Forest Bathing at Center Street Retreat

At Singing Pines, we love sharing the healing power of nature with everyone through guided experiences that bring us closer to our purpose and into a deeper connection with the Earth.

On this forest bathing experience you will peel the layers of stress away and support healing by experiencing the medicine of the forest. We’ll do a series of relaxing and engaging activities to tap into our senses, deepen nature connection, hone intuition and connect with the natural world around us.

Center Street Retreat was once a yoga ashram, and boasts a beautifully landscaped garden with water features and a zen rock garden. In the heart of Orlando, it is a tranquil urban setting for all to enjoy.

What is Forest Bathing?
Known as Shinrinyoku (in Japaneses) it was established in 1982 by the Japan Ministry of Forestry, Agriculture and Fisheries to formalize the practice of connecting with nature to revitalize human’s spiritual, mental and physical health. Chiba University professor, Yoshifumi Miyazaki has led formal research that shows strong evidence of the benefits of this practice. He states, “we are over-stimulated and stressed by today’s man-made world, and that makes our bodies more susceptible to disease.” For him, “it’s not surprising that attention is turning to Shinrinyoku as an example of a natural and low-cost way to alleviate this problem.” Shinrinyoku, translates to mean “taking in the forest atmosphere” or “forest immersion”.

Singing Pines is an ANFT (Association of Nature and Forest Therapy) certified forest bathing guide service, which takes inspiration from Shinrinyoku.

Forest bathing is not about hiking, exercising, or meditating in the forest, but rather about being present and aware of the natural environment allowing its positive effects on the body, mind and spirit. In each session, we relax the mind and open the senses to connect with the More Than Human World. Understanding our reciprocity with all beings aligns with ancient traditions of right relationship and how our actions are interconnected.

From a scientific view, this practice has been proven to have many benefits for physical and mental health, such as:

• Lowering stress levels, blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels, which are associated with cardiovascular health and mood.
• Boosting immune system function by increasing the number and activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which help fight infections and tumors.
• Improving cognitive abilities, such as attention, memory, and creativity, by reducing mental fatigue and enhancing mood.
• Reducing the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and high cholesterol, by improving metabolic and inflammatory markers.

The human connection to our environment and exposure to natural elements can restore our own natural balance. Some of the mechanisms that scientifically explain how forest bathing works are:

• Phytoncides: These are volatile organic compounds emitted by plants and trees that have antimicrobial and antifungal properties. They can also stimulate the production of NK cells and reduce stress hormones.
• Negative ions: These are electrically charged particles that are abundant in natural settings, especially near waterfalls, rivers, and oceans. They can improve mood, reduce depression and anxiety, and enhance oxygen absorption.
• Biophilia: This is the hypothesis that humans have an evolutionary tendency to seek connection with nature and other living beings. It suggests that contact with nature can promote psychological well-being, social bonding, and environmental awareness .

Forest bathing can be practiced by anyone who has access to a natural area. It does not require any special equipment or skills, only a willingness to slow down and appreciate the moment. This practice is a simple and effective way to help you relax, recharge, and reconnect with yourself and our environment.

Host or Publisher Singing Pines Forest Bathing