What is Forest Bathing?
Forest Bathing is a part of life here at Space Acres. Called Shinrin Yoku in Japan, forest bathing is when a person goes into the forest to spend time among the trees. It is no surprise that connecting to the forest helps people ease troubled minds, bodies, and hearts—refreshing and restoring us. However, it is only since 1982 when forest bathing was introduced into the Japanese national health program by Dr. Qing Li, that the scientific evidence to support what we know innately of the healing energies of the forest has been documented. In a nutshell, this includes better sleep, less anxiety, deepened feelings of connection, lowered cortisol levels, and heightened awareness towards self and sense of place. Additionally, forest bathing significantly boosts the immune system due to the phytoncides, (natural essential oils of trees that they use to protect themselves from fungi and to communicate to each other), found in the forest air which positively impact the human immune response. Generally speaking, a forest bath creates a unique space for a person to fully connect with themselves, nature, and time.
- From Forest Bathing by Dr. Qing Li
How to Begin Forest Bathing
Forest bathing is something you can do completely on your own as long as you have access to a forest.
Carving out approximately 1-2 hours is ideal, alone or with a small group.
Introduce yourself to the forest.
Plan to walk slowly.
Find a sitting spot where you can leisurely observe your surroundings with your senses.
Try to think of forest bathing as a slow wandering through the forest—not at all like a hike with a destination in mind.
It often helps to focus on using one sense — your sense of hearing, or touch for example— to deeply engage with the forest.
Observe both the large and small, the darkness and light, the wet and dry…give yourself time.
Try to mimic the timeline of trees—the slower unveiling of time, and letting things happen gradually.
Try to wander or sit longer than you think you need.
If your mind wanders, let it wander.
Don’t expect the forest to perform, don’t expect yourself to perform.
When you have finished your forest bath, please be sure to thank the forest in your own way before leaving.
For your Consideration / Items to Bring
Find a forest you have permission to be in.
Plan your forest bath in weather that is comfortable for you.
Wear weather-appropriate clothing and footwear.
Items you may want to bring include a water bottle, bug spray, something to sit on, a wristwatch, and a light snack for after.
If you plan on bringing a cell phone, keep it in airplane mode/silent to avoid distractions.
Forest Bathing at Space Acres
We have discovered that forest baths are a grounding way to honor transitions, open ourselves to new energies, and refocus. While you certainly don’t need a guide to forest bath, we have occasionally stepped into the role of guide for friends since before we even knew what to call the practice. We often did so during our new year’s day forest tea ceremonies. This summer of 2022, we are opening our practice to individuals or small groups who would like to partake in a unique guided experience with us on our forest grounds. We would love to create a custom experience with you—feel free to connect with us below.
What to Expect during a Space Acres Forest Bath
1-3 hour session in our private Catksill forest which includes streams, evergreens, birches, beeches and the like
When you arrive, Zarah will help you “get in the mood” with various sense tuning exercises
Upon entering the forest, Zarah will guide you to a prepared sit spot based on your forest bath intentions, and create space for you and your group as you engage with the forest
An optional sound bath with Filipina kulintang or a tongue drum can be added to the experience
An optional tea gathering afterwards, made with forest evergreens, can also be added to the experience
An optional filipino stickfighting / eskrima lesson can be added to the experience
Water and light snacks will be provided, but feel free to bring your own
Want to tune in now? Check out this virtual forest bath we created for the Healthcare Businesswoman’s Association during the pandemic.