Royal Manitoba Winter Fair
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FARM, RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL PROPERTY APPRAISERS Serving Western Manitoba Since 1977 ROLAND WEIR 204-727-7100 Suite 30A, 1015 – 26 th Street, Brandon Fax: 204-727-1563 Email: admin@rolandweir.ca Web: rolandweir.ca 22 THE BRANDON SUN • LAKE LIFE • SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2023 » Continued from Page 21 Those health benefits are one of the reasons the Japa- nese practice of shinrin-yoku, which translates to "taking in the forest atmosphere," has become so popular in recent decades. Also known as forest bathing, the prac- tice involves walking quietly, slowly and deliberately in a forest, using all one's senses to take in one's surroundings. Less about exercise and more about slowing down and opening up to the natural world, the practice is popular all over the world. According to nearly 40 years of research, forest bath- ing is an evidence-based wellness practice that has led to improvements in atten- tion span, self-discipline and physical fitness, a report the Government of Canada re- leased in September of 2021 says. Time spent in nature is associated with decreased stress, improved mood, feel- ings of awe and reduced fa- tigue. Compared to urban walks, forest walks show a de- crease in cortisol, a hormone produced when stressed, and a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate. But it's not just the Jap- anese culture that reveres nature and encourages oth- ers to do so as well. Closer to home, Métis Manitobans have long turned to the land to meet their spiritual, men- tal, emotional and physical needs. When Will Goodon finds himself stressed out from the pressures of modern day living, he often turns to na- ture to regain his balance. "We all have limits. Our stresses build up, and we reach breaking points," Goodon, a Manitoba Mé- tis Federation minister and hunter, told the Sun. "For me, one of the most import- ant things is when I go back to the land." Whether its turning his cell phone off to take his dogs for a walk or enjoying his morning cup of coffee while looking out over the lake where he and his fam- ily live on an acreage south of Brandon, taking time to stop doing and letting him- self simply be in nature is of huge benefit to Goodon. Being in the great outdoors where his senses can take in the beauty of nature, Goodon is also reminded of the hap- py childhood he spent with his family, who were always closely linked ot the land. "It gets me back to real- ly great memories of walk- ing around with my dad, so that connection to me is not just important, it's vital," Goodon said. "I am so grate- ful to be able to go back to those places where my dad and his parents and their parents were raised." For Westman residents who want to try forest bathing or just want to do some sight seeing out in nature, Dameon Wall, external relations man- ager with Riding Mountain National Park says the area, located 101 kilometres north of Brandon, is ideal. "The park is a fantastic place to explore in all sea- sons. There's lots of great op- portunities for people to get out here and enjoy this park. We always look forward to welcoming our visitors and guests." Some top attractions in the park include the Clear Lake pier, taking in a boat cruise on the lake, and hik- ing the trail and boardwalk at the Ominik Marsh. The Sun contacted the federal government to learn more about the PaRx initia- tive, but did not receive a re- ply by press time. » mleybourne@brandonsun. com » Twitter: @miraleybourne