Shinrin Yoku or Forest Bathing with Amanda Raybould
Forest Bathing is a time to achieve a state of mindfulness, allowing our senses to become heightened, judgment to be suspended, to connect and focus on the ‘now’.
Our forest bathing session will start with introductions, whilst sitting informally on the ground.
Amanda will run through how the session will flow, using the points below. Before the preparation time begins she will suggest removing footwear, this is optional but advised for a full sensory experience.
During the preparation time there will be times of silence and guided breath. Once prepared we will be ready to immerse ourselves in nature.
The Flow
- What is Forest Bathing
- The aim of forest bathing
- Health benefits
- How trees help us
- Where to do it?
Preparation for Forest Bathing
- Centring and intention
- Gratitude
- Embodied Awareness (walking with awareness)
Forest Bathing
- The Threshold of incorporation (the bather is finally in sync with the environment)
- How to Fox walk
- The Forest Bathers will be able to stroll through the trees using the information given above to engage in a full sensory experience and become immersed in and to connect with nature.
- A singing bowl will gently call bathers back to sit and share their experiences, if they wish. A simple tea ceremony is included at this time, (no open fires are ever used to heat water, just hot water in flasks).
Bathers are asked to dress appropriately in comfortable clothing which will allow ease of movement and an extra layer as it can be cooler under the trees, footwear should be sturdy.
Amanda will ask for mobile phones to be turned off or put on silent for the duration of the forest bathe to avoid any distraction. Please bring a bottle of water.
Before the session begins we will ask for a disclaimer/consent form to be signed, per person.
We are looking forward to sharing this special time with you and to making a unique connection between us and nature, in particular the trees!
