Forest Bathing +
What happens in FOREST BATHING + sESSSIONS?
You might be wondering what actually happens in a forest bathing session... on this page you will find an overview of the usual structure of a session (depending on weather conditions and the environment some elements may change).
Sessions are usually two-three hours long in woodland surroundings, where we use mindfulness in nature to bring ourselves into a calm and relaxed state. We will go on a slow walk (around 1-3km) pausing at various points to connect with our senses and be in the present moment, at the end we will come to a complete stop for deep relaxation under the tree canopy and will usually finish off with tasting and sharing some tea together.
One of my main aims when leading a forest bathing session is to help my participants feel as comfortable as possible (this is because for you to be able to fully relax you first need to feel comfortable) and so everything within the forest bathing session is an invitation, my guidance is just a series of suggestions as you are the best judge of what is most comfortable for you. In the boxes below you can find out more information about the different elements that make up a session
Introduction
At the start we will gather for the introduction where I will go over the history of forest bathing, the possible health benefits and an overview of what we will be doing and setting the scene.
Treelaxation under the tree canopy
Towards the end of the session we will come to a complete stop and you will be invited to lay down and get as comfortable as possible underneath the tree canopy. You will be guided through breathing, deep relaxation to connect with different parts of your body and then engaging with the atmosphere around you and the tree canopy above.
Sensory based invitations
The main part is made up of mindful, sensory based activities which will help you move from the busy thoughts of your mind into your body and present moment. We will use activities based on the four senses of sight, hearing, touch and smell to connect with nature. We may do some breathing exercises to help us into deeper relaxation.
Tea Ceremony and Conclusion
Usually at the end of the session we will have some quiet time, mindfully tasting and drinking tea together with opportunity to reflect on your forest bathing session.
Sharing Circles
For most of the forest bathing session you will be invited to be quiet and not to talk as when we talk we tend to move back into our minds and thoughts which can reduce relaxation. However, throughout our time together there will be opportunity to speak and listen to each other's experience of the forest bathing in facilitated sharing circles- speaking within the sharing circles is voluntary!