Forest bathing: meld mindfulness and nature immersion.

Have you ever noticed yourself becoming calmer and quieter when immersed in nature? Maybe the shape of a tree or the flutter of a leaf captures your attention and you find yourself spellbound for a moment. The smells of fresh green earth and tree bark, the sounds of the birds or the gallop of horses passing nearby. The texture, the taste of the air, the ever changing beauty. 

We naturally become more mindful in nature, he can’t help it as humans. Apply a little conscious thought to cultivating skills of mindfulness, engaging the senses and exploring sensations, and the therapeutic benefits are increased. 

A study in Stanford University produced quantifiable evidence that walking in nature can lead to a reduction in depression. Participants showed a decrease in brain activity in the areas that cause rumination and depression. Physiologically they showed decreased blood pressure, heart rate, muscular relaxation and the stress hormone cortisol. 

Forest bathing could be considered a form of medicine. 

Preceded by yoga you get an opportunity to bury your feet into the soft supportive earth gently holding you. You tune into your yoga alignment which promotes ease of movement and good posture. You can wake up the senses and tune into the subtle sensations of the inner body, the sensations associated with connecting and relaxing. Wide awake, fully aware, relaxed and curious you begin your forest bathing immersion. 

Following the experience you get to reconnect with your yoga. Standing tall and with dignity, like the trees, you get to reflect and allow the experience to soak in. Noticing what calls to your attention with a calm, open mind, you open up new, fresh thought patterns and patterns of behaviour. Observing with calmness and compassion, your mindfulness practice soaks in and spreads from there far beyond the experience, into the rest of your life, filtering out to those around you. 

In Ireland we are blessed with so many options for nature immersion; I have secured for us two of the finest!

Join us in Marlay Park, Rathfarnham, Friday mornings 10am all summer long; Orlagh House, Dublin Mountains Wednesday mornings, 10am in July. 

We will be a small group, practising social distancing, so bookings are via Eventbrite. There are currently a small number of spaces left for each event next week, July 15th and 17th, please book early. 

Events take place rain or shine! If it’s sunny we’ll spend a lot of time on or near our yoga mats to soak up blue skies and sunshine. You are most welcome to allow time for your own longer forest bathing immersion before or afterwards. If it’s raining we meet under the shade of the trees for standing yoga, posture and mindfulness. We set off in a loosely structured group with guidelines on how to immerse the senses, and we meet back for reflection and yoga to close. 

No experienced required, bring your child’s mind, your beginner’s body, and leave with your brightest smile.