrous. Writing a haiku is a simple way to enjoy nature, express thoughts, and articulate feelings. Finally, any noticeable physical and mental changes were reported. There are many implications of this research. Forest bathing should be incorporated into college students’ lifestyles to enhance their well-being. Picnicking in the nature, writing a haiku, and forest walking are some of the appropriate forest bathing “invitations” that will make the experience more mindful, creative, and inspirational. Also, a nature preserve can be promoted as a place to practice forest bathing.
Presenters
Weranuj AriyasriwatanaAssistant Professor, Communication, Marist College, New York, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Mindful Eating, Forest Bathing, Picnic, Haiku, Forest Walking
