Deb Williams
Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing)
Shinrin-yoku (shinrin - forest ) + (yoku - bath, bathing ) or Forest Bathing is the practice or process of therapeutic relaxation where you spend time emersed in a forest or natural atmosphere, focusing on sensory engagement to connect with Nature.
Consultations & Treatments
A typical Forest Bathing session lasts for 2 to 4 hours for a full body and sensory emersion in Nature. Mindfulness meditation lasts around 20 minutes or longer, depending on the individual experience. Nature Connection and Natural Mindfulness might only last 5 minutes if you are doing a one off exercise whilst out in Nature.
All five senses are used to experience Nature such as:
- Listening to forest sounds, i.e. birds and insects.
- Touching the ground, the trees, and the leaves.
- Smelling the flowers and other essential oils of the plants and trees.
- Observing the surroundings and scenery
- Tasting the crispiness of the air while breathing
The practice can be done solo, in a group and/or with a guide.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a technique that helps you to be more aware of your mind, body and surroundings in the present moment and without judgment. It is based in Buddhism and mediation but you don't need to be spiritual to benefit from the Forest Bathing experience.
Mindfulness aims to help you to:
- become more self-aware
- feel calmer and less stressed
- feel more able to choose how to respond to your thoughts and feelings
- cope with difficult or unhelpful thoughts
- be kinder towards yourself.
