Get out in the trees, Michigan! ?
On the Michigan Cannabis Trail, we are all about getting outside, particularly when cannabis and/or one of our four-legged friends is involved, so we definitely took notice when the Michigan photo blog Michigan in Pictures let us know that with the end of deer season yesterday, today is Back Into the Woods Day in Michigan.
Michigan is very fortunate to have all kinds of opportunities for your woodland wandering and, as National Geographic shares, there are very real benefits to a walk in the woods:
Whether you call it a fitness trend or a mindfulness practice (or a bit of both), what exactly is forest bathing? The term emerged in Japan in the 1980s as a physiological and psychological exercise called shinrin-yoku (“forest bathing” or “taking in the forest atmosphere”). The purpose was twofold: to offer an eco-antidote to tech-boom burnout and to inspire residents to reconnect with and protect the country’s forests.
The Japanese quickly embraced this form of ecotherapy. In the 1990s, researchers began studying the physiological benefits of forest bathing, providing the science to support what we innately know: time spent immersed in nature is good for us. While Japan is credited with the term shinrin-yoku, the concept at the heart of the practice is not new. Many cultures have long recognized the importance of the natural world to human health.
Forest bathing is not just for the wilderness-lover; the practice can be as simple as walking in any natural environment and consciously connecting with what’s around you. For a more structured experience, you can join trained guides for a meditative two- to three-hour ecotherapy excursion.
The photo was shared by Flow Provisioning of Marquette on their Instagram. Definitely consider them for your provisioning needs if you’re in the area!
PS: While this SHOULD go without saying, if you are enjoying cannabis in nature, you gotta be as diligent as Smokey the Bear. At least one recent major forest fire in Michigan was caused by a drop cigarette, so remember this and that edibles can be your friend!
