Forest bathing is not the same thing as hiking. The destination in forest bathing is “here,” not “there.” The pace is slow, not fast. The focus is on connection and relationship. Allowing the heart and mind to open. It's not about the destination but the discovery.
Immerse your senses in the ambience of the forest. Walk slowly and notice things. Feel the touch of the breeze on your skin; notice the sounds of the stream and the birds, the movement of trees in the wind. No need to think or analyze, just relax and let your natural sense of wonder take you to a mindful space outside. Let what you notice find its home inside you; give it hospitality. You are home. Relax, Receive and Restore!
CULTURAL ROOTS
From Shinrin-Yoku to Forest Bathing Implementation
The main differences between Shinrin-Yoku and Forest Bathing lie in their cultural roots and implementation. Shinrin-Yoku is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, with a focus on mindfulness and sensory immersion. This practice is usually conducted in silence, emphasising the natural environment's sounds, smells and sights. The Japanese approach is methodical and contemplative, reflecting cultural values of harmony with nature and introspection.
Western Forest Bathing, a broader and more adaptable concept, is a direct translation of Shinrin-Yoku but has evolved in Western cultures to emphasise therapeutic and recreational aspects. While it retains the core principle of nature immersion, it is more flexible, accommodating various cultural contexts and personal preferences. This practice often includes additional activities like group discussions or creative expressions such as journaling, making it accessible to a wider audience, from those seeking quiet, meditative experiences to those desiring more active, social engagement with nature.
Transformational Relaxation meets Nature connection. - click picture below for a video
Are you ready to deeply relax the entire ecosystem of your body, mind, and emotions?
Imagine yourself laying down on your back and being guided on a series of journeys through your senses, body and Nature, (the more than human world), to reconnect with yourself and Nature in a profoundly deep, yet accessible way….
During this EcoNIDRA™ session, your mind, emotions and body are relaxing in such a deep way that you may feel more refreshed than after a couple of hours of sleep.
This is the power of EcoNIDRA™, a blend of nature connection practices and yoga nidra with ancient roots and scientifically proven healing and transformational effects. ~ OUTSIDE SESSIONS OFFERED WHERE AVAILABLE.
"Blue Mind: The Surprising Science that Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What you Do."
~ Dr Wallace "J" Nichols
Humans have a long history of using the healing powers of water and the ocean to heal a number of illnesses. Water Therapy has been used throughout the world by civilizations along various bodies of water from water spirits to healing rituals.
Our bodies and the planet are made up of mostly water, we are birthed from water, we need this substance to survive and we experience it in some form or another, every single day. A big part of water healing practices is both respecting how essential this element is for human life and reflecting on how much we are like water.
The "Blue Mind" experiences that are given help you to surrender, let go of that which does not serve you, allow you to be immersed in the present moment, feeling inspired to just go with the flow, helping you out of your busy mind and into a world that is calm, serene and connected.