The Japanese word shinrin-yoku means “forest bathing.” This unique word refers to the practice of immersing yourself in nature to lower stress and enhance well-being. Although it originated in Japan, it is now practiced all over the world. The instructions for forest bathing are simple. First, get into nature. Second, slow down, breathe deep, and tune into your senses. Third, let nature wash over you as you feel your stress disappear down the drain.
Harmen Hoek is a former physicist from the Netherlands who makes meditative silent hiking films that transport viewers into some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world. These silent hiking films (there are nature sounds, but no talking) with stunning visuals are paired with ambient sounds to enhance the emphasis on slowing down and quiet reflection.
Locations for Hoek’s silent hiking have included Australia, the Grand Canyon, the Alps, Nepal, Kilimanjaro, New Zealand, the John Muir Trail, Patagonia, Northern Sweden, Norway, Jordan, Iceland, and other exotic locations. These short films range in their running time; the shortest are just 20 minutes and the longest are over two hours. Currently, the almost 400,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel can choose among 86 different videos to watch.
Hoek hikes alone. So all his camera shots (including drone footage) are set up and recorded by Hoek. Watch enough videos and you’ll notice signature habits—morning coffee over a stunning vista and patting direction signs that he passes by.
Watching someone else shinrin-yoku is no substitute for going out into nature yourself. Strangely, though—watching someone else hike through some of the most gorgeous natural environments on earth has a soothing effect, nonetheless. So when life is stressful, pull up a Harmen Hoek video while you answer emails, fill out spreadsheets, research recipes, fold laundry, or wash dishes. Then make plans for the weekend to get out into nature yourself and let God’s creation root you in what really matters and wash over with peace.
About the Author
Sam Gutierrez is the Associate Director at the Eugene Peterson Center for the Christian Imagination at Western Theological Seminary. More of his creative work can be found at printandpoem.com