Introduction to Forest Bathing

This session is a gentle introduction to Forest Bathing for those with limited or no experience of mindfulness and meditation. Our more extended 3-hour Forest Bathing sessions are profoundly therapeutic and calming. We noted from running past events for universities, hospital staff, and corporate groups that 2-hours is more manageable as a starting point. We hope our new 2-hour session will open the benefits of Forest Bathing up to a wider audience.

There are on-site toilets and a coffee shop with food. There is a maximum of 20 places; this will ensure Gary and Olga can give each person private tuition.

ABOUT NATURE THERAPY:

In Japan, a forest bathing trip is called Shinrin-yoku.

“A forest bathing trip involves visiting a forest for relaxation and recreation while breathing in (wood essential oils). Incorporating forest bathing trips into a good lifestyle was first proposed in 1982 by the Forest Agency of Japan. It has now become a recognized relaxation and/or stress management activity in Japan.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_bathing

Some of the scientifically proven benefits of spending time in nature include reduced stress levels, stronger immune system response, and a stabilised cortisol cycle. You can read more about the benefits of Nature Therapy on our website.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

We will start with an introduction: who we are, what we do, and give simple tips for the session ahead.

We will take a walk around the site and then gather to start some simple relaxation exercises, these will involve breathing exercises, aimed at calming your breath and bringing mindfulness to your senses.

After some of the exercises, we will join in a group to briefly discuss our experiences, which will help us learn from each other and, maybe, notice something new about ourselves.

GETTING THERE:

LOCATION: There is a large free car park onsite; we will meet at 6.30pm at the far end away from the road. You will see us holding a sign “Nature Therapy.”

PUBLIC TRANSPORT:

The nearest train station is 3.5 miles away in Guildford. We will do our best to help facilitate pickups from the station if required.

SPACE IS LIMITED TO 20 PEOPLE– please, ensure you RSVP and pay to secure a place.

PRICE:

Single Ticket: 14 GBP for 2 hours – you can pay by Paypal on Meetup (with £1 surcharge per ticket), or by bank transfer – please contact us for more information.

Concessions (students, pensioners, benefit recipients): Flexible cost. PLEASE, CONTACT US FOR PAYMENT DETAILS. We will ask for evidence of concession eligibility.

Please, contact us to let us know you are coming.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

We kindly ask anyone attending the event to read our TERMS AND CONDITIONS. Please, be aware that by clicking “RSVP YES” and paying for your ticket, as well as coming to the event and paying there, you confirm you have read and agreed to our TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

Minors: Please, be aware our walks are aimed at adults due to the profound nature of Nature Therapy. We ask that 16 and 17 years olds are accompanied by adults (guardians or parents), and we will need a written consent letter from their parent/guardian. We can not admit anyone younger than 16 years old (sorry!).

Medical conditions/prescribed medications/pregnancy: if you are pregnant, please, inform us before the event. If you have any medical conditions, are on a prescribed medication, are pregnant, or have any concerns, please, see your GP and inform him/her about attending our Nature Therapy sessions, this will allow your GP to give appropriate advice. If you currently experience or have a history of serious health issues (including mental health issues, operations, medical procedures, seizures, implants, special needs), please, inform us before the walk.