What is Nature Therapy/Forest Bathing?
Forest Bathing is about the detail within the forest journey rather than getting to any destination. It is a mindful experience encompassing a number of invitations offered by the guide. Nature is the therapist. Think of your guide as the Forests assistant.
The practice of Forest Bathing can feel very much like a meditation or mindfulness practice. Participants slow down. The ground covered can be as little as a kilometer over the course of a few hours. Invitations offered are encouragement towards the sense experience, as well as the imaginal body and breath body. Whether a small group or an individual there is something for everyone, there is intimacy in each experience.
Guided sessions support the practice by maintaining an easy pace while offering various invitations to encourage the most beneficial experience possible. Forest Bathing/Nature Therapy does not ask anything of a person. No accomplishment is necessary. Rather you are encouraged to simply be with each experience.
This act of observing can increase Creativity, Inspiration and Problem Solving. The slowness of the practice naturally assists in lowering anxiety and stress levels as the breath becomes deeper and more expansive. In Japan the research on Forest Bathing - Shinrin Yoku - has documented the benefits. One of the most notable benefits is the increase in NK (Natural Killer) Cells, the cells which fight cancers. Other benefits include decreased anxiety and depression, reduced blood pressure and improved cardiac function, strengthened immune systems and an ability to focus more clearly on tasks.
The practice has existed in cultures all over the world throughout time. It is in this “connected” day and age that people are now extremely disconnected from the healing abilities of nature and there is a need to find our way back to those places we respond to on a cellular level. This is why building design based on biophilia is growing in popularity and healthcare organizations are adding more plants and natural materials to recovery rooms.
The Forests and Parks of southern BC and the surrounding region offer some of the best trees and forested areas to assist in this. Medically many of them are at the root of many pharmaceuticals, yet all we need to do is step outdoors and breathe.
There are times of the year when the benefits are increased, but any time is the right time to start.
The Program:
Your Program can be designed to suit the needs of your company:
1) Include it as a part of team building retreats and/or training weekends
2) A weekly session that incorporates a natural areas within range of the business
3) Full Day or Multi Day Forest Bathing experiences.
Minimum time spent in Nature - 3 Hours
If using trails they will all will be easy and safe.
Tea and snacks provided for shorter sessions. Light lunch on longer program.
(Not available during Covid)Available in all weather unless it is deemed unsafe (i.e. no forest in a windstorm)
The extent and depth of the experience will depend on the level of program you choose. Even a few hours of Nature Therapy provides participants with benefits for days after the experience.
Groups or individuals will be coached on how to approach the practice of Forest Bathing and then will be offered various invitations to inspire either the imaginal being or physical senses. It may also be the energetic body. Depending on time of year and surroundings differing health benefits may also be observed. This is based on the types of trees and what aerosols they may be dispensing into the air.
Suggestions
For team building and/or creative inspiration either weekly sessions or a Full Day Guided Forest Bathing
For maximum benefit health intervention a 3 plus day retreat in a Nature surrounding. This can occur at a location you have already chosen or a venue can be added. (For Groups)
For a health program (added benefit) and/or Problem Solving/Creative Boost either a weekly session or 3 plus day retreat.