By KRISTIN YATES

We all know the typical nature activities: picnic, park, hiking, camping, etc. But, how present are you and the family when doing these? Are you thinking of where you are, or are you thinking of all you have to do when you get home?

So often, we’re not in the moment when with family or friends, partners or ourselves. The same can be said about when we’re in nature. Many people view nature as a thing to do, rather than a place to be, only because that’s all we’ve ever known.

However, there’s another way called forest bathing. Forest bathing is an ancient Japanese practice based on mindfulness in nature, of being in nature when you’re in nature. It helps you connect (or reconnect) with the moment, Earth and yourself. It often inspires a sense of awe and wonder for the world and your life. It helps you notice the “little” things that aren’t so little.

Do you remember what you were curious about as a kid? What about the world has gotten your children’s attention? That’s what forest bathing reawakens: your inner child, your peace. And for kids, the practice helps them maintain what already comes naturally before society tells them to “grow up.”

If forest bathing sounds like a good fit, for you or for the family, here are a few ways to ease into it. For all of these activities, anywhere from five to 20 minutes is enough, though more or less time as needed works, too!

• Soon after waking, start your morning with natural light by going outside, either directly in the sun or in shade. Focus on how the sun looks/feels and how your body responds. Remember to take whatever precautions you and your family need like sunscreen, avoiding heat or sun, etc.
• Walk barefoot. Feel, really feel, the ground’s sensation under the soles of your feet. Think of the texture, color, movement, moisture, temperature, shape, etc. Anything that comes to your mind! Don’t overthink this one; it’ll come naturally. Afterwards, however, be prepared to wash your feet with soap and water to avoid any potential contaminants. When I know I’ll be walking barefoot, usually in the yard, I keep soapy paper towels outside so I can clean off before coming back in.
• Cloud watch and let yourself see what you see. Think of stories for that cloud that looks like a ship, that cloud that looks like a whale and so on. What’s coming to life in the sky?

For days it’s too hot to be outside or too difficult due to health issues or other obligations, you can still connect to nature through mindfulness. Here are a couple ideas:

• What is the weather like today? Can anything that’s happening, or not happening, in nature help explain how you’re feeling today?  
• Find a window seat and sit for however long you have. Try not to focus on accomplishing whatever you feel like you “should” accomplish; doing this practice is the accomplishment. What do you see that reminds you of how you’ve been feeling lately? What is it about this person, place, animal or element that you find relatable? Is it something about their appearance, behavior or impact? You could reflect on these questions by journaling, sketching or talking things out. Discussion can be especially helpful for kids practicing this activity to help them feel supported, but talking about this practice can also be helpful with your partner or a friend.