Forest Bathing

What Is Forest Bathing ?

There is an invitation from nature. A call to slow down and notice, rediscover and connect to yourself and the natural world. To be here with no agenda is to touch upon the essence of Forest Bathing or "Shinrin-Youku" which translates to mean "immersing yourself in the forest atmosphere. "

As a practice, forest bathing began in Japan in the 1980s for the purpose of introducing people to the health benefits of spending time in the forest. Today it is practiced throughout the world in many different natural environments as a way to reconnect with nature, reduce stress and anxiety and promote an overall feeling of wellness.

When you participate in a forest bathing walk you will "bathe" in the aerosols and other sensory delights which permeate the forest or any natural environment. You will be invited to tune-in to the sights, sounds, smells, textures, tastes as well as your imagination..

As your guide I will lead you on a slow, relaxing walk and offer you suggestions for connecting to the land in ways that will cultivate meaning, contemplation, playfulness and wonder. I will hold the space for you to sink into your own internal rhythm and enter into the forest's rhythm or what I call "forest time." There will be stops along the way with periods for quiet reflection as well as time for sharing with others. The experience will conclude with a special offering and a sharing circle to complete our journey together.

Fore more information or to book a Forest Bathing experience:

Skyhawkwalks@gmail.com, info@skyhawkawalk.com or use the contact form on this site. You can also call Sky at (908) 368-1918.

The Benefits of Forest Bathing and Spending Time in Nature

Mental Health Benefits

Reduces Stress - Lowers cortisol levels, the chemical in our bodies that is responsible for the fight, flight and freeze response. When we look at the natural patterns which run throughout nature, referred to as fractals, we automatically become more relaxed and our stress levels are reduced.
Reduces Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression - Activates the parasympathetic nervous system which puts us in a state of relaxation and helps us to feel peaceful and calm. Releases our feel good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin.
Improves our sleep - Exposes us to sunlight and natural sounds which helps to regulate our circadian rhythm. Fresh air also improves our oxygen levels which helps with brain functioning, The less stress we experience, the more our sleep improves.
Increases Creativity and Memory Retention - Puts us in a state of present moment awareness which helps us to restore memory retention and allows us to access deeper states of thinking which heightens our "creative flow."
Reduces feelings of Isolation - Helps us to feel more connected to the greater world at large, to ourselves and others (both human and nonhuman creatures and beings.)
Makes us feel a sense of awe and wonder - Helps us to feel more appreciative, alive and whole. Gets us in touch with the deep, inspiring beauty of nature.

Being in Nature Helps To Improve Our Overall Health and Wellness

Boosts our immune system - There our certain trees in nature that release chemicals in the air known as phytoncides. When we inhale these chemicals, our natural killer cell's activity increases. Our natural killer cells helps us to fight off disease and illness.
Lower our blood pressure and heart rate - Spending time in nature can promote relaxation and reduce cardiovascular strain.
Increases your vitamin D - Being outdoors in the sunlight increases our vitamin D levels, which is important for our bones, blood cells, and immune system.
Increases our desire for exercise which is overall good for us - Getting out into nature can lead us to walk, bike, hike, or kayak more often. People often engage in regular physical activity when they're out in nature. Physical activity is good for us, the more we move, the better we will feel.

Forest Bathing

What Is Forest Bathing ?

The Benefits of Forest Bathing and Spending Time in Nature

Mental Health Benefits

Being in Nature Helps To Improve Our Overall Health and Wellness

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