Our Forest Bathing+ sessions at Alice Holt Forest, Farnham, Surrey consist of a two-hour slow, mindful walk under the canopy of trees, amongst beautiful woodland.
Participants are guided through a series of sensory exercises designed to develop a deeper connection with nature. Each Forest Bathing session concludes with a guided mindfulness relaxation.
In Japan, where ‘Shinrin-yoku’ or Forest Bathing originated, millions of people benefit from this practice each year. Scientists there have carried out over thirty years of scientific research and evidenced that the air, especially in ancient woodland has a higher oxygen level. In addition, the air chemistry carries beneficial essential oils, known as phytoncides. So, inhaling these beneficial oils is an important aspect of Forest Bathing, along with slowing down and immersing yourself in nature.
Slowing right down allows you to step away from the constant state of ‘thinking’ or the busy mind. So, don't be surprised if your worries and cares seem to melt away. You will be experiencing nature in a different way, perhaps like a child would, seeing things in more detail, with clarity and awe. You'll never look at woodland in the same way again!
The Forest Bathing Institute Guides training is rigorous and comprehensive. It includes training in mindfulness and meditation. We are looking forward to sharing the restorative power of nature with you!
About The Forest Bathing Institute
Co-Founders, Gary Evans and Olga Terebenina have led hundreds of Forest Bathing sessions for thousands of people. They know it works from the transformations they have witnessed. The Forest Bathing Institute has initiated a global university scientific research programme which has already confirmed numerous health benefits.
Dr Kirsten McEwan, Senior Research Fellow at The University of Derby, Department of Psychology says: "Participants scores improved on measures of safe and relaxed positive affect, compassion for others and from others, rumination on problems, nature connection and pro-environmental attitudes, and mood disturbance-notably depression, anger, tension, confusion and fatigue."
This extract is taken from the Research Paper carried out in 2021 following collaboration with The University of Derby and The Forest Bathing Institute into ‘A Pragmatic Controlled Trial of Forest Bathing Compared with Compassionate Mind Training in the UK’
Sessions are for Adults aged 18+ years old.
Please contact us with any questions you may have ahead of your Forest Bathing session, we will be happy to hear from you.
Email: info@tfb.institute
