Shinrin-Yoku or Forest Bathing

Practicing Shinrin-Yoku

Originating in Japan, shinrin-yoku, forest bathing, is a practice or process of therapeutic relaxation, walking in the forest focusing on sensory engagement to connect with nature.

Japan, being two thirds covered in forest, is filled with greenery and a vast diversity of trees. Residing there is the Hokkaido region, Japan’s last great wilderness, and the Japanese Alps, filled with mountain ranges and thick pine forests. The term shinrin-yoku was coined in 1982 by Tomohide Akiyama, who was the director of the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. After several studies were conducted in Japan during the 1980s, forest bathing was seen to be an effective therapy method. Akiyama knew of these studies along with the findings that showed the beneficial health effects of the compounds, such as phytoncides, and of the essential oils that certain trees and plants emitted. Thus, he officially put forward shinrin-yoku as a recognized practice, promoting its benefits to the Japanese public and establishing guidelines for its implementation.

Shinrin-yoku was developed as a response to the increasing urbanization and technological advancements in Japan and was put forth to inspire the Japanese public to reconnect with nature within Japan and as a means to protect the forests. It was reasoned that if people spent time in forests and were able to find therapeutic comfort within it, they would want to protect it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinrin-yoku

FDA to Remove Toxic Artificial Food Dyes from U.S. Food Supply and Medications

Food Additives Contribute To Hyperactivity

FDA to Remove Toxic Artificial Food Dyes from U.S. Food Supply and Medications

In a landmark move aimed at addressing the chronic disease epidemic, FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary announced today that the agency will eliminate petroleum-based synthetic food dyes from the American food and drug supply.

Finish reading: https://www.thefocalpoints.com/p/breaking-fda-to-remove-toxic-artificial

 

Unreasonable Hospitality

Will Guidara

Restaurateur Will Guidara’s life changed when he decided to serve a two-dollar hot dog in his fancy four-star restaurant, creating a personalized experience for some out-of-town customers craving authentic New York City street food. The move earned such a positive reaction that Guidara began pursuing this kind of “unreasonable hospitality” full-time, seeking out ways to create extraordinary experiences and give people more than they could ever possibly expect. In this funny and heartwarming talk, he shares three steps to crafting truly memorable moments centered in human connection – no matter what business you’re in.

Click to view the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwcyXcOpWVs