Shinrin Yoku

Shinrin Yoku translates literally as ‘Forest shower’ or ‘Forest Bathing’, and is an invitation to totally immerse ourselves in the embrace of the woods.

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Shinrin Yoku originated in Japan in the 1980’s as a response to mass urbanization, disconnection from the land, and the results of unhealthy lifestyles in large overcrowded cities.

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Shinrin Yoku is an evidence-based approach to encouraging people to engage with the natural world. On a Forest bathing walk with me, we'll combine Shinrin Yoku practices with mindfulness exercises, embodied presence and sensory attunement. We'll include the mental, emotional and spiritual needs and benefits of connecting to Nature at a deeper level, the experience of awe that leads to an appreciation of the natural world and therefore a desire to protect and nurture it, to give something back. This is reciprocity and is part of our ecological ‘belonging’.

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My forest bathing walks are currently held in Groton Wood Nature Reserve. A beautiful, ancient woodland, parts of which have existed since prehistoric times, a precious remnant of the 'wildwood' that once covered lowland Britain.

A proportion of your ticket price goes directly to Suffolk Wildlife Trust contributing to the conservation of local wildlife reserves.

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The last event open to the public will be on the 3rd October (Book Here), these regular Forest Bathing events will then resume in Spring '24.

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I will however be running a personal study, as part of my praxis stage of training, which will involve a group of us Practicing Shinrin Yoku - Forest Bathing, throughout the Autumn and Winter. My study will be looking into the effects of this nature Immersion on individual's experiences of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If this is something you'd be interested in being involved with, please get in touch before the end of September '23.

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