Simply being present in the natural world – with all our senses fully alive – can have a remarkably healing effect.
It can also awaken in us our latent but profound connection with all living things.
This is ‘forest bathing’ (‘bosbaden’), a practice inspired by the Japanese tradition of ‘shinrin-yoku’.
It is a gentle, meditative approach to being in nature an an anti-dote to our nature-starved lives that can heal our relationship with the more-than-human-world.
“Wander out into the fading light. Dusk. Notice with all your senses what this time of the days offers. Perhaps it will send you on a journey?”
Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing/forest therapy or bosbaden) is a dynamically developing practice based on the general principle that it is beneficial to spend time bathing in the atmosphere of the forest. There’s a long tradition of this in cultures around the world.
A guided shinrin-yoku walk consists of several ‘invitations’, short voluntary activities you are invited to take part in.
When a certified ANFT guide offers the invitations during a guided shinrin-yoku session, be assured that these are all crafted to slow down and open your senses.
You begin to perceive more deeply the nuances of the constant stream of communications rampant in any natural setting. You learn to let the land and its messages penetrate into our minds more deeply.
Of course, you can try all of the invitations in your own natural surroundings as well!
Enjoy!
Marjolein
stillnessnature.com 