Book Reviews

Forest Bathing: The Rejuvenating Practice Of Shinrin Yoku Review: Forging A Positive Mental Health Routine With Nature

Forest Bathing book.

Having a connection to nature is a feeling that’s as old as the human race. Thousands of years ago, our ancestors lived in harmony with the land and relied on it for food, shelter and warmth. But as we’ve built more cities and created new technology, our connection to nature is no longer what it used to be.

Rediscovering that bond is a therapeutic practice, as presented in Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles’ Forest Bathing: The Rejuvenating Practice of Shinrin Yoku. This book delves into the Japanese concept of forest bathing, providing helpful tips on how to embrace the natural world and building it into a positive mental health routine.

Continue reading “Forest Bathing: The Rejuvenating Practice Of Shinrin Yoku Review: Forging A Positive Mental Health Routine With Nature”

Pop Culture and Japan

4 Ways In Which Sake Has Helped My Mental Health

 

Discovering new hobbies is a great technique for developing a positive mental health routine and in my case it’s been sake. Since setting off on my journey into the world of nihonshu, I’ve found it’s been a positive experience during times of poor mental health and I wanted to share four ways in which it’s helped.

Continue reading “4 Ways In Which Sake Has Helped My Mental Health”

Pop Culture and Japan

What is A Kika Sai Mentality?

Talking about mental health is important. Whether you’re feeling down or suffer from a mental health disorder like anxiety, talk about it openly with someone you trust. Every culture has their own way of addressing mental health, and Japan has many kinds of wellness concepts. Ikigai, wabi sabi and kintsugi are some of the most well-known examples.

A Japanese concept that I like to apply towards my own mental health is kika sai. Far from being some revolutionary new form of mindfulness, it’s just something I’ve made up. But I think the principles can be applied to all forms of mental health positivity. Continue reading “What is A Kika Sai Mentality?”