"Into the forest I go to lose my mind and find my soul"
John Muir
"Into the forest I go to lose my mind and find my soul"
John Muir
What is Forest Bathing ?
This practice is inspired by Shinrin-Yoku 森林浴. Forest bathing is the literal translation of ‘Shinrin-Yoku’, which means “to take in or bathe in the forest atmosphere”. It is a recognised Japanese wellbeing practice that was developed in Japan in the early 1980s as a response to a growing public health crisis brought on by increased anxiety and stress-related illness, attributed to ever expanding urbanisation and working long overtime hours.
What are the benefits?
Many of us already know intuitively that being in nature is good for our bodies, hearts, spirits and minds. But there are also many scientific studies that demonstrate a wide array of health benefits.
Forest bathing can:
• Reduce stress, anxiety and depression
• Calm the nervous system
• Lower blood pressure
• Boost the immune system
• Improve sleep
• Enhance mental clarity and creativity
Forest bathing is not just good for us through re-establishing a connection with the natural world around us. We hope that through this re-connection, people might start taking better care of our planet which it so desperately needs.
About Your Guide Anna
Anna is a fully Certified Forest Therapy Guide. She trained through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) Guides and Programs. Anna has spent most of the last 18 years on Waiheke Island with some time in England. Anna has always loved being in nature and has done many long walks around the world and discovered the practice of Forest bathing in England in 2018. Find out more about Anna.
What should I expect during the forest bathing session?
We will gather at our meeting spot for a brief introduction.
Working in partnership with nature, your guide will offer invitations designed to help us slow down, awaken our senses, and explore and engage with nature.
There will be chances for you to connect with nature on your own terms, in your own way.
There will also be opportunities to gather in a group and share with others.
All elements of the session are completely optional and offered as invitations only, so there is no need to participate in any aspect that does not call to you.
The whole session is for you to forget about your busy life, your to-do list and use all of your senses and immerse yourself in nature…. and RECONNECT.