Honeyguides Laura, Melissa-Roos, Yalou, Ngoc and Adrienne followed a Shinrin Yoku workshop with Nature and Forest Therapy guide Kat Novotna. In this blog, read their experience of forest bathing. After all, what is forest bathing good for, where does Shinrin Yoku come from and where can you do it? Laura and Melissa-Roos tell you more about it:
The sweet smell of wet leaves hangs in the air. The last rainstorm passed over the Utrechtse Heuvelrug this morning and the sun breaks through just as we start a Shinrin Yoku workshop. It promises to be a day of rustic forest bathing, a Japanese form of therapy given a Western twist. An experience close to nature that we, as ambassadors of the conscious inspiration platform Honeyguide, get to try out.
“ Shin·rin Yo·ku (Forest Bathing) = ”
Spending time in the forest to improve your health, well-being and happiness. The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy developed a specific programme to integrate the benefits of forest bathing with busy Western society.
Surrender to your senses - Forest bathing on the Utrecht Ridge
Together with our Nature and Forest Therapy guide Kat Novotna, we start the Shinrin Yoku walk in the immense forest of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug in one of our country's 21 national parks. "During Shinrin Yoku, it's all about finding your connection with nature again," says Kat.
We start by stimulating our senses. We stand in a circle on the forest path, eyes closed. At first, I feel a bit disoriented, being in the middle of the forest with my eyes closed. "Listen to all the sounds around you," Kat encourages us. "What all do you hear?" When I consciously listen, I hear much more than just birds around me. I hear the wind passing through the trees, insects buzzing and twigs cracking. A gentle summer breeze blows between my fingers. We stand like this for a while, while Kat lets us focus on the different senses.
Kissing the earth - Shinrin Yoku invitations
We continue along the forest path, deeper into the woods. Kat invites us to walk as quietly and consciously as possible, 'kissing the earth' she calls it. In silence, we embark on probably the slowest forest walk ever. At the first steps, I have to force myself to walk slowly.
With each step, I try to leave daily life further behind and get more and more into the rhythm of the forest. Suddenly, the kissing-the-earth way of walking feels like a very logical pace and I get into a flow. Not before did I feel so in-tune with nature.
Dating with a tree - With forest bathing comes
"Get to know the tree, you might want to tell a story to it or the tree to you". Kat looks excitedly at the group. We are going to date trees. "Trees are very important to us," she tells us. "What we exhale is good for the trees and what they bring out is good for us. Our immune system and that of the tree are aligned. We are more connected than we think".
I had already suspected that something along the lines of hugging trees would be on the agenda, and I have to find an attitude. Nevertheless, I bravely walk towards a tree. It is a huge spruce with a gnarled trunk. I put my hand on the trunk and walk around the tree. Above me, branches reach out endlessly and in silence I seem to feel the tree's energy.
Two cyclists pass us. "Hey, look! A tree-hugger!" they joke. I don't stir, holding a tree in your arms feels damn good. I would recommend it to anyone, such a date with a tree.
Tea ceremony in the forest - Our latest invitation
We conclude the therapy session with a tea ceremony at a hidden spot in the forest, where Kat has created a beautiful spot. "We thank nature and her hospitality. We thank her for welcoming us into her home". Kat offers us tea made of lavender and blueberry leaves. It smells amazing.
I am sure that my walks in the woods will never be the same again. From now on, I will walk slowly, close my eyes and listen to all the sounds around me. Next time, I want to take in every detail and appreciate life in the forest even more than before.
Way back home - Also want to follow a shinrin yoku workshop?
Would you also like to experience a Shinrin Yoku workshop and recharge yourself in nature? Meanwhile, Stefanie Boomsma a certified Nature and Forest Therapy guide has taken over the workshop from Kat. You can view workshops here.
Love,
Laura & Melissa-Roos