Forest Bathing | Shinrin-yoku
Coming soon
When did you last take time for yourself to step into the forest and truly immerse yourself? Feeling the change in light levels on your eyelids; smelling the rich leaf litter beneath your feet; sensing the breeze through the trees, punctuated by the notes of birdsong. As your body responds to the space and nature around you, your breath starts to slow and deepen, and calm and balance can be restored.
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‘We are part of the natural world. Our rhythms are the rhythms of nature. As we walk slowly through the forest, seeing, listening, smelling, tasting and touching, we bring our rhythms into step with nature. By opening our senses, it bridges the gap between us and the natural world, and when we are in harmony with the natural world we can begin to heal. Our nervous system can reset itself, our bodies and minds can go back to how they ought to be. No longer out of kilter with nature, but once again in tune with it, we are refreshed and restored’ (Dr Quing Li).
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Why Forest Bathe?
Forest bathing (Sinrin Yoku in Japanese) has been proven to:
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Boost the immune system,
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Increase energy,
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Benefit sleep,
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Decrease anxiety, depression and anger,
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Reduce stress and bring about a state of relaxation.
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You can read more about the benefits of forest bathing here Forest Bathing Benefits | The Evidence-Based Wellness Practice (anft.earth)
Forest bathing involves participants stepping into forests to engage and connect with their senses. Through a sequence of guided stages, attention in drawn to the feelings of body and mind, allowing energy, creativity and individuality to flow.
“The forest is the therapist. The guide opens the doors” (M. Amos Clifford).
