By ALEXANDRIA

BOURNONVILLE

Journal Staff Writer

MARQUETTE — Northern Michigan University professor Jacquie Medina held a “forest bathing” experience in a wooded area on campus for students, faculty, staff and local residents on Earth Day last Monday

Medina, who is an assistant professor in the outdoor recreation leadership and management program, described forest bathing as a “slow wander” into the natural world. She described nature as the “more-than-human world.”

“There’s lot of research that has been done now that shows the health benefits,” Medina said, “which include lowering blood pressure, increasing mood, increasing (immunity), reducing stress, lots of various really wonderful health benefits.”

The focus of forest bathing is allowing oneself to be connected to the natural world, taking the time to see what one is drawn to and use the senses to experience it. It could include touching the bark of a tree, inspecting a particularly interesting rock or grounding oneself through the sensation of feeling the ground beneath their feet.

“People who are participating today had the opportunity to participate in a variety of invitations that engage their senses … in order to experience their body and have the opportunity to reconnect and remember their relationship with the natural world,” Medina said.

The event was made possible by the People, Culture & WellBeing Pillar of NMU President Brock Tessman’s University Alignment Plan, the WellBeing Center, the Student Equity and Engagement Center and the Sustainability Hub for Innovation and Environment.

Medina said part of the beauty of forest bathing and forest therapy is that in Marquette, it can be practiced in any of the pockets of trees and grass that exist all around man-made structures.

“Sometimes we think we have to go away into the wilderness or the woods, but it’s actually right here,” Medina said on the accessibility of the activity.

Alexandria Bournonville can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 506. Her email address is abournonville@miningjournal.net.