forest bathing is medicine
003 | Hue's Cues. Your weekly dose of inspiration and insights for your brain, mind, body, and soul.
We’re in the golden age of self-empowerment, if we use the daily flood of information wisely.
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Did you know Japanese doctors prescribe forest bathing for health? Stimulating the brain can simply mean returning to nature—and forest bathing is one of the most effective ways to reduce cortisol and manage stress. As a lifelong urbanite, I often fantasize about living among nature. When overwhelmed, my mind turns to memories of being outdoors. I believe humans have an intuitive need for nature. When were you last in the wild? Mine was was swimming with wild manta rays in Komodo National Park.
There’s a mental hack I’ve been training my mind on. How do I steer away from the unfavorable stories that sometimes plagues it? When I notice unhelpful narratives forming, especially ones based on assumptions that’s creating tension and friction, I ask myself: What if the opposite were true? What would a favorable circumstance look like? What if the world isn’t always against me but for me? It’s easier said than done. In emotionally charged moments, my mind defaults to old patterns. UCLA’s research explains this well: “it’s difficult to see the upside and that it takes work, literally, that we have to put effort into looking at the bright side of things, we can’t assume that our mind is going to do that automatically.”— Alison Ledgerwood
In Asian cultures a massage is more than a luxury for relaxation, it’s a tradition that promotes mind-body unity, where touch is seen as a compassionate service for the well-being of the body, mind, and soul. A massage is a cherished indulgence and one of the most satisfying self-care routines to nourish my body with. In Thailand, a massage is a tradition that’s been passed down for generation, that’s sometimes also associated with Buddhist notions of metta (loving-kindness)—and why Nuad Thai massage is UNESCO recognized and why the word massage is classified as medicine on Britannica.com. Robots will never be able to replace this ancient art. More than relaxation, it’s an experience about rejuvenation from human touch.
When was the last time you took yourself on a date? By yourself, not with anyone, neither for someone—just you, doing something that delights or intrigues you. Ask creative types and most will recommend Julia Cameron’s The Artist Way. One of Cameron’s encouragement is a weekly artist date—honoring yourself with solo time for curiosity and joy—a rest and recovery routine for your soul. I need to get better at this, but when I do make time I’ll go for a walk alone or do a pottery workshop. If you don’t feel like you’re an artist, expand your definition, because by virtue of being human you’re an artist in your own way. Even as a scientist or engineer, creativity is innate.
Episode two of Netflix’s brilliant docu-series—Chef’s Table: Noodles—shares the harrowing story of a Guirong Wei, the renowned chef who introduced authentic Xi’an cuisine to London. This story it not only about the noodles she makes, but it’s an incredible story of one woman’s resilience to do what it takes to save her family out of poverty. I can’t wait to try her biang biang noodles one day!
