Forest Bathing: Retreat into Nature
Forest Bathing is an enjoyable and restorative practice which involves connecting with nature for health and well-being.
With its roots in Japan, Forest Bathing is a gentle and restorative practice which involves bathing our senses and our whole being in the atmosphere of the forest. It brings together the beauty, healing and wisdom of nature with simple ‘invitations’ which facilitate deep relaxation and connection to both self and the natural world.
Forest Bathing is a powerful and pleasurable way to re-set the nervous system with benefits lasting long beyond the session.
Sessions include gentle walking, sitting meditations and ‘invitations’ which are simple, guided practices to help you connect more deeply with yourself and nature.
Research shows that Forest Bathing helps to:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Lower cortisol levels
- Reduce blood pressure
- Lower heart rate
- Boost immune system function
- Improve empathy
- Stimulate creative thinking
Forest Bathing in East Sussex – Relax your Mind. Awaken your Senses. Nourish your Soul.
Join us on 8th February 2020 for a gentle and nurturing day combining:
- Valuable self-care tools
- Forest Bathing
- Nature Connection
- Time around the fire
Date: Saturday 8th February 2020.
Time: 11am – 3pm.
Location: Mill Woods, near Laughton, East Sussex.
Facilitators: Marina Robb, Circle of Life Rediscovery Director and Claire de Boursac, Nature as Nurture Director, Nature well-being practitioner, Humanistic Psychotherapist (BACP) and Walk for Health leader.
Cost: £65.00
How to book: Please complete our online booking form where you will also find payment details.
During a session you’ll be guided through a series of ‘invitations’- carefully crafted exercises designed to help still your mind, heighten your senses and deepen your connection to the surrounding environment. Having found that soothing place, you’ll be invited to bathe in the overall serenity of the woods and to take a closer look at the finer details of nature around you. Calm, grounded and connected is the end result of a Forest Bathing session.
During this mini-retreat, we will enter the darker half of the year receiving nature’s wisdom and support.
Like the animals, we will gather up what we need to nurture and restore us.
Further information can be found on our website.
Further details about Forest Bathing:
Does it involve swimming?
No. The sometimes confusing name is a translation from the Japanese ‘Shinrin Yoku’. We remain fully clothed (with option to go barefoot) and bathe in the atmosphere of the forest.
Do I need any experience?
No. You’ll be guided through everything.
Do I need any special equipment or clothing?
No. You’ll need to wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather and footwear that can manage uneven ground. As it’s a slow-paced session I suggest bringing an extra layer to be on the safe side. Seating pads are provided for sitting meditations.
Do I need to be fit?
Forest Bathing is a slow-paced walk with some in-situ meditations. It is not a hike. You will need to be fit enough to be outdoors for the session length. There are periods when we are standing still and if this is uncomfortable for you there’s always the option to lean against a tree or sit on the ground. If you have any concerns about health and fitness drop me a line.
Do you forest bathe in all weather?
Almost. Part of the aim and also part of the joy of forest bathing is to engage in nature in her fullness. The woods are rather magical in the rain. Sessions will not run if it’s dangerous to do so – for example in high winds or thunder storms.
Is this a summer only activity?
Sessions run year-round. One of the joys of forest bathing is to witness the changing of the seasons and notice the beauty in all.
Is the session accessible?
It will depend on the session and the route. Please contact us to check. As we are often off the beaten track in the woods, with uneven ground the routes may not be suitable for wheelchair access.
Transforming education, health and family through nature.
Circle of Life Rediscovery provides exciting and highly beneficial nature-centred learning and therapeutic experiences for young people, adults, and families in Sussex woodlands, along with innovative continuing professional development for the health, well being and teaching professionals who are supporting them.
Tel: 01273 814226.
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www.circleofliferediscovery.com
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