What is forest bathing
Origins
Forest bathing started in Japan in the 80’s, where it is known as Shinrin Yoku, literally translated into forest bathing.
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This practice came as an answer to the physical and mental health problems associated with the Japanese urban living and stress from overwork. The aim was to bring a sense of calm and wellbeing by engaging the five senses, while reaping the added benefits of being exposed to numerous phytochemicals beneficial to us. Some of these compounds are scientifically proven to improve our immune system or lower our blood pressure and cortisol levels.
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In Japan forest bathing became part of the national health service and there are over sixty forest therapy bases to engage with the practice.
What is it
Forest Bathing is a mindfulness-based wellness practice, encouraging an immersive experience enabled by the presence of nature. Although there is some minor walking involved, the emphasis is on connection, rather than exercise.
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By engaging our senses with our surroundings and the present moment, one often slows down and connects more deeply to both what is around and, at times, inside us as well.
In comparison to a simple walk in the park, a guide uses an array of techniques designed to make the participants transition more effortlessly from their everyday lives into a restorative experience in nature. It is also an opportunity to learn new ways of engaging with natural elements, many of which can be applied in our routines.
Similarly, it can be quite liberating to let another person provide (and often surprise) us with a new experience, even in a familiar setting. A useful analogy is being in the passenger seat while another person drives and guides us through the route. It is much easier to notice and appreciate the scenery if we don’t have to drive ourselves…
The walk
The walk is a two-hour experience during which I will take you through a series of open-ended invitations for you to explore individually. Those are evidence based in the pathways to nature connectedness from Derby University, and the research around volatile organic compounds in nature from Japan and South Korea. The walk is structured to ease you into an immersive experience as effortlessly as possible.
Despite the structure I create for each walk, there is no right and wrong way of doing forest bathing. Enabling you to get in touch with your own needs and what resonates with you is also at the core of my practice.
During groups walks there will be moments for sharing what we notice during the experience. These can be greatly powerful because we are all mirrors of each other. You might not notice something until someone else does that for you, which greatly enriches the experience for everyone in the group.
The walks are a non judgemental space where every experience is valid and all emotions are welcome, even the silent ones. Participation in these moments is therefore optional and everyone is welcome to share silence. In the words of William Penn, ‘True silence is the rest of the mind; it is to the spirit. What sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment’
