WHAT IS FOREST THERAPY?

 

In Japan, the term Shinrin Yoku is a common term that not many North Americans are aware of. The term loosely translates to Forest Bathing in English which is a term you may have heard of. Forest Bathing, which I like to refer to as Forest Therapy, is a wellness practice that originated in Japan in the early 80's in response to a public health crisis of high burn-out rates among citizens, especially in larger cities like Tokyo. The Japanese government invested millions of dollars into investigating the various ways in which nature is beneficial to our health.

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By conducting these studies, they were able to determine that slowing down and spending time in nature actually provided many health benefits. It's no secret that nature is good for you, we all know it but Forest Therapy isn't just a hike in the woods; it's an immersive experience where you appreciate your surroundings by truly observing them and using your senses to obtain the full experience. Some benefits include:

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• Lowered blood pressure

• Elevated mood

• Lowered stress

• Improved concentration

• Reduced inflammation and more!

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As an avid nature lover, I became a photographer to capture beauty that really made an impact on me in that moment in time. It took me a while to discover that forest therapy was something that also had an impact on me because I always knew nature had a healing essence that I could never explain. Once I discovered forest therapy, the act of slowing down and taking in the entire experience, it became clear that I should combine my photography with my forest therapy. Slowing down in nature helps me to find more things that resonate so this creates more photography opportunities for me as well.

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Join me on a forest therapy and natural mindfulness walk for an opportunity to slow down and de-stress via nature. Find a date that works for you below and book today without delay!

 

Some activities we partake in during our intimate experience include:

• Mindful listening - can you hear the birdsong? What else can you hear?

• Mindful observing - what's in motion?

• Connecting and communicating with a tree

• Engaging many of our senses

• and more!

 

If you ever have any questions about my services, please feel free to reach out.