Join me for a shinrin-yoku experience, journeying through the mixed mature woodland of this lovely Woodland Trust site as nature heads towards midsummer.
Forest bathing is all about slowing down and using the senses to immerse yourself in the woodland environment – no actual ‘bathing’ involved so you won’t need your cossie! It’s about using the natural environment to ease us into being present in the here and now. As an activity focused on awareness, it shares a lot with mindfulness practices but with its own unique approach rooted in the natural world.
I'm Janine at Nature Connect NW and I'll guide you through some simple mindfulness practices and movements followed by the classic forest bathing walk focused on tuning into the senses. I'll invite you to take part in activities to deepen your connection with the environment around us and you'll also have your own personal 'sit spot' time. We'll finish with tea and biccies and a chance to share our experiences.
Feedback from previous events tells me that participants really value the feeling of having permission to slow down, be present in the moment and have time for themselves. My gentle, invitational approach helps people to feel comfortable to engage at whatever depth is right for them. While I encourage folk to share their experiences and form a kind of temporary community amongst us for the morning, there is no pressure to do so. The skills I have as a counsellor help me to hold space for participants as individuals and to bring the group together in ways that people have found enriching.
Pay what you can structure: At checkout, you choose what amount to put in. For this event, I suggest a standard fee of £18 if you're doing ok financially. If you're on a low income/unwaged £7 and if you're feeling flush and want to help subsidise those on low incomes, £24.
I've found this generally evens out into a reasonable sum to cover my costs (insurance, planning, training, equipment, travel etc) and provide an income while making my events accessible to more people.
