shinrin-yoku: absorbing the forest atmosphere
What is Forest Therapy?
Forest Therapy is derived from the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. The philosophy does not require actual bathing, but instead encourages people to spend time in nature, connecting with their senses.
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Forest therapy is inviting your senses to do what they do best: bring attention to what’s around you. By asking the right questions while in nature, your mind might pause just long enough to let your senses guide you. That’s where you break the habit and hear something new, see something in a different way, notice colors more, or see the shapes in things. This lets you take your mind off your worries long enough to let in the world around you and see things from a fresh perspective, to be open.
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The act of awakening your senses is one of those things that you think is so easy, that you can do it at any time, but it is much harder than that. We may think we’re doing it when we go for a walk outside, but our minds never stop. We spend so much time thinking and worrying and processing thoughts, that we don’t know how to shut off our brains and truly pay attention to what all our senses are noticing. This is what a guide helps with, giving you the chance to truly listen and hear so much more.
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Reconnecting with nature in a mindful way is an invaluable tool in your wellness toolbox. It is truly at the core of everything. These are some of the scientifically supported physical benefits from Forest Therapy:
- Reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol (stress) levels
- Improved immune system, parasympathetic nerve activity, sleep, focus, memory, and mood
- Accelerated recovery from surgery or illness
Forest Therapy also offers many intangible benefits that support our mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual health. Forest Therapy allows our bodies to heal physically, our minds to settle down, and our spirit to find connection and growth.
What Forest Therapy is Not
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Exercise
Although there is some walking in a Forest Therapy session, it is largely a practice in moving slowly, in slowing down enough to notice the small things. A walk with Nourish is a leisurely stroll.
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Psychotherapy
I am a certified guide from the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, not a licensed therapist. Forest Therapy is not designed to be a comprehensive replacement for your mental health needs.
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A Naturalist Tour
I am not a biologist. I thoroughly enjoy learning about our environment and pick up more information each time I am out in nature, but I leave the scientific knowledge to the experts.
“I feel more grounded to myself and the earth. Clear in my mind, refreshed in spirit, soul, and body. Having guidance through this experience for me was beneficial.”
— Steph M.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between shinrin-yoku, forest bathing, forest therapy, and nature therapy?
A: When you read about forest therapy online, there are terms you will find that are interchangeable. Forest therapy, nature therapy and forest bathing are all terms that mean essentially the same thing. The Japanese phrase shinrin-yoku literally translates to “forest bathing,” which describes the experience of being immersed in the atmosphere of the forest, or any natural landscape.
Q: Are we going to be getting wet or actually bathing?
A: Not unless you decide you want to jump in the river or lake! On a guided forest therapy walk, we will be engaging with our natural surroundings, bathing, or more like basking, in the presence of nature.
Q: Do you need to be an outdoorsy person?
A: You do not need to be an outdoor enthusiast or someone who spends a lot of time outdoors. You just need an interest in being outside for a few hours to enjoy your senses.
Q: Where do you offer Forest Therapy?
A: There are numerous locations in southwest Michigan that can support a Forest Therapy experience. It can be practiced at any of the numerous trails and parks in our area, at the lakeshore, by a river, in your own backyard, in a garden, on a farm, literally any outdoor location that is free from the bustle of human activity. You can even enjoy the benefits of nature therapy from the comfort of your own home near a window that looks out into nature. I am happy to travel to your location.
Q: Someone in my group has accessibility needs, can they still participate?
A: Forest therapy “walks” can be adapted if you or a person in your party has mobility or other issues; contact me and we can make sure that you are signed up for a time when we are using an accessible trail.