Artificial Forest Bathing - Ollie Schlosser

 I’ve always preferred having some kind of background noise while working, talking with friends, or doing homework. Usually, it’s soft music or a looping video paired with music and calming visuals. Over the past few months, though, the show Immersions (Discovery+) on HBO Max has become my go-to backdrop, especially when I’m in the garage or doing tasks where I like having something visually engaging in the background. Watching these long, tranquil shots of wilderness from indoors often reminds me of our class discussions on forest bathing and ecotherapy, along with their associated benefits. In many ways, viewing this show, or others like it, feels like a form of artificial forest bathing. Even though it isn’t the same as being physically outside, the nature scenes and wildlife footage have a noticeably calming effect on me. I catch myself imagining that I’m part of the landscape or simply present within the environment, taking in the view. While it doesn’t fully replace the experience of being outdoors, I’ve found it to be the next best thing when I’m stuck inside.

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