One of a kind art project created by the Owls Level 5 Classroom
Description:
Shinrin-Yoku
Forest Bathing
Flower pressing & Resin
Sitting still might sound easy, listening to birds, and feeling the wind on your face might sound enjoyable. However many people around the world experience anxiety, stress, and waves of energy differently. Coined by the Japanese ministry of agriculture back in the 1980's, Shinrin Yoku or Forest Bathing is the art of bathing your senses with the forest atmosphere. Just like any form of art it takes practice and consistency. Before starting this project I had each class follow me into the garden and find a comfortable spot to sit or lie down. I ask them simple questions; like what is the weather like today, what do you hear, or what do you smell? We sat completely silent for three minutes. When I asked them how long they thought we were sitting for, I got responses like 5 minutes, 7 minutes, 8 minutes. By being in that moment of relaxation and clarity time seemed to slow down. They became conscious of the wind, the different color plants and flowers, bugs on the ground, and the warmth of the sun on their shoulders. What I hoped to do with this project is teach our kids to acknowledge the challenge of a wandering mind, and channel their energy into the present moment. Not to worry about the sports or video game they are going to play after school, their homework, what they ate for lunch, or the disagreement they had with a friend earlier that day. In doing so, the health benefits of being in the wilderness, or bringing the forest into your home goes beyond research and science. It delves into a spiritual realm that many of us choose to shut off when navigating through everyday pressure and excitement. This piece is meant to remind us of that, and to take the time to simply breathe and be.
Art Teacher- Josh Rehkopf