An Unexpected Lesson from an 11-Year-Old

Some conversations with children can leave you amazed, thoughtful, or sometimes even shocked. Recently, I had one such conversation with my 11-year-old niece. It started casually with our mutual admiration for Coldplay but quickly took an intriguing turn.

The Conversation

Niece: “Masa, do you know what Shindrin Yaku is?”

Me: “Who or what?”

Niece: “What!”

Me: “I don’t know.”

Niece: “It is forest bathing in Japanese culture.”

I was genuinely surprised.

Me: “Forest bathing? What does that even mean?”

Niece: “It means leaving behind all digital devices and other distractions and completely immersing yourself in the forest. It’s about enjoying the greenery, openness, and vastness of nature, taking a calm walk or gentle trek. It helps in relieving stress, reducing pressure, and increasing focus.”

I was thoroughly impressed just by her knowledge of a foreign cultural concept but I was taken aback by her familiarity with terms like stress and pressure.

Shinrin-yoku (森林浴)

Shinrin-yoku (森林浴), literally translated as "forest bathing," is a Japanese practice involving mindful immersion in a forest or natural environment. The term combines two Japanese words:

• "Shinrin" (森林) meaning "forest"
• "Yoku" (浴) meaning "bathing"

Unlike actual bathing in water, shinrin-yoku is about being fully present in nature, consciously experiencing its sights, sounds, smells, and textures. It emphasises leaving behind digital devices and distractions, encouraging relaxation and mindfulness.

The primary purpose of shinrin-yoku is to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, enhance mood, and boost overall well-being. This practice has roots in traditional Japanese culture and has gained global popularity as a simple, effective method for mental and emotional rejuvenation.

Reflections on a Shocking Realisation

The first and foremost reflection was about her age. At just 11, she already understands what stress means. This revelation was surprising, almost unsettling. It forced me to think deeply about the kind of world we are leaving for children, where they encounter such adult concepts so early.

Marketing Inner Peace

Another important thought struck me. My niece knew about a Japanese concept focused on inner peace and mental well-being. It made me wonder how effectively global marketing works. We are naturally inclined to accept fancy, foreign words like “Shinrin-yoku,” even though the underlying concept is neither new nor foreign.

In India, meditation, inner peace, and mindfulness are foundational concepts. They have been integral parts of our culture for thousands of years. Yet, somehow, we look outside for validation or trendy terms to acknowledge their importance.

Everyday Inner Peace

Meditation and mindfulness are simple and powerful practices. They do not require a forest or any specific setting. A quiet corner of your home or room every morning is sufficient. Daily meditation provides clarity, mental strength, and an unmatched level of personal satisfaction throughout the day.

Yet, despite the simplicity and accessibility of meditation, we often overlook it until packaged attractively as “forest bathing” or another exotic term.

Concluding Thoughts

My conversation with my niece was enlightening. It highlighted two critical points: children are increasingly aware of stress, and effective marketing (of western/outside world) significantly influences our perception of age-old wisdom.

Perhaps it is time we embraced our own cultural practices without the need for fancy labels. Recognising their inherent value might lead to more genuine, meaningful adoption and help us manage stress effectively—right from the comfort of our homes.