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Jeepney Press / Dennis Sun
YOMU Editorial by Dennis Sun
March - April 2021 Spring Issue
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More than a year into the coronavirus pandemic, we are still being advised to stay at home as much as possible, and if we ever go outside, practice social distancing. But staying inside for an extended period of time goes against human nature and impactful to our mental health. Everyone must now be familiar with the anxiety and stress.
Toyama Park, Shinjuku
Photo by Dennis Sun
One effective way of dealing with stress is being in tune with nature. We are living breathing creatures of nature after all. For almost a year now, I have been “nature bathing” to keep me well. I wake up early in the morning to commune with the plants and trees, with flowers and bees and butterflies, and the obaasans and ojiisans that I meet on the pathways. And perhaps the spirits that abound in nature, as well. In Japanese, even rocks can be imbued with spirits! Being one with nature is my stressbuster in this pandemic. And it’s free!
If you are old enough, you may remember this wellness trend actually emerged during the 1980s. It was called SHINRIN YOKU, meaning “forest bathing” which is a practice of mindfully walking through the woods and taking it all in through our senses.
There are a lot of good forests around Japan where you can do hiking or mountain climbing. In fact, some of the senior citizens living in our condo go on a mountain hike every season. I envy them because even at their age, they are still physically active. And they enjoy life. Perhaps this is the true fountain of youth!
But we don’t have to go to the faraway forests since there are numerous huge and beautiful parks and gardens even in the middle of the metropolis. Take Tokyo as an example. There are several noteworthy enormous parks like Shinjuku Gyoen, Ueno Park, Yoyogi Park, Hibiya Park, Inogashira Park, Imperial Palace East Garden, and lots more. And in Tokyo, every neighborhood has a designated park for families to spend time to bond and play.
The best place to go, of course, is to visit your nearest park. Because it is there where you can practice your “nature bathing” everyday. If you don’t find a park, a garden will do. If you don’t find a garden, how about enjoying your balcony? Buy some potted plants and turn your balcony into a nice cozy garden.
Peach Blossoms along the streets of Shinjuku
Photo by Dennis Sun
No balcony? You can still get your daily dose of nature by simply opening or looking out a window!
Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. See the sunrise and sunset. Watch the stars and follow the clouds. Listen to the songs of the birds. The swaying of the trees and the flapping leaves.
Shinjuku Gyoen
Photo by Dennis Sun
Dennis Sun / Jeepney Press Editor-In-Chief & Creative Director
