What is Forest Bathing?
Connection and contemplation of nature and its living beings is a long held practice in many cultures, but this more formalised approach, born in Japan, has spread across the world as a practice to access and embody the physiological and psychological benefits of spending time in nature.
Forest bathing was developed in Japan in the 1980's as a way to balance contemporary life and reconnecting with the natural world. Called shinrin-yoku, it translates literally to "immersing oneself in the forest atmosphere” or simply Forest Bathing.
The Forest Bathing practice is a slow, intentional, and attentive wander through a natural area. Each experience is approximately 2.5 hours and traverses only about a ½ mile. It is a deeply restorative practice combining elements of mindfulness, somatic awareness and re-awakened relationship to the More Than Human World.
More Than a Walk In the Woods
Forest bathing is a unique experience of the present moment. Through sensory invitations, we transcend what we think we know and move into a space of curious somatic exploration of the here and now.
As your guide, I work in partnership with the forest. So in this context of “Forest Therapy”, the forest becomes your therapist - I am there to open the door. I approach each walk with a spirit of acceptance, there are no expectations and there is no right or wrong way to enter into a relationship with the More Than Human World. Because the forest is different every time and you are different every time - one walk may lead to profound realisations, another can be deeply relaxing and restorative.
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There are so many benefits to Forest Bathing, including but not limited to:
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reductions in stress
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strengthened immune response
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decreased blood pressure
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increased creativity
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regenerated senses and somatic awareness
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And that also includes the opportunity for a nourished connection with both people and the More Than Human World to broaden our perspective, and enhance our feeling of well-being and presence.
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All is welcome, and you are welcome.