Shinrin-Yoku or forest bathing is a Japanese tradition that gained popularity especially in the 1980s. Meanwhile, more than 95 different centers and nature reserves in Japan have been specially set up to practice Shinrin-Yoku.
This method of wading through the forest ensures that you reconnect with nature. We do this through a number of simple ‘invitations’ or invitations that you get started with. Rather, we speak of reactivation because it is an ancient instinct that we breathe new life into. It is a blessing for body and mind.
Research has shown that forest baths lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar levels and also have a positive effect on cells that fight cancer. But our focus is mainly on the healing effects on the mind. It helps to reduce your stress levels and to take away fears.
Stress is such an odd mover that you usually don’t feel, but that you often carry in your backpack for a long time. So long, in fact, that you get used to it. But nothing is less true. Once you get rid of that stress, you feel reborn anyway.
You could call it ‘Mindfulness’ in the forest because by slowing down and reflecting on things you rediscover the beauty of nature.
The rituals or invitations you can accept ensure that you stop thinking for a while and learn to look back, hear, taste, listen, feel… Distance during a forest bath is not important. There is a good chance that you will not cover more than a few kilometers during a forest bathing session of about 2.5 to 3 hours. So everyone can do it too. Slow is the message.
You usually do such an invitation alone. So not much is said. We come together after each ritual to briefly exchange thoughts. But it’s about your experience at that moment and you don’t have to share that at all.
Each forest bath is concluded with a tea ceremony in group. If you want, you can just go home afterwards or you can relax in the woods for a while.
But keep in mind that just like a real bath, you will be tired and satisfied.