Three Japanese practices to help you slow down

Spring brings renewal – a time to slow down, restore energy, and find inspiration. But how? The answer lies in Japanese practices, where infinite wisdom is hidden in every moment of life.

Shinrin-yoku 

The Japanese practice of “forest bathing” means fully immersing yourself in the atmosphere of nature. Even while living in Tashkent, you can try it out in green spaces and parks, as the core rule of shinrin-yoku is escaping the city buzz and absorbing nature’s energy.

The term was introduced in 1982 as part of a national wellness program in Japan, though its roots stretch back to ancient traditions of harmony with the natural world. Studies confirm that shinrin-yoku reduces stress, regulates blood pressure, improves sleep, and strengthens the immune system.

To practice it, choose a park or wooded area and spend 30–60 minutes there. Leave your phone behind and focus on the present. Breathe deeply and observe the tiniest details. You can meditate or simply walk, trusting your senses.

The essence of shinrin-yoku lies in consciously engaging all five senses. Feel the texture of tree bark or the coolness of water, listen to birdsong and the rustling of leaves, and inhale the fresh forest aroma. Notice how light dances on leaves, or the patterns on tree trunks. If you can, taste wild berries, fruit, or herbal tea. 

Photо: Pexels

Haiku 

A short poem capable of freezing a moment in time and conveying its essence in just three lines. This traditional Japanese poetic form teaches us to find beauty in simplicity, to capture nature’s mood, and to express deep emotions with minimal words.

The idea behind haiku is to preserve a moment in such a way that the reader not only sees the scene but feels it. Often, these poems are snapshots of nature, seasons, or everyday life – all filled with subtle emotion. A silent pond, a sudden movement, the splash of water... it all creates the sense of a living moment.

To write your own haiku, first, capture a moment. It could be a raindrop on a window, the shadow of a bird on a wall, or the first bloom of spring. Describe the scene without complicated words – the emotion is what matters. Haiku often mentions the season, weather, or natural surroundings.

Writing haiku is much like mindfulness practice. It teaches us to live in the here and now. It’s a meditation in words, a way to appreciate the fleeting beauty of a moment. Try to catch your moment and turn it into haiku!

Photо: Unsplash

Ichigo-ichie 

Literally translated as “one time, one meeting,” ichigo-ichie is a reminder to treat each experience as something unique. When we pause and fully focus – on a conversation, the taste of tea, a sunset – the world reveals itself in new ways.

To practice ichigo-ichie, immerse yourself in the present moment by eliminating distractions. If possible, turn off your phone, avoid multitasking, and do one thing at a time, whether it's baking a pie, washing the dishes, or reading a book. Even 10–15 minutes a day of mindful attention can noticeably improve your well-being and reduce anxiety.

Laugh, love, admire, and let every encounter and every moment in life become truly special. 

Photо: Unsplash