The Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) experience
What is Forest Bathing?
Forest Bathing - Shinrin Yoku - is a nature connection and wellbeing practice that originates from Japan and now has decades worth of research behind it telling us what we already know through direct experience: that being in nature is good for us.
But Forest Bathing is more than just physically being surrounded by plants and trees. Despite the name, there is no swimming or baths involved, the word bathing refers to the practice of immersing yourself in nature, using your senses to connect to your environment. When we go forest bathing we don't walk very far - it's not a hike, it's more of a mindful meander through the trees with no destination in mind except the present moment. Connecting to nature in this way is wonderful for our health and wellbeing - I think it's the most enjoyable form of self care there is!
What happens on a session?
Each walk is different. I host seasonal walks so that we can really notice what's happening in nature as the wheel of the year turns. But sessions are different even from one week to the next because I'll mix up the activities I suggest, change the route or the location and be guided by the group itself. Having said that, there are several things that happen each time and there's a structure to the sessions that is carefully thought out.
During the session you'll be invited to....
Slow down
Connect to your senses
Be in the present moment
Get out of your head and into your body
Notice small details
Take in the bigger picture
Appreciate nature
Be playful
Rest
Reflect on your experience
Share with the group (always optional!)
As your guide I will offer you a series of invitations (meaning that they are suggestions, nothing is forced upon you) to help you with the above. These are mindful activities designed with a particular purpose in mind, e.g. tuning into your sense of touch. What we do on the session will depend on the season, the location and if there's a particular purpose to the walk.
Example invitation: find somewhere peaceful to sit. Take a few moments to settle into your spot and take some slow, deep breaths. Then, as you sit, notice what is in motion around you.
A forest bathing participant enjoying the sit spot practice in Autumn
Tea with the trees
Each forest bathing session with me involves a mindful tea ceremony at the end of the walk. This is nothing formal, it's simply enjoying some herbal tea together in a beautiful setting. I like to set up the tea things so it looks inviting and special - I often bring flowers or herbs from my garden or collect leaves along the way to decorate the space. This brings in the sense of taste and allows us an opportunity to rest and digest the benefits of our practice. We often reflect on our favourite parts of the walk and share experiences as a group.
Forest Bathing tea set up
Finally, I like to wrap up our session with either a poem or quotation from a nature writer. We might leave a gift for the forest, make some nature art or simply say thank you to the trees as we leave. It can be hard to say goodbye sometimes! But this is always a good thing as people have been reminded how good they feel when they connect to nature.
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks”
Who are the participants?
All sorts of people come on my Forest Bathing sessions; students, retirees, couples, friends, families, employees, single parents and professionals. Nature is for everybody! I've even had some reluctant participants (usually brought along by a partner!) who weren't sure what to expect, but I'm pleased to say everyone has left with something positive to say. The most common feedback I hear is that people felt very calm and relaxed afterwards, however it's not unusual to hear that people saying they feel energised, inspired and grateful. We know from the research that spending 2 hours in nature is really good for our health and that the benefits last for quite some time after the session.
The maximum group size is 15, numbers are limited to create the right environment and to give everyone enough space to explore. There’s something special about sharing the experience of Forest Bathing as a group. Whilst you will have time to yourself and have your own unique experience, the feeling of being part of a group often creates a sense of safety, fun and meaningful connection.
If you'd like to try a Forest Bathing session yourself, there are a few options for you:
Book a private session, either a 1-2-1 or for you and a friend/partner or as a family
Organise a wellbeing in nature session for your workplace
Come to one of my events for the public, advertised on my events page. Sign up to my newsletter (see top of events page) to be notified about upcoming sessions. I run free monthly Forest Bathing sessions at Clifton Country Park from Spring to Autumn.
If you have any questions about suitability, accessibility or anything at all please get in touch hello@natalierossiterwellbeing.co.uk. This is also how you book a private session.
