FOREST BATHING
BEING IN THE TREES
Forest bathing (shinrin yoku 森林浴 in Japanese) is a nature connection practice that originated in Japan in the 1980s as a way to address the large number of people that were dying at their desks from stress and overwork.
Extensive research was done into the positive health effects of forest bathing and so the practice spread worldwide. Instead of bathing in water, you bathe in the healing atmosphere of the forest. It is an immersion in the forest environment. Forest bathing is proven to boost physical and mental wellbeing and build resilience.
I trained in a forest bathing approach from Finland, called Forest Mind (Metsämieli in Finnish). Forest Mind combines mindfulness, natural movement and coaching. As a coach, I appreciate how this type of forest bathing goes deeper into a person’s journey and in 2020, I became a licensed Forest Mind guide. I have also studied Ecopsychology and Ecotherapy.
How does it work?
I take you on a slow, gentle guided walk – stopping at regular intervals to guide you through a series of mindfulness-based exercises, helping you connect to the natural environment and ultimately to deepen the connection to yourself. We usually don't walk very far.
People report after just ten minutes that they notice a heightened awareness of their surroundings. As the guide, I hold a safe space for participants’ process and self-reflection.
I offer Forest Mind walks for individual, families and groups. I also bring Forest Mind practices into my outdoor coaching walks where it can be beneficial. It's a beautiful way to experience nature-based wellness and to deepen your sense of appreciation for the natural world.
Forest bathing and other nature connection practices are also available in the city so get in touch if you would like to deepen your nature connection.
Contact me below to find out more or to book a session.
If you are not local to me in Belgium, you can still follow the walks on Instagram and Facebook: A walk in the woods Belgium. I can help guide you in your own practice wherever you are in the world.
