Event description
Forest Therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku which translates as ‘bathing or immersing in the forest atmosphere’. Let’s spend some slow, gentle and mindful time in nature.
Forest Therapy
Forest Therapy sessions follow a standardised sequence as based on the International Core Curriculum for Forest Therapy. Sessions are 3 hours in duration, wandering between 1-2 kilometres. Each session concludes with an Australianised tea ceremony.
What happens during a session?
In a small group, we will slowly and quietly wander along flat trails and grassy spaces, amongst tall trees. Your guide will lead you through a series of gentle, immersive practices, using all of your senses and igniting your curiosity to connect and to be present in nature mindfully. Your guide will support you to spend the time connecting with yourself and with nature.
We will walk slowly, mostly in quietness, with phones and cameras turned off. At times, we will spend some time sitting on the ground. Usually, we will be in the shade, but occasionally we may walk or sit in an open space. Your guide will suggest activities that have been designed to relax and calm busy minds so you can best receive the medicine of nature. A combination of gentle movements, creative or sensory activities in each session. You can choose to complete them, change them or even not do them. It is entirely up to you.
Who is this session for?
This session is for you if you are wanting to slow down and be more mindful, interested in connecting with nature, or even if you are just curious about Nature or Forest Therapy. Sessions are for those aged 15 years or older, are able to walk on flat, but uneven trails and grassy spaces, and can spend some time sitting on the ground. If unsure, please get in touch with any queries.
What are the benefits of Forest Therapy?
Forest Therapy is a preventative public health practice as it has benefits for your mind and body. You may have already felt some benefits after spending time in nature like feeling more relaxed, calmer or happier. Benefits are also well-established in the international, scientific literature.
Physical benefits
include
- reducing stress hormone (cortisol) levels
- reducing blood pressure, pulse and heart rate
- improving immunity.
Psychological benefits include
- improving mood and emotions such as feeling happy or calm
- improved attention, working memory, mental flexibility, creativity
- reducing feelings of stress, worries and sadness.
What to wear and bring
- Wear comfortable clothing, appropriate for the weather and for being outdoors in nature. We walk slowly so an extra layer to stay warm may be needed. Comfortable pants, layers work best, and perhaps a rainproof outer layer (we continue in light rain). We recommend that you wear a sunhat.
- Participants should be able to walk at a slow pace over various ground covers and terrain. We recommend wearing closed, sturdy shoes.
- Carry a small day pack and bring water, snacks and personal medications. Also carry a clean face mask and hand sanitiser, just in case they are needed.
- Bring your curiosity, open mind and heart.
About your guide
Dr Kathleen Bagot is the founder of Nothing Like Nature. With a PhD in Environmental Psychology, Kathleen understands how our environments affect the way we think, feel and behave. She specialises in the benefits of time in nature, for adults and children. Kathleen is also a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide (trained with the Institute of Forest Therapy, certified by the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance; INFTA). She can guide you on a forest therapy walk or nature immersion, where you will experience the benefits of spending time in nature mindfully.
Bookings are essential as spaces are limited. Exact meeting point will be provided shortly after booking.
For our full Terms and Conditions, or for more details, see our Useful Information and FAQs on our website
If you have any queries, please get in touch with Kathleen at nothinglikenature@pm.me
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Nothing like Nature conducts specially designed wanders in beautiful natural spaces. Sessions are tailored for each small group and what the environment is offering on the day. They are designed to relax and calm busy minds to support being present and connect with nature.