English – State Matura, June 2026

Forest Bathing, known in Japan as shinrin-yoku, began in the early 1980s as part of a national health initiative. At that time, many Japanese people were living stressful urban lives surrounded by technology and pollution. The government encouraged them to spend more time in forests to recover both physically and mentally. The word ‘bathing’ doesn’t mean swimming or washing, it describes immersing oneself in the forest atmosphere, breathing deeply, slowing down, and using all five senses to connect with nature. Since then, Forest Bathing has spread worldwide, offering people a simple, natural way to reduce stress, and improve well-being.

Unlike hiking or jogging, Forest Bathing isn’t about distance, speed or physical performance. There’s no goal to reach or mountain to climb. Instead, it’s about moving slowly, paying attention and noticing the details that often go unseen - the sound of rustling leaves, the smell of pine needles or the texture of a tree bark. When we stop rushing, our breathing slows, our heartbeat steadies, and our thoughts become clearer. This mindful pace helps us reconnect with ourselves, and with the living world around us.

Scientific studies continue to reveal the benefits of Forest Bathing for both mind and body. Time spent among trees has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones and improve mood. Forest air also contains natural oils that trees release to protect themselves from insects and bacteria. When humans breathe in these compounds, they can strengthen the immune system, and increase feelings of relaxation. Many people describe leaving the forest with more energy, sharper focus, and a lighter mood.

A central part of Forest Bathing is mindfulness. It’s the practice of being fully present without judging what we experience. In the forest, mindfulness means noticing the rhythm of our footsteps, the smell of the soil after rain or the play of light through the branches. By paying attention in this way, we give our minds a rest from constant thinking and worrying. This presence often leads to peacefulness, gratitude, and connection that stays long after the walk is over.

Although Forest Bathing can be practised alone, guided sessions can make the experience deeper. A trained guide helps participants slow down and offers ‘invitations’, simple sensory activities like touching a tree, listening for distant sounds, or observing how sunlight changes as clouds pass. The guide isn’t there to teach facts or lead exercise routines, but to create a safe, open atmosphere where nature itself becomes the guide. Thus, participants learn to trust their senses, and let the forest do the healing.

People living in cities can also benefit from the principles of Forest Bathing. Even if there are no large forests nearby, natural landscapes such as parks can provide similar experiences. Adding natural touches into our living spaces helps as well. We can keep indoor plants, listen to recordings of forest sounds, or simply open a window for fresh air. The essential idea is to experience nature directly, even in small ways. These short moments of attention can lift our mood, and make urban life feel less stressful.

Spending a few hours per week in nature brings the most benefits. This time doesn’t have to be taken all at once - several short visits can have the same positive effect. Forest Bathing is free and flexible, and it can fit any lifestyle. Most importantly, it reminds us that nature is not separate from us. When we take time to notice it, breathe with it, and appreciate it, we rediscover a deep and natural source of calmness within ourselves.

Failure is an experience that often makes people feel discouraged, but it does not have to be seen as something negative. In fact, failure can help us discover our strengths and understand ourselves better. When we accept it as a natural part of progress, we become less afraid. This shift in attitude allows us to keep moving forward instead of stopping at the first sign of difficulty.

One important reason failure is not a bad thing is that it builds resilience. Each time we fail and try again, we develop mental strength and patience. This resilience prepares us to face future challenges with greater confidence and determination. Instead of giving up easily, resilient people learn to stay focused on their goals, even when progress is difficult or slow.

Another reason failure can be helpful is that it stimulates learning and creativity. When a plan does not succeed, we are encouraged to analyse what went wrong and consider different ways to reach our goals. This process often leads to new ideas or strategies that we might not have discovered otherwise. Many innovations come from people who were willing to learn from their mistakes and try again with a fresh approach.

Failure can also make us more understanding and compassionate. When we face our own struggles, we become more aware of the difficulties others experience. This helps us build stronger relationships, because we are more open, patient, and willing to support people around us. Failure reminds us that nobody is perfect and that everyone needs help sometimes.

Finally, failure gives us the chance to step back and look at the bigger picture. When a plan does not succeed, it forces us to pause and ask ourselves if we are moving in the right direction. This reflection may reveal new opportunities or even a better path to follow. By reconsidering our goals, we can make wiser decisions and find more meaningful ways to grow.