Forest Bathing
Forest Bathing
The wonderful practice of Shinrin Yoku. Originating in Japan as a response to falling population health, the literal translation means Forest Bathing. What this means for you is time to slow down, leave your busy mind at the gate and fully immerse in the woodland. These are not walks to identify what we see, but to experience it.
No swimming costume or trunks required!
Since the 1980’s substantial research has taken place across the world to demonstrate the benefits of Forest Bathing. It can support your emotional wellbeing, easing stress, anxiety and depression. A natural immune booster, and tonic for our cardiovascular health, and other chronic health conditions including Cancer. It also boosts energy and memory! Explore more here.
What does Forest Bathing actually involve?
We will spend time together in a woodland setting, easing into a calmer state of being. I will offer a variety of Invitations, which may involve being by yourself, linking with a partner or the rest of the group. These are always optional and are designed to facilitate your time with the trees, encouraging a deeper connection. Your experience will be uniquely yours, and if you feel called to there will be opportunities to share this with others.
The Invitations are a tool to build greater awareness of your senses, and through them a greater awareness of the space we are in, and ourselves. Through this practice we are more able to guide our bodies into the rest and repair state of the Nervous System (Parasympathetic), which in today’s world is more important than ever.
Example Invitation – using a hand lens, explore the tiny world within worlds of moss and lichen (and more). Notice the shapes, textures, colours and intricate detail close up.
Example invitation – engage in a Sit Spot: sit by a tree that calls you. With your back against the tree, do nothing more but…..be!
Forest Bathing is tremendously helpful to us all, a tonic for mind body and soul!
It can also be used effectively with a variety of specific client groups ie those living with mental health challenges, surgery / acute health condition recovery, workplace teams and friendship groups.
I also take this practice to the coast….
Whilst there has been much research around green spaces and their benefits to our wellbeing, blue spaces are just as valuable. The coast offers up a far horizon, negative ions from the sea, the sound of waves on rocks and the classic sand between our toes. All of which support mental health, improve sleep quality, boost immunity and improve memory. Explore more.
We gather by the sea and once again explore a variety of Invitations with an emphasis on what we find by the coast – sand, sea, shells, stones, dunes, seaweed and birdlife.
My Story
Forest Bathing and its sister practice by the coast, have been invaluable to me. It weaves into my everyday life, as a singular self-led Invitation during a walk or as an extended afternoon with the trees. I have found the natural world always gifts me what I need in the moment and I have become more grounded as a result. I never feel alone, and have discovered calm, peace and joy with natures kin. When I am stressed or in need of answers, the trees reflect back to me where in my life needs greater awareness or attention. It can also be a playful practice and one which reminds me to step back, view the bigger picture, and have fun along the way!
