Activity | 13 July 2024 | Forest Bathing + Mindfulness in Nature

What is Forest Bathing+?

Forest Bathing enables you to spend mindful time in nature. It involves walking slowly under the canopy of the trees, inhaling the healing woodland air and connecting with nature via each of your senses. It is based on the Japanese practice of ‘Shinrin-Yoku’ and aims to bring about a serene feeling of relaxation and calm within your body, helping to restore balance and harmony. This is achieved by incorporating a mindfulness practice central to Forest Bathing. As you journey through the delightful woodland at Harry Edwards, you will be guided through various structured sensory exercises that will allow you to experience the woodland from different perspectives while inhaling the fresh woodland air.

How does it work?

Trees emit essential oils known as phytoncides, which possess natural, antimicrobial qualities to protect the tree from disease and parasites. These oils are highly beneficial to us when we breathe them in or absorb them through our skin.

It is estimated that up to 50% of the benefit of Forest Bathing is proven to come from these phytoncides, which are emitted by the trees, particularly when you are walking within a more diverse forest environment. Indeed, numerous scientific studies over the last 30 years, particularly in Japan, provide evidence of the many benefits of Forest Bathing. These benefits include boosting your immune system, improving cognitive brain function – including memory and concentration, increasing Heart Rate Variability (HRV) – an indicator of good cardiovascular health and balance in the nervous system, aiding weight loss due to an increase in your metabolic rate and helping you to sleep much better!

These benefits result from spending longer periods of time under the forest canopy and inhaling the phytoncides and higher oxygen content of the air. These factors combine to help reduce our cortisol levels, which in turn helps us relax and reduce stress, anxiety, and rumination on problems and worries. Therefore, we feel a lot calmer, happier and more relaxed.

During the forest bathing session, you will learn some useful tips that will help you fully immerse yourself in the stunning forest setting. The session finishes with a calming meditation followed by herbal tea.

Your Forest Bathing Guide, Philippa Bassett

Philippa trained with the leading research and training organisation in the UK, The Forest Bathing Institute, and her training is accredited by The Complementary Medical Association. Philippa is also a fully qualified Mindfulness & Meditation Teacher. As a mindfulness practice that underpins forest bathing, your session will engage each of the senses to bring about a full-body feeling of well-being, relaxation, and harmony with nature.

As a holistic health practitioner, Philippa aims to assist participants in enhancing their natural health and well-being and achieving a sense of overall calm and balance. You will gain insight into practising mindfulness in nature and learn some valuable skills that can be used on a daily basis in your life.