what is forest bathing / shinrin yoku
WHAT IS FOREST BATHING AND WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS ON OUR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Origins of Shinrin-Yoku in Japan
Forest Bathing originated in Japan about fifty years ago. There it is called Shinrin-Yoku, which we can translate as: "Relaxation that comes from immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the forest." Beautiful! A little less nuanced, we call it Forest Bathing in our part of the world.
Remedy for Stress
The strict social norms and demanding working conditions cause a lot of stress in Japanese society. In search of a cure, scientists discovered the positive effects of Forest Bathing. It has a beneficial effect on our health in general, and in particular on stress-related complaints.
Deep relaxation
We too often experience stress in our busy lives with its deadlines, full agendas and social obligations. As a result, there is often little time to really relax and come to our senses. There forest bathing can be a big support. An effective way to deeply relax and feel ourselves more.
Come to yourself
Forest bathing can also serve as a mirror inviting us to reflect on the way we hold ourselves and relate to the world. This opens the possibility to let go of fixed attitudes and meet life and the people around us with an open, fresh attitude. So we can interact with more understanding and kindness; at home, at work, in traffic, or in the supermarket.
"Forest Bathing is a whole new way of being in nature. It brings me out of my head and into my body. I now feel loose, open, connected and happy."
(Evelien)
DEEPEN OUR CONNECTION WITH NATURE
Forest bathing allows us to experience and deepen our connection with nature. By immersing ourselves in its atmosphere. So that we can experience her pure and sometimes raw beauty, silence and vitality. And discover those qualities also live within us.
During a forest bathing session you are invited to participate in a number of mindfulness-based exercises. Their purpose is to help you to relax, let go of your mind and sink into your body.
The structure of a forest bathing walk is very flexible but also has a number of fundamental elements:
Slowing down
Slowing down your hastiness and tendency to keep going. Allowing yourself to move slowly and stand still. There is no end goal to get to.
Letting go
Opening your senses to the natural surroundings and letting go of your daily worries. What do you notice when you attentively listen, look, smell, taste and touch.
Reconnecting
Meeting the natural world in its many appearances. Relaxed and curious about what presents itself. The rustle of the wind, the sunlight on your skin, raindrops falling on your head, the smell of pine needles, the sound of birds singing.
Integrating
During the walk we also stop every now and then to share our experiences. Where everyone has the opportunity to share experiences and wonders with the other participants. This makes Forest Bathing an even richer experience for everyone. Everything is welcome, nothing is required.
Take a look at our program for upcoming events.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF FOREST BATHING
In recent decades a lot of research has been done internationally into the effects of forest bathing on our health. Again and again this shows the positive effects on our physical, emotional and psychological health.
The most important findings are:
- Strengthens imune system and nervous system
- Reduces stress related complaints
- Lowers blood pressure
- Has a stabilizing effect on blood sugar levels
- Accelerates recovery from illness
- Supports the ability to focus attention and think creatively and solution-oriented
- Deepens a general sense of well-being
- Deepens the sense of belonging and being part of a greater whole
- Strengthens awareness of being co-responsible for the well-being of all life on Earth