Shinrin Yoku, you may have to read it twice before you can pronounce it. The Japanese word 'shinrin yoku', or 'bathing in the forest', focuses on the healing power of nature. So it is not literally about taking a bath, but about immersing yourself in nature and its healing properties. In this blog, I share 4 places in the Netherlands where you can take a Shinrin Yoku workshop.
How does Shinrin Yoku work?
So how do you immerse yourself in nature? Shinrin Yoku often consists of a forest walk where all senses are intensively stimulated, making you feel more and more at one with nature. The walks are often with a guide because it can still be quite difficult to disconnect from the daily hustle and bustle and be completely in the here and now. During the walk, the guide often gives simple assignments that make sure you really take the time to let nature take effect on you. The walks are often in silence, so you can fully concentrate on this special experience. So you can really leave your phone at home, which is nice sometimes.
Health benefits of forest baths
This immersion in nature and feeling connected to the forest is very good for your health, according to various studies. Among other things, forest bathing is said to be a perfect remedy for stress, it lowers your heart rate and blood pressure and helps improve your immune system. A simple, but genuine panacea. And we are in luck, because since a few years, forest bathing has also made its way to the Netherlands and it is possible to enjoy this special experience in our own little country. Here are four addresses for a Shinrin Yoku walk or workshop.
“ I go into the woods to lose my mind and find my soul ”
John Muir (1838-1914)
1. Forest walk in Zeist
At Landgoed Heidestein in Zeist, Way Back Home regularly organises a Shinrin Yoku walk. The walk takes about three hours but don't worry, it is not a strenuous hike. The total distance is about 1.5 kilometres and time is taken to let nature take its effect on you. The forest bathing ends with a tea ceremony of local plants to let the experience sink in together with the group.
Reading tip: Our Honeyguides Laura & Melissa-Roos tried the Way Back Home workshop and share their experiences in the blog Shinrin Yoku: Forest bathing on the Heuvelrug.
2. Shinrin Yoku workshop in Maarn
This Shinrin Yoku walk at Landgoed Huis te Maarn normally takes place on Friday afternoons from 13h-16h. Getting connected with nature is central and this is achieved through a number of exercises explained by the guide during the walk. Between walks, you can share your experiences with the rest of the group in the so-called "listening circle". Only if you want of course, there are no obligations at forest bathing. This walk also ends with a tea ceremony with teas made from plants from the forest to complete the experience.
3. Forest bathing in the Hoge Veluwe National Park
It is also possible to bathe in the woods at the Hoge Veluwe. Meditation teacher Beitske Bouwman organises the walk about once a month(keep an eye on the agenda). The walk takes about 1.5 hours where you walk 2 to 3 kilometres at most. On Fridays the walk is from 10.30 to 12 a.m. and on Sundays from 11 to 12.30. There is room for 20 people each time, and children from 12 years old are also welcome at this walk.
4. Shinrin Yoku on the Horsten estate and Duivenvoorde Castle
The centuries-old estate 'de Horsten' in Wassenaar is also a perfect place to immerse yourself in the forest. At this Shinrin Yoku walk, the group is small; a maximum of six people. The walk takes place about once a month on a weekday. The price for the walk is €39.50, which includes a day ticket to the estate, tea made from ingredients from the forest and a healthy snack.
Are you curious about Shinrin Yoku? Then drop by one of these addresses for a soothing stroll. Escape from the daily hustle and bustle, get zen again and leave all your stress behind in the forest. How wonderful that sounds! I would say: leave your phone at home for once, put your mind at zero and go for a nice forest bath.
Have fun!
Love,
Laura