SHINRIN-YOKU
(Forest Bathing)
What makes Forest Bathing different from a hike?
1. Stress Reduction –The purpose is to slow down the nervous system and ground rather than stimulate with vigorous exercise.
2. Medicine - This walk is used as a prescription and standard preventative medicine in many different countries around the world. The medicine is different for everyone and offers relief on a mental, physical, emotional and spiritual level.
3. Connection – Develop a deeper connection with nature, with yourself, and with others (spend time deeply listening using the senses to experience the environment, talking with others in a meaningful way, having a solitary space to process, etc.)
Who is a Forest Bathing Walk for? What is the reason to attend?
Forest Bathing is good for those who are feeling stressed, overwhelmed or depleted, for anyone recovering from illness, grief, anxiety, depression, for those looking to boost their vital energies, enhance creativity, for nature enthusiasts who want to deepen their connection, for anybody who feels they need more fresh air (in more than just the physical way).
The effects have been scientifically proven to endure 7-30 days after a walk:
Boosted immune system functioning
Reduced cortisol levels
Lowers risks for heart disease, anxiety, depression, weight problems, and impairment in memory and concentration.
Reduced blood pressure and heart rate
Improved sleep
Enhanced sense of wellbeing
Reduced irritability
Heightened focus, even in children with ADHD
Accelerated recovery from surgery or illness
Increase in energy
Stronger intuition
Deepens connection with the land and its species
Widening connections and friendships through shared experience in a natural environment
The practice of Forest Bathing/Shinrin-Yoku (absorbing the environment) helps to replenish the vital energies by grounding and harmonizing with the natural rhythms of the earth. There is a specific intention to connect with nature in a healing way. Core routine practices such as sit spot, place tending, and cross-species communication help in our deepening relationship between humans and the more-than-human-world.
Walks are composed at a slow pace with the intention of interacting with the entire ecosystem and tuning into our own inner animal nature. Through the process there is a deep biological soothing of the nervous system that helps to combat modern day technology stress.
This is a very good way to start your vacation to help relieve travel stress and connect deeper to the environment.
Please come prepared with clothing suited for being comfortable in the outdoors; sturdy shoes, warm layers of clothing, water, etc. We will be sitting for 20-30 minutes at the end of each session in a practice. If you require something to sit on between you and the earth such as a mat please bring that as well.
All levels of age, fitness, gender, status, etc. are welcome.
Special Notes*
Forest Bathing is not hiking – it is a slow therapeutic walk with much time for contemplation, interaction with the environment through the senses, and resting. The purpose is to rejuvenate.
During PEAK BUG Season – Practice will be performed at the Beach on the BIG LAKE
During PEAK BUG Season – This can be performed as a PADDLING Session
If you have questions of need more information please contact mzubinski@gmail.com
There is a very good article by the New York Times on Forest Bathing https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/12/well/take-a-walk-in-the-woods-doctors-orders.html
This website is full of valuable information as well https://healingforest.org/2020/01/27/forest-bathing-guide/