Bluebell Forest Bathing
Forest Bathing in an ancient woodland covered with native Bluebells. Mindfulness, nature art, "poetree" & wild tea to fully embrace Spring!
Date and time
Location
Ruthven Community Hall
Balmoral Road Ruthven PH12 8RQ United KingdomRefund Policy
About this event
Let's celebrate Spring renewal with a Forest Bathing session in Ruthven among ancient oak trees and native Bluebells!
"The bluebell is the sweetest flower that waves in summer air:
its blossoms have the mightiest power to soothe my spirit's care."
- Emily Brontë
You're invited to celebrate Spring by immersing yourself in the Japanese tradition of Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing), admiring an ancient oak woodland covered in a sea of native Bluebells. This 3-hour session offers a blend of sensory exercises, mindfulness practices, nature art and "poetree". Plus, indulge in a wild tea ceremony to welcome the season! No experience necessary, just bring yourself and an open mind.
Why Attend:
There are countless benefits of attending forest bathing sessions. This ancient practice, supported by scientific research, reduces stress and promotes well-being. Phytoncides, emitted by trees, enhance NK cell activity, fortifying our immune system. Nature's therapeutic effects restore attention, induce relaxation, and facilitate a state of flow. Experiencing awe triggers dopamine release, contributing to feelings of happiness. The list goes on... Also, this session is offered at an introductory price.
Why follow a guide:
With a nature-connection guide, you can immerse yourselve in the forest bathing experience without the added pressure of planning activities or ensuring safety. By following structured mindfulness techniques and open invitations, you can fully relax and engage with nature, fostering a deeper connection and reaping the therapeutic benefits of the practice.
Let's celebrate Spring together and reconnect with the natural world! 🌳
Let's stand outside and be OUTSTANDING!
More dates for Forest Bathing sessions with Nature Minds coming up in Alyth (photo above), Ruthven (photo below) and other locations in 2024. Please follow Nature Minds on Eventbrite, Facebook, Instagram and/or sign up to our newsletter to get updates and notifications.
Who is it for
- If you are needing to get away from it all and disconnect for a couple of hours from all the overwhelming demands of work, family and your own expectations - "the forest has your back" ("Your guide to Forest Bathing", Clifford, A., p. XII).
- If you're in need of some TLC - this may be a useful tool in your self-care box to aid a process of emotional healing.
- If you are mulling over some important questions and trying to find answers - you'll get some quiet time to work things out with a fresh perspective.
- If you are a creative who's looking for inspirations and the energy of flow - there's plenty of it in the forest.
- If you want to ease yourself back into fitness or need to take things slowly while recovering from an injury - this is a very gentle physical activity that will tick that box of being outdoors for the day without straining yourself.
- If you are feeling a little bit lost, lonely and longing for a meaningful connection - this may be a chance to meet other like-minded people. Besides, you're never alone amongst the trees.
- If you intend to spend more time outside but you're not sure where to go or are not feeling safe to go on your own - you can relax knowing that you'll be in a risk-assessed public area, yet in a quiet spot where you can be yourself.
- If you struggle to sleep because your mind can't switch off and keeps going over things - this might help to relax the mind and rest better at night.
- If your memory seems a bit scattered and you keep forgetting things - scientific research provides evidence for attention restoration after spending time in Nature.
- If you enjoy trying new things and are looking for something different to do in your area - this might take your fancy.
- If you'd like to bring a bit of playfulness into your relationship with a family member, a friend or a colleague - neutral and non-judgemental support of the natural environment may help with that.
- If you'd like to get to know someone on a deeper level - bring them along to this session.
- If you are a Nature lover - you don't need any proof or excuse to come. You already know how good it feels to be in the woods... And you might be surprised how different this experience is with a guide.
What to expect
Forest Bathing is a Japanese tradition of spending time in a woodland environment for physical, mental and social wellbeing. Nature Minds forest bathing walks are designed as an intentional process of connecting with more-than-human world through senses, breathing, reflection and visualisation. Elements of mindfulness meditation are interwoven into the practices. It is a guided outdoor journey for self-discovery through group work and mindful connection with Nature.
Participants will be invited to follow guided activities in silence with opportunities to share their observations afterwards with the rest of the group should they wish to.
No knowledge of trees and wildlife is required, it is not an information-based session, please do not expect to be taught how to forage or ID species etc. We’ll be working with body and mind through activating our senses and using mindfulness, compassion and gratitude to connect with Nature and ourselves. It’s a rather relaxed way of being with an open, beginner’s mind, tapping into our inner child’s playful curiosity about the surroundings.
Please note: there will be no actual bathing in water, just being surrounded by trees and green space.
Fitness level - moderate
Please note, this is not a workout or destination oriented walk. It is a slow-paced, leisurely, non-strenuous, suitable for most people moderate-level activity, allowing curiosity and mindful connection with a more-than-human world. It is not so much about walking as it is about noticing and wondering, following guided open-ended invitations. It does not matter whether you’re in shape or not, however, the walk to the Bluebell site takes around 30min on uneven woodland paths. Unfortunately, this walk is not suitable for wheelchair users. If you're interested in wheelchair accessible nature-connection walks, please get in touch at dorota@natureminds.co.uk to book a bespoke experience.
Terrain
Wide woodland paths with uneven ground, occassional exposed tree roots and fallen branches. Please exercise caution.
Essential equipment
Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear. Light snack and wild tea will be provided, including cups, however, you can bring your own snack and tea, if you prefer. It may be a good idea to bring something to sit on (lightweight camping chair/blanket/mat), if you’d rather not be sitting on the ground. Use your own insect repellent prior to the session.
Group size
For the quality of experience group size is limited to 12 people maximum per session. Minimum of 4 bookings are required for the walk to go ahead. Register early to secure your place.
Booking
To secure your spot, registration is required. Please ensure to complete and submit this form for each participant in addition to your Eventbrite booking. Thank you!
Safety
We will be in a secluded spot allowing everyone to feel comfortable and not worried about being watched or disturbed. The site will be risk assessed prior to the event, however the outdoor environment may change and requires ongoing dynamic risk-assessment, which participants will be made aware of. In addition, for your piece of mind, I also have up-to-date outdoor first aid training and will be carrying a first aid kit. Insect repellent is advisable to apply before the start of the walk (use your own). Details about the meeting place will be sent out in an email after confirmation of your booking.
Weather
The walk will go ahead in most weathers, it is therefore essential to wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear, bearing in mind that a slow walk will not keep you as warm as usual brisk walking. Some invitations may include sitting or lying down on the ground or walking barefoot (you can always opt out from any particular practice or choose an alternative). Please note that in case of severe weather conditions, the session will be rescheduled and you will receive an email from the organiser with a new date.
Testimonials
You’re welcome to visit my website on natureminds.co.uk to read about other people’s experiences of my guided forest bathing and nature-connection walks. I hope you have a positive and insightful experience yourself, which you may wish to share on my website post-event. You can send your testimonial to dorota@natureminds.co.uk and I will be most obliged for it as it will encourage more people to connect with Nature mindfully.
STAND OUTSIDE - BE OUTSTANDING!
Frequently asked questions
A Japanese practice rooted in the ancient wisdom of immersing oneself in the restorative embrace of nature, particularly within wooded areas. Guided by a skilled facilitator, participants are gently encouraged to tune into the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of nature to enhance wellbeing.
Forest Bathing welcomes all, regardless of experience level. Every session is a unique exploration, tailored to the environment and group dynamics. Whether it's your first time or you're a seasoned participant, expect a fresh and captivating experience with each visit.
Forest Bathing is inclusive to all fitness levels, with no specific requirements. The focus is on gentle, mindful engagement with nature, accessible to everyone. Sessions involve slow-paced walking, occasional barefoot walking, or sit spot exercises. Prioritise comfort, adjust as needed.
Just yourself (16+ years). No special equipment required. Please wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for outdoor activities and weather conditions. Additionally, you may want to bring a sitting mat, blanket or folded chair, water bottle, sunscreen, and personal items for comfort.
You'll embark on a guided outdoor experience centred around mindfulness and deep connection with nature. Activities may encompass gentle walks, sensory exercises, and moments of personal reflection. Sharing insights is encouraged but optional. The session concludes with a serene wild tea ceremony.
Of course, you’re encouraged to forest bathe solo or with a group, but during a guided session, you can fully relax without planning, thinking what to do next or worrying about safety. Sharing insights cultivates a profound bond with nature and enables collective wisdom to flourish within the group.
Sharing your experience with the group is optional. You're welcome to share insights if you feel comfortable, but there's no pressure to do so.
In guided forest bathing you're free to follow or modify the open invitations as you wish. If an invitation doesn't resonate, you can opt out. Ultimately, you're in control of your experience; the guide is there to offer guidance, not dictate your journey.
While we encourage mindful presence, photography can enhance your experience and serve as a way to share the beauty of nature with others. Please be respectful and seek permission before taking photos of others. Organisers may take photos with consent for promotion. Let us know your concerns.
Small food offerings will be provided at the end of the session. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions or allergies when registering for the session and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. You’re welcome to bring your own beverage and snacks if you wish.
The terrain varies but typically consists of natural trails, forest paths and meadows. While some areas may have uneven ground or exposed tree roots, the sessions are designed to accommodate participants of all fitness levels. Note: not all terrain is wheelchair accessible; choose site accordingly.
Forest Bathing embraces nature's elements, enhancing your sensory exploration. Sessions proceed in light rain or drizzle, prioritising your comfort and well-being. In severe weather, like storms, safety comes first; we may reschedule. Come prepared for any weather and let nature's wonders unfold.
Bathroom facilities are not available on-site, so we recommend using facilities before arriving at the session.
In Scotland we offer sessions in Eastern Perthshire, Angus, and South Aberdeenshire. Bespoke sessions in other locations are available with notice, depending on availability and demand. For updates, visit www.natureminds.co.uk or follow us: Facebook @naturemnds, Instagram @dorota.natureminds.
Generally Forest Bathing can be a wonderful experience for children to connect with nature, however this session is designed for adults only.
Yes, we tailor events to diverse needs, e.g team-building, unique outdoor activities, family days out, birthdays, celebrations, hen days, couple bonding & more. From creative workshops, through forest school based programs, to mindfulness meditation, retreats and more. Gift vouchers also available.