自然の摂理 | Natures Way
Nowadays, living in an era of global climate change, it is even more important to consider our direct relationship with nature. If there is one culture in the world that understands the human connection with nature, it should be the Japanese culture. They embrace, respect, are deeply connected with nature and take lessons out of it which they use for the future, in fact, ‘our future’ You and me (Homo sapiens), animals (Fauna), and plants (Flora), we all share the same air and for this reason, we are inextricably linked and therefore responsible for each other.By showing three examples from the Japanese culture I wish to create a better understanding of our connection with nature.
SHINRIN YOKU (森林浴)
To be able to take care of others, we must take care of ourselves, or better to say yourself.
“Shinrin-yoku (or forest ‘bathing’), originated in Japan. The term was coined by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in 1982. It means ‘bathing’ all the senses, whilst walking slowly in the forest. When taking in the forest atmosphere like this, the brain naturally switches off from the ‘sustained directed attention’ of life’s daily pressures. Shinrin-yoku is restorative, both mentally and physically, like a bath.”
TOKACHI MILLENNIUM FOREST (十勝千年の森)
We can restore the loss of natural habitat and give animals and plants back their heritage.
The Tokachi Millennium Forest can be found on Japan’s northernmost island and is an environmental conservation project, with a 1000-year sustainable vision. The owner of the ‘Forest’ originally intended to offset the carbon footprint of his newspaper business, but the philosophy goes much deeper.
DAISUGI 台杉
We should not take from our planet, we should create with the existing resources the planet gives us. The practice of forestry in Kitayama, is a uniquely sustainable Japanese technique and goes back to the 15th century. No land is taken, no monoculture is created and no existing eco-systems are damaged.
Source:
https://moss.amsterdam/2020/12/23/relationship_with_nature/
Text by Nina Sickenga
