Whereever we go, there we are! Or, “Forest Bathing” in "Prinkipo".

American biologist E. O Wilson firmly believed that since we've come to evolve in nature, we have a biological need to connect with it. We love nature because we learned to love the things that helped us survive. Nature is in our DNA and we’re hard-wired to affiliate with the natural world – and just as our health improves when we’re in it, our health suffers when we part ways with it.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

Aren't we all agree that nature can make us feel good? The spatial sphere it has to offer, the sounds of the everything it inhabits, the smell of the plants and trees, the sensory feast of its color palate and greenery as well as the healing power of clean air, all of which can truly give us a sense of ease and comfort alongside restoring our mood, vitality and energy. Knowing instinctively that all is true is one thing, while knowing scientifically that all is true is something else: Something that reinforces the idea that nature itself is an essential part of our true self and can have a tremendous positive effects on our sanity, especially in times when we are all wired with technology and we are all becoming disillusioned and dealing with disguised attention-deficit-disorder without even realizing it.

As an inevitable consequence of our survival mode in this attention-economy, our vulnerable mind suffers and it becomes a clear and present danger to our overall wellness. The word “technostress” was coined to describe unhealthy behavior around new technology. Research suggests that it can arise from all sorts of everyday usage, like checking our phone constantly, compulsively sharing updates and feeling that we need to be continually connected. Symptoms differ from anxiety, headaches, depression, mental fatigue, eye and neck strain to insomnia, irritability, and loss of temper.

But the good news is that there is a way to reverse its unwanted effects. At least, naturally. When we connect to nature through all five of your senses, we may begin to draw on the vast array of benefits the nature provides.

Me and my wife were not quite aware of this this up until we’ve come across this inspiring Japanese concept called “Forest Bathing” or “Shinrin Yoku” in Japanese. We were not aware of a wealth of data that proves “Shinrin Yoku”s tremendous health benefits in such a way that it may reduce blood pressure, lower stress, lower blood sugar levels, lift depression, improve cardiovascular and metabolic health, boost immune system with an increase in the count of the body’s natural killer (NK) cells, improve concentration and memory, increase anti-cancer protein production as well as help us lose weight.

In fact, this very concept and the science behind it was also our main drive for starting our weekly “Forest Bathing Sessions" in Princeton, NJ in early May, 2018. It was such a delight to discover that Princeton, its nearby towns, natural reserves and national parks, especially closeby Delaware River are so bountiful, welcoming and generous that feeling grateful and privileged just come naturally as a bonus. We are also grateful for all the kind and like-minded friends who cheerfully joined us throughout our journey exploring and immersing ourselves in all the beauty surrounding us.

John Kabat-Zinn, one of the most respected mindfulness teachers of our times, famously titled one of his books “Wherever you go, there you are.” By this, he maps out a simple path for us to cultivate mindfulness and reclaiming the richness of every moment in our lives, wherever we are. Well, this time around, with the same conviction and spirit, we are inspired to continue what we’ve started in the US now here in Istanbul, Turkey.

With this context, we are so excited to announce our first “Forest Bathing Session" in “Buyukada” (formerly “Prinkipo”), one of the nine so-called Princes' Islands in the Sea of Marmara, near Istanbul.

If you're around and if you’d like to experience a forest bathing session in a beautiful island in the maritime suburbs of Istanbul, where its history dates back to year 300 BC, you’re very welcome to join us.

Here’s date and time:

Where: Buyukada. The meeting point is the Buyukada landing pier. For domestic trips and ferry hours, please check here and there.

When: Friday, August 31, 2018

Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm