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Running Through the Mountains (Animated Song)
Connecting with nature through walks and jogs weaves a thread between body, mind, and the living world. On trails, each step syncs with the earth’s pulse—crisp leaves crunching, wind brushing skin, birds stitching the air with song. The rhythm of movement strips away clutter, leaving space for clarity.
In parks, green expanses invite breath to deepen, heart to steady, as trees stand like quiet guides. Even inside the home, pacing with intention, tracing familiar paths while picturing open skies, can root you to something larger. These acts, simple yet profound, ground us. They dissolve the noise of screens, schedules, walls. Nature’s pulse—whether felt underfoot or imagined—stirs awareness, heals quietly, and reminds us we’re part of a vast, breathing whole.
Jogging could be part of a practice called "Shinrin-yoku".
"Shinrin-yoku", or "forest bathing," began in Japan in the early 1980s, born from a blend of cultural reverence for nature and a pressing need to address public health challenges. Japan’s rapid urbanization and economic boom during the post-war decades led to widespread stress, overwork, and lifestyle-related illnesses, with terms like karoshi (death from overwork) entering the lexicon. In 1982, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries introduced the concept of shinrin-yoku, literally "taking in the forest atmosphere," as a national health initiative to encourage people to reconnect with nature.
The practice drew inspiration from Japan’s deep-rooted spiritual traditions, particularly Shinto, which views forests as sacred spaces inhabited by kami (spirits), and Buddhist practices emphasizing mindfulness and harmony with the natural world. These traditions had long encouraged meditative walks in nature, but shinrin-yoku formalized the approach, promoting slow, intentional immersion in forests to absorb their sensory and therapeutic qualities.
Dr. Yoshifumi Miyazaki and Dr. Qing Li, researchers at Japanese universities, were pivotal in grounding shinrin-yoku in science. By the late 1980s, studies began showing that time in forests lowered cortisol levels, reduced blood pressure, and boosted natural killer (NK) cell activity due to phytoncides—antimicrobial compounds emitted by trees. A 1990 study by Miyazaki demonstrated that 40 minutes in a forest decreased stress markers compared to urban environments, laying the groundwork for further research.
The Japanese government invested in shinrin-yoku, designating "forest therapy bases" across the country—specific wooded areas optimized for health benefits, complete with guided programs. By the 2000s, over 60 such bases existed, with trained forest therapy guides leading sessions. The practice gained rigor through organizations like the Forest Therapy Society, established in 2004, which standardized training and certification.
Globally, shinrin-yoku spread in the 2010s as wellness trends surged. Dr. Qing Li’s 2018 book, Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness, popularized it in the West, backed by a growing body of research. Studies, like a 2019 meta-analysis in Science Advances, confirmed its benefits for mental health and immunity, prompting countries like South Korea, Finland, and the U.S. to adopt similar programs. South Korea’s "healing forests" and Scotland’s NHS-endorsed nature prescriptions reflect its influence.
Today, "shinrin-yokuW is practiced worldwide, from urban parks to remote woodlands, evolving beyond its Japanese origins while retaining its core: mindful connection with nature for holistic health. Is the practice of immersing oneself in a forest environment to enhance well-being. Here are its key benefits, grounded in science and observation:
🩺Reduced Stress: Spending time in forests lowers cortisol levels. A 2019 study found 20-30 minutes of forest bathing significantly decreased stress hormones compared to urban settings.
🩺Improved Mood: Exposure to phytoncides (tree-emitted chemicals) boosts serotonin, easing anxiety and enhancing happiness. Participants in Japanese studies reported less depression after regular sessions.
🩺Enhanced Immunity: Phytoncides increase natural killer (NK) cell activity, vital for fighting disease. A 2010 study showed a 50%+ rise in NK cell function after a few hours in a forest, lasting up to a month.
🩺Better Focus: Nature’s fractal patterns and soft stimuli restore attention. A 2018 meta-analysis linked forest exposure to improved cognitive clarity and reduced ADHD symptoms in children.
🩺Heart Health: Forest bathing lowers blood pressure and heart rate. Research from 2020 showed systolic BP dropped by 10-15 mmHg after 40 minutes in wooded areas.
🩺Deeper Connection: The calm of forests fosters mindfulness, grounding individuals in the present. Surveys indicate 80% of participants reported feeling more connected to nature, enhancing spiritual well-being.
🩺Sleep Improvement: Reduced stress and circadian rhythm alignment from forest time lead to better sleep quality, as per a 2021 study.
Even brief forest walks, like 15-20 minutes, yield measurable effects. At home, mimicking nature—using essential oils or nature sounds—can partially replicate benefits, though real immersion is unmatched.
I entered some prompts into the artificial intelligence I use and after several tests, this was the final result that I liked:
Running Through the Mountains
Lace up my shoes as the dawn breaks wide,
Mountain air calls, feel the pulse inside.
Trail beneath my feet, where the earth feels alive,
Every step I take, I’m starting to thrive.
Wind in my hair, let my worries unwind,
Nature’s rhythm syncs with this heart of mine.
Running through the mountains, soul set free,
Finding peace in the wild, just the earth and me.
Heart beats strong, with the sky so clear,
Inner connection grows, I’m alive right here.
Oh, oh, oh, jogging in the light,
Oh, oh, oh, spirit takes flight.
Climbing higher, where the silence sings,
Eagle soars above, lifts my heart on wings.
Sweat on my brow, but my mind’s at ease,
Every stride I take feels like sweet release.
Pine trees whisper secrets, old and wise,
Truth unfolds beneath these endless skies.
Running through the mountains, soul set free,
Finding peace in the wild, just the earth and me.
Heart beats strong, with the sky so clear,
Inner connection grows, I’m alive right here.
Oh, oh, oh, jogging in the light,
Oh, oh, oh, spirit takes flight.
No walls, no chains, just the open trail,
Body moves, my fears all fail.
Grounded deep, yet I’m touching the stars,
In these mountains, I find who we are.
Breathe it in, let the stillness bloom,
Every step’s a spark in my heart’s quiet room.
Running through the mountains, soul set free,
Finding peace in the wild, just the earth and me.
Heart beats strong, with the sky so clear,
Inner connection grows, I’m alive right here.
Oh, oh, oh, jogging in the light,
Oh, oh, oh, spirit takes flight.
As the sun dips low, paint the sky with gold,
Every run’s a story that my soul’s retold.
In the mountains high, where my spirit’s free,
Jogging brings me home to the truth in me.
Oh, oh, oh, running in the light,
Oh, oh, oh, forever takes flight.
To those who listened to the song and to those who didn't, have a wonderful day, full of peace and blessings.
A virtual hug.
—Ezequiel ©
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By AriezehConnecting with nature through walks and jogs weaves a thread between body, mind, and the living world. On trails, each step syncs with the earth’s pulse—crisp leaves crunching, wind brushing skin, birds stitching the air with song. The rhythm of movement strips away clutter, leaving space for clarity.
In parks, green expanses invite breath to deepen, heart to steady, as trees stand like quiet guides. Even inside the home, pacing with intention, tracing familiar paths while picturing open skies, can root you to something larger. These acts, simple yet profound, ground us. They dissolve the noise of screens, schedules, walls. Nature’s pulse—whether felt underfoot or imagined—stirs awareness, heals quietly, and reminds us we’re part of a vast, breathing whole.
Jogging could be part of a practice called "Shinrin-yoku".
"Shinrin-yoku", or "forest bathing," began in Japan in the early 1980s, born from a blend of cultural reverence for nature and a pressing need to address public health challenges. Japan’s rapid urbanization and economic boom during the post-war decades led to widespread stress, overwork, and lifestyle-related illnesses, with terms like karoshi (death from overwork) entering the lexicon. In 1982, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries introduced the concept of shinrin-yoku, literally "taking in the forest atmosphere," as a national health initiative to encourage people to reconnect with nature.
The practice drew inspiration from Japan’s deep-rooted spiritual traditions, particularly Shinto, which views forests as sacred spaces inhabited by kami (spirits), and Buddhist practices emphasizing mindfulness and harmony with the natural world. These traditions had long encouraged meditative walks in nature, but shinrin-yoku formalized the approach, promoting slow, intentional immersion in forests to absorb their sensory and therapeutic qualities.
Dr. Yoshifumi Miyazaki and Dr. Qing Li, researchers at Japanese universities, were pivotal in grounding shinrin-yoku in science. By the late 1980s, studies began showing that time in forests lowered cortisol levels, reduced blood pressure, and boosted natural killer (NK) cell activity due to phytoncides—antimicrobial compounds emitted by trees. A 1990 study by Miyazaki demonstrated that 40 minutes in a forest decreased stress markers compared to urban environments, laying the groundwork for further research.
The Japanese government invested in shinrin-yoku, designating "forest therapy bases" across the country—specific wooded areas optimized for health benefits, complete with guided programs. By the 2000s, over 60 such bases existed, with trained forest therapy guides leading sessions. The practice gained rigor through organizations like the Forest Therapy Society, established in 2004, which standardized training and certification.
Globally, shinrin-yoku spread in the 2010s as wellness trends surged. Dr. Qing Li’s 2018 book, Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness, popularized it in the West, backed by a growing body of research. Studies, like a 2019 meta-analysis in Science Advances, confirmed its benefits for mental health and immunity, prompting countries like South Korea, Finland, and the U.S. to adopt similar programs. South Korea’s "healing forests" and Scotland’s NHS-endorsed nature prescriptions reflect its influence.
Today, "shinrin-yokuW is practiced worldwide, from urban parks to remote woodlands, evolving beyond its Japanese origins while retaining its core: mindful connection with nature for holistic health. Is the practice of immersing oneself in a forest environment to enhance well-being. Here are its key benefits, grounded in science and observation:
🩺Reduced Stress: Spending time in forests lowers cortisol levels. A 2019 study found 20-30 minutes of forest bathing significantly decreased stress hormones compared to urban settings.
🩺Improved Mood: Exposure to phytoncides (tree-emitted chemicals) boosts serotonin, easing anxiety and enhancing happiness. Participants in Japanese studies reported less depression after regular sessions.
🩺Enhanced Immunity: Phytoncides increase natural killer (NK) cell activity, vital for fighting disease. A 2010 study showed a 50%+ rise in NK cell function after a few hours in a forest, lasting up to a month.
🩺Better Focus: Nature’s fractal patterns and soft stimuli restore attention. A 2018 meta-analysis linked forest exposure to improved cognitive clarity and reduced ADHD symptoms in children.
🩺Heart Health: Forest bathing lowers blood pressure and heart rate. Research from 2020 showed systolic BP dropped by 10-15 mmHg after 40 minutes in wooded areas.
🩺Deeper Connection: The calm of forests fosters mindfulness, grounding individuals in the present. Surveys indicate 80% of participants reported feeling more connected to nature, enhancing spiritual well-being.
🩺Sleep Improvement: Reduced stress and circadian rhythm alignment from forest time lead to better sleep quality, as per a 2021 study.
Even brief forest walks, like 15-20 minutes, yield measurable effects. At home, mimicking nature—using essential oils or nature sounds—can partially replicate benefits, though real immersion is unmatched.
I entered some prompts into the artificial intelligence I use and after several tests, this was the final result that I liked:
Running Through the Mountains
Lace up my shoes as the dawn breaks wide,
Mountain air calls, feel the pulse inside.
Trail beneath my feet, where the earth feels alive,
Every step I take, I’m starting to thrive.
Wind in my hair, let my worries unwind,
Nature’s rhythm syncs with this heart of mine.
Running through the mountains, soul set free,
Finding peace in the wild, just the earth and me.
Heart beats strong, with the sky so clear,
Inner connection grows, I’m alive right here.
Oh, oh, oh, jogging in the light,
Oh, oh, oh, spirit takes flight.
Climbing higher, where the silence sings,
Eagle soars above, lifts my heart on wings.
Sweat on my brow, but my mind’s at ease,
Every stride I take feels like sweet release.
Pine trees whisper secrets, old and wise,
Truth unfolds beneath these endless skies.
Running through the mountains, soul set free,
Finding peace in the wild, just the earth and me.
Heart beats strong, with the sky so clear,
Inner connection grows, I’m alive right here.
Oh, oh, oh, jogging in the light,
Oh, oh, oh, spirit takes flight.
No walls, no chains, just the open trail,
Body moves, my fears all fail.
Grounded deep, yet I’m touching the stars,
In these mountains, I find who we are.
Breathe it in, let the stillness bloom,
Every step’s a spark in my heart’s quiet room.
Running through the mountains, soul set free,
Finding peace in the wild, just the earth and me.
Heart beats strong, with the sky so clear,
Inner connection grows, I’m alive right here.
Oh, oh, oh, jogging in the light,
Oh, oh, oh, spirit takes flight.
As the sun dips low, paint the sky with gold,
Every run’s a story that my soul’s retold.
In the mountains high, where my spirit’s free,
Jogging brings me home to the truth in me.
Oh, oh, oh, running in the light,
Oh, oh, oh, forever takes flight.
To those who listened to the song and to those who didn't, have a wonderful day, full of peace and blessings.
A virtual hug.
—Ezequiel ©