What is Forest Bathing?
Forest Bathing is the ancient practice of self-care through time spent in nature. The term Forest Bathing, or Shinrin Yoku, was coined in Japan in 1982 by Tomohide Akiyama, who was at the time the Director of the Japanese Forestry Agency.
The term may have been coined in Japan in the '80s, but the practice of being mindful while out in nature is as old as humankind. Today’s fast pace translates into a disconnect from the earth that sustains us, and my guided meditative walks will help reunite us with the divine living treasures that make up our Emerald City. We will see the plants with new eyes, listen to the sounds of the forest, literally touch grass, smell flowers, and even taste some plants!
Forest bathing has been has been found to lower blood pressure, heart rate, and levels of harmful hormones — like cortisol, which your body produces when it’s stressed. This relief can help put you in a more calm and relaxed state. Scroll down for more details!
And check out this great episode of "Hidden Brain," all about the healing power of nature!
Forest Bathing is one of the easiest and most holistic ways we can care for ourselves-- not only our nervous systems, but our bodies too! Forest Bathing practices have been clinically shown to reduce blood pressure, relieve stress, improve autonomic and immune function, improve mood, increase focus and concentration, aid digestion, reduce anxiety, increase creativity, and improve sleep!
I have been practicing Forest Bathing since before it went by that name, and in fact since I could walk. My first friend was a giant maple tree in our front yard, and I have befriended and communed with countless trees since that time. I regularly spend time basking in the restorative canopy of the forest, as well as seeking out bodies of water, wildlife, and other natural joys to contemplate and appreciate.
I have studied meditation and mindfulness under a number of teachers and lineages, including Jon Kabat-Zinn, Thich Nhat Hanh, Jack Kornfield, and the Seattle Insight Meditation Society, as well as countless hours in mindful movement practices such as yoga and Nia (for which I completed my certification to teach in 2008).
In Forest Bathing sessions, my love of nature combines with my practice of mindfulness. It's my deepest joy to share my passion for the exquisite sensory exploration of the forest.
If you are ready to immerse yourself in the healing forces of nature, send me a message and let's schedule a guided outing!
