Forest Bathing

Forest Bathing, or 'taking in the forest atmosphere', originated in Japan where it is known as Shinrin (forest) Yoku (bathing). Through simple exercises to open your senses of sight, smell, sound, touch and taste you will be guided into a state of mindful presence. We will then walk gently through the forest, with one or two exercises to help us appreciate what we find. This is not an energetic hike in the woods - it is more a meditation where you will experience a profound connection with nature and the forest. You won’t walk far but you will appreciate the forest in a deeper and more meaningful way than ever before. The experience ends with a shared tea ceremony using foraged plants. The session lasts around 2 1/2 to 3 hours and costs €25 

There is a lot of research from Japan which shows that spending time in nature in this way has many health benefits, including boosting the immune system, lowering blood pressure and aiding sleep. For me though it is the deep spiritual connection with Nature that is the real gift of Forest Bathing. It is returning to the wooded planet that our ancestors evolved in; returning to our original state of being.