Shinrin Yoku, or Forest Bathing, is a peaceful practice from Japan where you spend time in nature, usually in a forest. It’s not about taking a bath in the traditional sense, but rather immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the forest. You walk slowly, breathe deeply, and use all your senses to connect with the natural world around you. It’s like giving your mind and body a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Studies show that spending time in nature like this can reduce stress, boost your mood, and even improve your overall well-being.
However, a company in Bengaluru is capitalizing on the idea of Shinrin Yoku and giving the experience to potential customers for Rs 1,500 at Cubbon Park – a public park in the city where entry is free.
The name of the company is Trove Experiences and they are selling a ‘Forest Bathing Experience’ online.
“Our day-to-day lives in the city can get pretty stressful, and finding a dedicated time and place to reconnect with nature, free from all the noise to hear your own voice can be quite a challenge. Shinrin Yoku, or the Japanese art of Forest Bathing is an immersive, silent and soulful walk into the forest from where you emerge feeling more centred. This experience will involve a guided forest walk infused with wholesome nature-related activities,” reads their website.
The entire package includes “open rounds of sharing and listening to help attain different perspectives.”
Babe, wake up! There's a new scam in the market. pic.twitter.com/UO4zrJgiUa
— jolad rotti (@AJayAWhy) April 16, 2024
Several people online found this ridiculous because Cubbon Park isn’t even a forest, so does it even qualify for a “forest bathing” experience? Also, one can go to one of these parks, lie on the grass and hug trees for free!
Touching grass at cubbon park is still FREE. Just saying.
— jolad rotti (@AJayAWhy) April 16, 2024
This happening right behind the high court is icing on the cake.🤦
— Sunil ಕುಮಾರ್ (@SunilKumar_J14) April 16, 2024
Ykw..I’m that urban girl who would have actually signe up for such things and then I saw cubbon park. Wtf😭😭
— ಲತೆ(Lathe) (@BengalurBedagi) April 16, 2024
Allow hawkers to sell stuff in Cubbon so common people can benefit ❌
Overpriced meaningless hippie BS ✅✅ https://t.co/h8stfLrOcw
— ಗೋಡಂಬಿ ಚಾಲುಕ್ಯ (@cattosapien) April 16, 2024
I'm not sure what's funnier
Their audacity to price something people can do for free at ₹1500 and mentioning this tomfoolery being inclusive of 18% GST or the tickets being sold out 😭😭😭 https://t.co/VBGGRhOhAe
— Jitto Thomas (@jobhihoe) April 17, 2024
Why all kind of healing in this modern world comes with 18 percent GST ? https://t.co/chILalGPaZ
— Anurag Minus Verma (@confusedvichar) April 16, 2024
I hope another group will go to Cubbon Park at the same time as this lot and do exactly what they are doing to show them just how ridiculous this scam is. https://t.co/8lFLUyJQz7
— minal (@PPuzhu) April 16, 2024
The Healing Power of Forests. Available with GST included 💫 https://t.co/C8md7NDBML
— rabhinder kannan (@rabhinderkannan) April 17, 2024
bangalore's become full of ppl who dont consider doing regular things unless theyre charged ridiculously for it "bro i get to hug trees at a public park for 1.5k im so much better than everyone else" no bro u r goobe https://t.co/vTYguLaIyX
— seokjinnie-mon⁷🍬 (@ritzyjoon) April 17, 2024
What are your views on this?