What is Stillness in Nature?

Be still. Stillness reveals the secrets of eternity.
(Lao Tzu)

Be silent. Go slow. Think less. Feel more. Reconnect. Do good for yourself and all beings. May the calm of nature always be with you.

Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing, or ‘sylvotherapie’ or ‘bosbaden’ in Dutch) simply means immersing yourself in a forest setting. It is a unique sensory way to experience and connect with nature and a natural way to calm your senses in a busy world without modern day distractions. The practice reconnects you to the forested planet that we as humans grew up in and, in doing so, imparts you with a profound sense of peace.

Shinrin-yoku, originating in Japan in the 1980s as a self-healing technique to combat stress, has become a cornerstone of preventive health care and healing in Japanese medicine. It is scientifically proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce stress hormone production, boost the immune system, increase creativity, clarity and the ability to focus, improve energy levels and overall feelings of wellbeing. The practice of shinrin-yoku invites you to (re)connect with nature and protect our planet Earth, realizing we are part of it. Indigenous and ancient populations have been connecting with nature for more than 50,000 years and for them, the protection of nature and the natural environment and their subsequent survival as a species is evident. 

Stillness in Nature aims to inspire people to (re)connect with nature, themselves, each other and this moment in time and to practice nature connection on a regular basis. We organize small-scale shinrin-yoku workshops in nature both in the Amsterdam area and elsewhere. The workshops are for individuals and groups of friends/family/colleagues/teams.

We also offer an option to combine the shinrin-yoku walk with an outdoor yoga class. Like shinrin-yoku, yoga has its very roots in feeling a connection with nature and the natural world. Practicing yoga outdoors, in the fresh air, surrounded by greenery and fresh oxygen gives you a boost of energy, strengthens your immune system and stimulates your senses. You can smell the plants and trees, have a wonderful view during your asanas and could listen to the sound of the birds. This will inspire, motivate and stimulate you.

For upcoming activities, please check our Upcoming Shinrin-Yoku Workshops or contact us in case you want to organize your own forest bathing trip, or mini-retreat combined with outdoor yoga on a different date/time. We could explore the various options together. 

Stillness in Nature loves working in co-creation – aligning our activities with your programme – too!

Stillness in Nature also offers life coaching in nature, a refreshing new way of coaching. We walk together whilst talking, and with your question and situation as starting point. Nature will actively be incorporated in each session. Walking in nature helps you to become quiet in your mind. Nature is restful, therefore you will be able to listen better to your inner voice, there where you can find all the answers to your questions. 

In need of an inner reset? Look no further.