Forest Bathing
A wellness practice of immersing oneself in nature through all of the senses
The practice of forest bathing, known as Shinrin-Yoku in Japanese, has its roots in Japanese culture and has gained popularity worldwide in recent decades.
Forest Bathing, also known as Mindfulness in Nature, Outdoor Yoga, Forest Therapy, etc. is a practice of immersing oneself in nature, particularly the forest, through all five senses. It’s not about a literal bath in the forest, but rather about taking in the forest’s atmosphere and connecting with it through mindful observation and sensory engagement. The goal is to slow down, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
- Coined in 1982: The term shinrin-yoku was coined in 1982 by Tomohide Akiyama, director of the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, as a way to promote both human health and forest conservation.
- Response to Urbanization: It emerged as a response to increasing urbanization and technological advancements, aiming to reconnect people with nature and combat the stresses of modern life.
- Preventative Healthcare: Forest bathing was introduced as a preventative healthcare practice, encouraging people to spend time in forests for their well-being.
Forest Bathing is a deliberate practice that helps to decelerate time, enabling your senses to fully engage with the present and what nature has to offer. It can evoke a dreamlike experience or an altered state of awareness, contrasting sharply with our usual hectic and stress-filled mindset.
“Forest Bathing practices bring us into a deeper state of sensitivity, so we can feel the gentle massage of the light breeze, enjoy the subtle scents of trees, and possibly even become aware of electric subtleties caressing our senses as we that we are bathed in when we enter the forest. By immersing our senses, we become more permeable to the natural world around us. We can literally soak up the healing powers in nature.” – Mossy Lotus Guide
Private Forest Bathing Sessions – $125*
*$125 Single Person/ $160 Two People / $199 Three or More
Imagine that surprise feeling you get when the sight of a flower blows you away, the image of a forest view takes your breath. Now imagine that These moments can be cultivated, purposely be made to happen more regularly, and even become your everyday experience. Through the process Forest Bathing, these moments become much more likely to happen.
How many hours have you spent hiking, fishing, sightseeing, or learning about ecology and history, setting up camp, cooking hot dogs on the fire, destination hunting, etc. And preparing then unpacking from these ‘vacations. How many of the hours were spent watching the clouds pass by, smelling the sweet scent of the forest, literally taking the time to stop and smell the roses. It is sometimes difficult to get the mind, so supported by our culture to go-go, do-do, stop wasting time, to slow down and just be. We get antsy, nervous, uncomfortable even, that’s where Forest Bathing comes in. Forest Bathing is NOT a goal-oriented activity. It is instead “the art of finding stillness of the mind’, then looking out to truly see nature’.
Some of the main differences from other outdoor activities are that the pace is slower, the distance is shorter, we are completely unplugged, and the focus is on sensations instead of destinations. Forest Bathing Invites us to receive energy and nurturing from natural intelligence, communicate with the forest consciousness, and cultivate reciprocity by giving our attention and thanks for all nature provides for us, by being fully intentional, not just on a walk to get somewhere, but with the sole purpose of being fully present to yourself and the lives around you. Forest Bathing promotes a fulfilling personal relationship with nature.
