Forest Bathing - Reconnect with Nature and your Wild Self

Forest Bathing/ Shinrin-yoku

Join a Forest Bathing session in the beautiful Covert Way Nature Reserve

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the woods as you relax and unwind. Your guide will lead you through gentle mindfulness exercises to engage and rewild the senses, slow everything down and step into timelessness. Go on a personal journey filled with surprise, joy, awe and beauty and reconnect with the Earth and all beings around you. See what it's like to find presence with yourself and attune to what's here and now.

No experience is necessary - just come with an open mind and a willingness to explore.

The 2 hour session involves

Gentle walking over uneven ground with some resting, standing and sitting breaks.

You will be invitied to engage in various sensory activities, some are quiet and introspective, others are playful and collaborative.

There will be space to share your experience, but it is not required. Everything is optional.

Some examples of activities are: Walking meditation, sensory-based mindfulness, reflection, contemplation, movement, nature-based art, forest exploration, poetry, sharing and more!

Sample Itinerary (each session varies and is adapted to the individual group)

- Opening circle

- Forest exploration activity

- Sensory meditation

- Sharing circle

- Nature-based art activity

- Closing circle

Meeting point

We will meet on the pavement at the entrance to the Reserve on Covert Way, where you will see a Public Footpath sign, street bin & Covert Way Street Name. There is a bridge crossing into the woods. We will meet on the grass by the road.

Your guide will be there waiting 15 minutes before. Please arrive in time to start at 9am.

Google Maps https://maps.app.goo.gl/QspWaLD93cm2tB3h8

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What to bring

You will need sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing, including layers and waterproof jackets. Also sun protection and plenty of water. Bring a journal, pen, something to sit or lie on and anything else that will make you comfortable.

Exchange

In exchange for the session I would be grateful if you would;

- Provide some feedback as these initial sessions are part of my training

- Donate (suggested minimum of £5) to https://www.mhctrust.org.uk/donate/ who look after the neighbouring woods

More information

What is Shinrin-yoku or Forest Bathing?

Shinrin-yoku translates from the Japanese as a forest bath. It’s a total immersion in the forest, an opportunity to relax, de-stress and be held by the forest.

Shinrin-yoku walks were developed in Japan in the 1980's as a response to major health and stress problems within the urban population. However, the roots of this practice are more ancient and date back to 4th century BCE. There are numerous scientifically researched physiological and psychological benefits of Shinrin-yoku, such as regulating the nervous system, lowered stress hormones and reduction of high blood pressure and heart rate, to name a few.

As leading expert Professor Yoshifumi Miyazaki writes in his book, Walking in the Woods, for 99.9% of human evolution we've been living in a natural environment and forest bathing brings us closer to that natural state. Forest bathing gives us the chance to unplug from the constant stimulation of our modern lives. We come home!

Your guide

Emma is training with Nature & Therapy as a Forest Bathing Guide with the mission to bring city dwellers closer to Nature to feel the relaxing and transformative benefits of immersing ourselves in the woods. She aims to facilitate the reconnection between people and the rest of Nature and strengthen our interdependent relationship with the living planet itself. She combines her experience working in the environment sector and volunteering with various eco projects with her own 'nature connection' experiences and embodied presence practice.

She has spent many years deepening her relationship with Nature and following the threads it weaves for her, exploring abundance and loss from London to the Amazon. Through this work, she nurtures a sense of belonging on this Earth by reconnecting with parts of us that are deeply rooted in the soil. Whilst touching into that childlike wonder, curiosity and play, she invites you to get to know all the beings we live alongside and find more presence with ourselves and the rest of the world.

Your guide holds an Outdoor First Aid Certificate, an Enhanced DBS and Forest Therapy Student Certification with Nature & Therapy. She is a qualified Lowland Leader with Mountain Training.

Please note

The booking form includes some important questions to ensure the safety of all participants, please complete it as fully as possible.