I’ve stumbled into another Japanese word I like. It means ‘tree leaking sun.’ In English, it would be spelt KOMOREBI, according to this little video from Tim Ferris.
Yesterday, on Make it a Great Monday, I shared about a unique tree behind hole 13 at The Richmond Golf Club. See, Mental Health (recharge) on Make is a Great Monday.
A golf buddy of ours, Julia Bailey, recently shared the reason why “trees bring us joy” when we walk through the woods. It is because the trees filter out the ‘bad’ light and only leave the ‘good’ light. This phenomenon is linked to a concept called “forest bathing” (also known as shinrin-yoku), a practice that originated in Japan.
The euphoric or calming feeling you experience in the woods is associated with a few key factors:
- Filtration of Light: Trees and their canopies filter sunlight, creating a softer, dappled light that can be more soothing to our senses than harsh, direct sunlight. This filtered light may contribute to a calming effect, reducing stress and fatigue. Scientifically, light quality can affect mood and energy levels, influencing the production of serotonin and melatonin in the brain.
- Phytoncides: Trees release volatile organic compounds called phytoncides (alpha-pinene and limonene.) Inhaling these compounds has been shown to reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and improve overall well-being.
- Natural Environment’s Impact on the Brain: Being in natural environments, such as forests, can profoundly affect brain activity. Studies using fMRI scans have shown that nature exposure increases activity in parts of the brain associated with relaxation (such as the prefrontal cortex) and decreases activity in areas related to stress and anxiety (like the amygdala). “Nature therapy”, or “biophilia,” describes our innate connection with nature.
- Negative Ions: Forests and other natural environments tend to have higher concentrations of negative ions, especially near water or during rain. These negative ions enhance mood and provide a sense of euphoria, as they can influence serotonin levels in the brain.
These combined factors create calm, relaxation, and euphoria when surrounded by trees and immersed in nature. That is one reason I get great joy out of playing golf or even tennis, especially when the court is tucked away amongst trees. (Sea Pines Racket Club in Hilton Head comes to mind!)
In today’s featured image, our daughters tell each other goodbye after spending a week together in London and Paris. That picture warms my heart, but also leaves me a bit sad that we live so far apart. But, as a parent, it is a gift to know the girls are so tightly connected and have each other’s backs.
Tree leaking sun! Stay whole.
