Shinrin Yoku, translated as Forest Bathing, is an ancient Japanese practice that combines movement and quiet meditation. It can be used to ease stress and worry while allowing you to think more clearly. Being in nature has been known to restore one’s mood and replenish our energy supply too.
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The practice of Forest Bathing is a safe and easy way to reconnect with that part of ourselves that has been forgotten by re-learning how to relate to the natural world. As we learn to embody this state of Harmony in nature our stress and anxiety fall away allowing us to revitalize and feel like a better version of ourselves.
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We structure the walk around a set of invitations, which are like short meditations or activities that can be adapted to suit you in the moment. This creates the necessary space where you can relate with the forest in whatever way you are called to do.
Imagine connecting to the symphony of the forest sounds, or the noticing the way the wind blows tops of trees as it moves across the landscape, or the feel of damp moss on your skin. Every moment of every day is an invitation waiting to be noticed and explored.
​ We know the forest well as we have cultivated a deep relationship with it. We work in partnership with the forest to create this experience. We open the door and the participant embarks on their self-directed eco-therapeutic journey.
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More than a walk in the Woods
“ The experience of connecting deeply with nature is healing in an inexplicable way. This forest walk was an opportunity to do this in a guided, supported way. I would recommend that everyone have an experience like this to heal and center themselves.”
Walk participant
Why a Forest Bathing Guide?
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We have a saying "The forest is the therapist, the guide opens the doors." Our role is an important one as we help you to connect to your place by bringing attention to the present moment through your senses, we offer to hold time for you so that you do not have to, we slow you down and open the doorways of connection between yourself and the forest.
While Forest Bathing can involve light walking, the point is simply to be in nature and use our senses to take it all in – senses like:
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Sight
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Hearing
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Scent
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Touch
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Proprioception
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Imaginal
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and more
Forest Bathing in the comfort of home
If you aren’t up to meet in person due to distance, comfort or environmental factors become barriers, that’s ok too! We can offer guided Forest Bathing lessons in the comfort of your home space via Zoom.
We are aware that every client is unique, and we are very adaptable to the needs of our clientele. Making your experience with Forest Bathing a good one is our priority, and we’ll go above and beyond to make sure of it.
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Qigong and Forest Bathing Combined
Combining Qigong with Forest Bathing is a unique service offered here at Mountain Pass Wellness. We find that teaching Qigong movement in the forest allows our clients to reap the benefits of both – taking in the smells, sights, and sounds of the forest while practicing meditative exercise.
If you’ve never practiced Qigong before or attended a Forest Bathing session before – don’t fret. We are more than happy to work with beginners of all ages and abilities.