Forest Bathing or Shinrin-Yoku - Spending Immersive Time Under The Canopy of Trees to Reduce Stress and Promote Wellbeing. It’s a nature connection practice that started to become popular in Japan during the 1980’s. Scientific research has been done to measure the healing benefits derived from simply being in a forest or woodland setting in a mindful way. It also gives us a chance to enjoy our forests and green spaces more and encourages us to want to take more care of them.
These are some of the benefits reported after just 2 hours of Forest Therapy:
Can help reduce stress, anxiety, overwhelm and depression
Improves and elevates mood
Reduces or normalises blood pressure
Boosts immune system, stimulates NK cells
Has an anti inflammatory effect
Decreases blood glucose levels
Stimulates creative energy
Helps you sleep better
“When we suffer the Earth embraces us, accepts us and restores our energy, making us strong and stable. The relief we seek is right under our feet and all around us”.
Thich Nhat Hanh
Forest Bathing and Mindfulness in Nature is such a simple concept yet can be amazingly soothing and transformative. It helps us to slow down, come into the present moment and just enjoy the natural environment around us. Our focus is drawn away from the constant stream of thoughts in our head to a more embodied presence of sensing and feeling. It’s a slow walk around a woodland trail with invitations to explore the environment through mindfulness and relaxation. Forest Bathing is amazingly simple yet powerfully soothing and rejuvenating. Described by one of our participants as an Outdoor Spa for the Mind.
Forest Bathing includes some gentle breathing exercises which bring the additional benefit of inhaling the woodland aromatherapy, including the tree chemicals known as phytoncides which can help to boost our immune system. Monthly sessions are available at Leonardslee all year round and at Standen House, National Trust Woodlands, May to October. Make a day of it if you can. Both places make a wonderful day out, lots to see and do after Forest Bathing. Ticket price includes entry for the whole day!
Forest Bathing at Leonardslee £35 (members 10% discount) Includes entry to gardens and hot drink in the courtyard cafe to close the session. Please note there is a parking charge for non members.
Saturday 7th September 10am - 12.30pm
Saturday 12th October 10am - 12.30pm
More dates coming soon!
Forest Bathing at Standen House and Gardens, National Trust (Rockinghill Woods) £38 price includes entry to house and gardens, with a hot drink in the cafe to close the session.
Wednesday 4th September 10.30m - 1pm
Wednesday 2nd October 10.30am - 1pm
WOODLAND WELLBEING EXPERIENCE Emma Weaver and Tracy Jouhning @tracyannjouhning
Day Retreats at Oakwood West Estate near Chichester Thursday 18th July/Friday 20th September 10.15am - 4.15pm £95 (20% introductory offer for two friends booking together £75 each) 10% - £85 for newsletter subscribers for these dates.
These retreats focus on reconnecting individuals with nature, promoting harmony and healing. A unique blend of practices for self care and deeper spiritual connection with nature and the changing seasons.
Gentle Tai Chi Chih and Qigong, Mindfulness and Forest Bathing, Bach Flower Remedy Workshop and Yoga Nidra Relaxation
Small groups 10 max (indoor space for inclement weather and toilets on site)
Introductory sessions available at the 2024 FLORAL FRINGE FAIR @floralfringefair
Mindfulness in Nature sessions coming soon near Henfield, please use contact form for more info
Nature Therapy, Mindful walks and Forest Bathing for friends, occasions and celebrations
Please contact me to discuss how I can bespoke a special event for your group.
Private sessions available at Leonardslee (please use contact form for more info)
10 + or corporate please contact me for a quotation
Guided woodland walks and Shinrin Yoku for small groups/corporate/retreats
Time in nature is wonderful for relieving stress and re energising mind and body.
Please get in touch if you have any questions about the therapies I offer or to book a place on one of my events.
You can also call me or leave a message on 07748617867