Mindfulness
&
Forest Bathing
Nature can help you with stress and anxiety. The practice, long-popular in Japan, is gaining traction in the world as a way of harnessing the health benefits of being outdoors. By practicing Forest Bathing, or Shinrin-Yoku, you will immerse your senses in the natural environment for relaxation and positive health and wellness benefits.
Forests reduce concentrations of stress hormone, blood pressure, negative emotions and have a relaxing effect on people.
During these sessions you will be helped to connect with the natural world. Slowly walking through the forest. Open your senses. Caress a tree. Inhale some pine. Listen to forest's sounds. Look at all different nuances of green. And fostering an emotional connection to the nature.
Forest Bathing
is a short leisurely visit to a forest, which is similar in effect to natural aromatherapy, for the purpose of relaxation.
You can practice at home or outside
If you're planning to be outside, my suggestion is to wear loose clothes, comfortable shoes and bring with you a small mat, bag, or cushion to sit on. You will be moving slowly and possibly sitting on the ground. Having a small mat, bag, or cushion to sit on can be nice.
For those of you inside, my suggestion is to sit close to a plant and a window with a view outside, if possible. And I usually use essential oils to have the smells of the forest into my indoor environments.
Let's start now!
By following the guided exercises below, you can have a taste for a Mindfulness and Forest Bathing session.