Forest Bathing : Self-Care In Nature's Health Service

Forest Bathing - Mindfulness In Nature

Join us for a rejuvenating experience of Forest Bathing - Mindfulness In Nature at the Stunning Winkworth Arboretum NT, Godalming, Surrey. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and discover the healing power of the forest. I will lead you on a short walk which will include a few stopping points to enagage in exercises using our core senses plus some breathwork and a mindfulness meditation. Leave your worries behind and embrace the serenity of the trees, as you engage in mindful activities and connect with the natural world.

We are privileged to have the garden exclusively to ourselves for the first hour before it opens to public access. Please join me for a relaxing finish to your week and to set you up for the weekend.

This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to recharge your mind, body, and soul. Don't miss out on this unique experience!

Forest Bathing will take place outdoors and so please wear appropriate clothing and footwear and something to lie-on (e.g. Yoga Mat or a blanket)

Please note:

• Entry and car parking are included in the booking fee
• Food and refreshments are not included but are available to purchase from the Tea Room after the event.

FAQs

It is a mindful and sensory experience in forest and woods and surrounding nature. It is an immersive experience that leaves participants calm, relaxed and with an improved sense of wellbeing.

Forest Bathing ‘Shinrin Yoku’ was developed in the early 1980s in Japan and has been fully integrated into their holistic health programmes. Of course, indigenous people around the world have used nature as a source of maintaining good health and recovering from poor health for thousands of years.

There is a lot of research on the benefits of forest bathing from Japan and the UK has 11 universities currently researching, monitoring and publishing the positive impacts of forest bathing to support government and healthcare initiatives such as green social prescribing.

Everyone will enjoy their own experience, but most participants report feelings of awe, of wonder at the beauty of the trees, plus increased wellbeing from being bathed in the phytoncides (chemicals) released by the trees, and a sense of community from being part of a group.

Forest bathing is accessible to anyone who can enter the woods safely. If you have any mobility or health issues, please get in touch and we can discuss.

Yes, but remember, sessions take place in nature, so participants have to be conscious of their surroundings and treat nature with respect. A full risk assessment is carried out before each session. Additionally, the weather is continually monitored for high winds and lightning etc.

Yes, and it is a great activity for groups such as schools or clubs. However, some sessions are for adults or older teens only, so do check before you book.

Bring a mat to lie on and a bottle of water. That's all you need. Be sure also to dress for the weather - rainwear for example, or a hat in summer.

No, unless you feel particularly warm and want to e.g. remove your jacket. Temperatures can vary so we advise participants to wear layers

No, despite its name it does not involve immersing yourself in water.

In most cases yes. We don't enter the woods if there is a chance of lightning, but rain in itself is not a huge problem, as we are under the tree canopy, which provides some shelter, and rain gives us the chance to have an extra dimension to our time together in the woods. Extreme winds would result in a session being postponed.

Host or Publisher Nigel Grimes