A Heart Centered Approach to Relaxing in the Natural World.
Forest Bathing/Forest Therapy
Forest Bathing or shinrin-yoku started in Japan in the 1980’s as a national health initiative in response to the stressors of a high-tech urban lifestyle. The term shinrin-yoku was officially coined in 1982 by the director of the Japanese Forestry Agency to encourage citizens to experience forests and help preserve natural landscapes. Studies were done which proved that it was healthy to be in nature. Cortisol levels lowered, immune function improved after walking in cedar forests. Forest bathing turned from being a simple outdoor activity into a proven form of ecotherapy.
Shinrin-yoku (Forest Bathing) is the original, general practice of slow, sensory immersion in the forest for well-being, while the ANFT (Association of Nature & Forest Therapy) Forest Therapy is a structured, guided approach inspired by Shinrin-yoku, adding elements of ecotherapy, specific “invitations” to open the senses and promote healing, and deeper connection to nature for holistic healing and relationship building.
Think of Forest Bathing as the broad concept, and ANFT Forest Therapy as a specific, guided framework building on it, fostering a profound, reciprocal relationship with nature, not just stress relief.
What is the Roll of a Nature Therapy Guide?
Nature therapy is a practice of slowing down; its not a walk or a hike per se. It is about noticing, being curious, using your senses to be mindful in nature, and more in-tune with yourself and your connection to the natural world.
Nature Therapy Guides are not therapists, they are trained guides who work in partnership with nature (nature is the therapist) and provide the space, and open minded attitude (nonjudgemental) to gently open the doors to a deeper connection to yourself and the natural world.
What to expect on your Nature Therapy Walk: Deb will welcome you, tell you a bit about the land or the place you are about to explore and she will provide calm, non-hurried prompts or “invitations” to slow down and bring you into the moment. Your senses will awaken naturally as you shift your attention away from your stressful thinking mind and into “bodyfullness”. There will be time for quiet reflection and optional sharing in a supportive circle.