Articles by Paul Horstermans

Forest Bathing, also known as Shinrin-Yoku, is a practice originating from Japan that involves walking slowly and leisurely through the woods or forest, immersing oneself in the natural environment and mindfully using all five senses. The term "grounding" is often associated with Forest Bathing and Forest Therapy, but its meaning depends on the context used.

As someone who loves to travel, I've made it a priority to do so in a way that's environmentally- friendly. The trend of eco-travel is rapidly gaining popularity as individuals and groups seek to explore the world in a sustainable manner. Eco-travel offers a unique opportunity for adventure-seekers to discover off-the-beaten-path destinations and indulge in an authentic, eco-friendly travel experience. By avoiding tourist traps and giving back to local communities, overseas adventure travel becomes a fulfilling and transformative experience.

After some reflection and investigation, I discovered that Ayurveda is often presented in a rigid and unintuitive manner, which is a departure from its original purpose as a nurturing and health-promoting science. This made me consider my own experiences with Ayurveda. I learned intuitively through immersion, much like one acquires a first language effortlessly. This realisation led me to the conclusion that Ayurveda ought to be shared as a comprehensive set of principles that can be applied holistically, as opposed to a list of practices or prescriptions.

When people hear of Thailand, they may immediately associate it with relaxing Thai massages at luxurious spas. Yet, the country's healthcare tradition extends far beyond this. In recent times, there has been a growing interest in natural and traditional healing methods, with people of all ages seeking holistic approaches to better their overall health. Thailand's centuries-old traditional healing system is gaining recognition among renowned healthcare institutions, including the World Health Organization. Anyone can learn more about and integrate Thai medicine into their lives as it is easily found in various forms in pharmacies and traditional health centres.

The fundamental idea embedded in Native American life is that "We are the Land." The Earth is not a separate entity from ourselves, but rather, it is a significant, dynamic, and real part of our being. This knowledge is not associated with romanticized sentiments towards nature, but rather, it is a matter of fact that is known from infancy and remembered at levels of awareness beyond consciousness. Forest Bathing practices in North America, Australia, and New Zealand promote the recognition of ancestral lands, acknowledgement of historical wrongdoings, and the recognition of indigenous people's symbiotic relationship with nature. Despite a decrease in perceptions of connection with nature in modern Western society, studies have shown that a high level of nature-connectedness is beneficial for mental, emotional, and physical health, as well as environmental behaviour.