WHAT IS FOREST BATHING?

I will begin by explaining what it is not. It is not wild swimming. It is not a hike or a walk where we count steps or hit targets. Forest Bathing (or Shinrin Yoku) is the practice of immersing ourselves in nature in a very gentle, slow and mindful way, using all of our senses to connect with our natural environment. Research and studies have shown that, being in nature, can have many benefits to our health & wellbeing, including....

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Boosting the immune system

Reducing stress levels

Improve concentration & memory

Regulate blood pressure

Improve our cardiovascular health

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Forest Bathing is a practice that we can all incorporate into our everyday lives, no matter how busy we are.

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WHY DID I BECOME A FOREST BATHING GUIDE AND WHY USE A GUIDE?

So why did I train to be a FB guide? Simply, my love of nature & being outdoors. My work is all indoors and always has been. I wanted to find a way to incorporate being outside into the work I do. I wanted others to experience the feelings of happiness, peace, calm & being at home that I experience by being in nature and connecting more deeply with it.

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A question often asked is why do we need a guide? Surely I can Forest Bathe on my own? The answer to that is yes, you absolutely can! For some, this comes easy. However, for others, it's not so easy. A guide can assist with this. Often people have a goal when heading out in nature, maybe it's to count steps, maybe it's to cover miles or run off the stresses of the day. All of this is great, but what if we head out with no goal in mind other than to be fully present with nature? On a Forest Bathing walk, your guide will.....

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Act like a bridge between you & nature.

Guide you on a journey to open up your senses.

Invite you to take part in activities to deepen your connection.

Give you the space to have your own experience. We are all unique and will find our own ways of engaging & connecting.

Gently encourage you to slow down, slower than you've maybe ever gone before.

Remain impartial & non-judgemental.

Have fun.

 

WHAT HAPPENS ON A GUIDED FOREST BATHING WALK?

A typical walk will be approximately 1.5 to 2 hours long and will only cover a short distance. The pace will be very slow and gentle. During the walk I will invite you to take part in a series of nature connection activities, carefully designed to help you to tune into your senses, slow down, relax and connect to the natural space you are in. All activities are completely optional and can be adapted. There will be moments to share your experiences, if you wish, throughout the walk. All walks are designed to suit the environment, weather and walk participants.