There is no Wi-fi in the Forest.
But I promise
you’ll find a better connection.
Forest Bathing. What is it? (no bath tubs in sight I’m afraid)
In 2021 I gained an online certificate of distinction in Japanese Forest Bathing, progressing in 2022 to certify in Forest Bathing which delved much further via group interactions, mini films and photographs into this fascinating field of natural mindfulness. Shinrin Yoku is the Japanese term for Forest Bathing which explores our connection with trees by way of a meditative immersion within a woodland or forest setting.
My mission is to help people reconnect with themselves through nature. We all have busy lives and whilst some stress can be motivational and healthy, too much can be detrimental to our mental and physical wellbeing. Taking even a small amount of time out, in a natural, outdoor setting has always been known to be beneficial but now the science is backing up these findings.
The Forest Bathing Institute highlights research on this subject that’s borne out of 40 decades of work, that has led to Japan and South Korea prescribing forest-bathing sessions on their health service. The UK is fast catching up as preventative health interventions are found to be more cost effective than treatments.
My own background as a fully qualified Holistic Therapist has allowed me to study ways in which this connection to nature can boost our mental health and wellbeing.
Walks are intentionally slower and more mindful. With a focus on our surroundings. Exploring our sensory interaction with trees through sight, sound, taste and touch. Pausing to reflect, with a meditative element where distractions are kept to a minimum. We explore ways to be in the present moment through sitting near or under trees to meditate or draw or journal.
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Forest for Health
As a professional photographer I spend a lot of time outdoors and just before the pandemic hit I made steps towards launching my ‘Mindful Photography Walks’ as I wanted to encourage more of us to get out and about locally to see the beauty & wonder of our natural woodlands but in a mindful way. Little did I know what was coming with COVID and to avoid the isolation of lockdown in our homes, often with limited contact with others being in nature was a life saver for my mental health. I know in the years that have followed as everyone tries to adjust to a new normal with more crisises globally and at home. Energy increases and an uncertain market means that for many that toll can be a huge weight to carry. Last year 2022, I decided to study Forest Bathing and trained to become a Natural Mindfulness guide to help others connect with the many health benefits that a guided session can bring.
Are you present in the moment?
Are you craving time out, just for you?
Looking for an experience that can help offer benefits to your health?
Want to meet like minded people?
Then one of my Forest for Health walks could be just the thing you are looking for. Read below to find out more about what I can offer you.
Natural mindfulness Guide
At around the same time that I qualified in Forest Bathing I also pursued studies with Ian Banyard from Cotswold Mindfulness to become a Natural Mindfulness Guide. Having successfully completed this course now enables me to fuse both elements of traditional Forest Bathing Techniques with mindfulness in nature to deliver walks that aim to reduce anxiety & stress.
Forest for Health Walks. What to excpect?
I lead & guide a session for approximately 1hr and 30 mins - 2 hours. At accessible locations within a 20-30 minute drive from Didcot, South Oxfordshire. These woodlands share their space with many walkers, cyclist and dog-walkers but my overall aim is to have chosen sites that are rich in a diverse variety of trees and paths, which are slightly quieter and less busy. So that we can fully immerse in our experience without constant interruption. We don’t walk far, as the aim is to find a space that we can explore at a slower rhythm which is the intention of a true session.
Bring layered clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a small rucksack and bottled water.
If you felt like you wanted to bring a small flask of herbal tea, then please do, as there is usually an opportunity near the end of the walk to hold a mini tea ceremony. Which gives us an opportunity to reflect on our experience and how nature can help us restore both our body & mind health. This part of the session is purely optional so feel free to depart if you need to.
Mainly bring an open mind, breathe deep and enjoy the experience.
