Forest bathing

The practice of forest bathing boosts wellbeing and helps you to find stillness in a restless world. By Mark Reeves

If we are attentive enough and allow ourselves to truly listen and attune to nature, we can hear ourselves – the quiet, still part of us that we may have lost sight of. This is a return to our essence. We meet nature, and in doing so, we meet ourselves.

I see forest bathing as a reconnection with this stillness that is always within us, even if it's often obscured by the frenetic activity of modern life. For me, it is an act of communion with nature – and therefore with ourselves – as we are an intrinsic part of nature, not separate from it.

Can we allow ourselves to be truly touched by the delicacy of raindrops on a leaf, or on our face? By the gentle softness of moss? What does this touch in us? What does it awaken? This simple process of quieting and tuning in is profoundly therapeutic. It cuts through to a space deep within us – beyond our issues, problems, and concerns. The moss and the leaf do not worry about the future; they are simply part of a greater cycle. This can remind us that the same is true for us.

Forest bathing invites us to walk, sit, lie down, stand, or stretch with conscious, mindful awareness. We become present, connecting with and receiving all that is offered around us. In this presence, we discover richness – life in abundance.

Various invitations are introduced. For example, kneeling to touch the moss on the forest floor – feeling it, smelling it, even resting your face against it if you wish. This softens the boundary between ourselves and our surroundings. If it's raining, the invitation might be to hold our arms wide and feel the rain landing on our hands.

Wandering through the woods with curiosity – exploring as a child might – evokes our sense of wonder and enchantment.

One of the most popular invitations is to simply lie on our backs, breathing slowly and deeply, and allowing all of our senses to open. We breathe in scents we might usually miss, gaze up at the canopy above, and tune into the sounds of birds and wind. This full immersion and appreciation of the natural world is often overlooked during an ordinary walk.

At some point, we gather as a group to share anything we may wish to express about the experience. Often there is a deep sense of gratitude to nature that is spoken of and a sense of union and connectedness. I encourage participants to continue connecting with nature in this way – whether alone or with friends. Even in a local park, the experience can be deeply beneficial.

Documented benefits of forest bathing include increased energy levels, a strengthened immune system, deeper sleep, and enhanced attentiveness. Studies have shown it can lower blood pressure and support recovery from illness and trauma.

In Japan, the Ministry of Health has prescribed forest bathing as part of the national healthcare system since the 1980s, following research demonstrating its mental health benefits. This initiative arose in response to extremely high levels of workplace stress and anxiety at that time.

I have recently been invited by some companies and charities to offer forest bathing sessions for the staff. I have loved seeing how the stress and tensions start to fall away and a sense of freedom and relaxation emerges for people. I believe it helps people be more focused and productive in their work if they have this source of replenishment – and this is exactly why it was introduced in the first place in Japan.

Imagine standing in the woods with the only instruction being to simply be present and enjoy your surroundings. We could do this on our own at any time – but we rarely allow ourselves that precious space. Forest bathing invites and encourages this spaciousness, in which there is no particular agenda other than being immersed in the scents, sounds, and sights of nature. Through this, our connection and relationship with the natural world can deepen and flourish.

“I slowed down, I noticed, I felt, I saw, heard, smelled, touched. I actually was there not only in my body as I tend to do, but in my being. Now I'm just a little more “there” when I am surrounded by nature because I was reminded of how to be with it, respectfully. Thank you Mark for this beautiful experience of forest bathing in the Sussex countryside.” Sally, forest bathing participant.

Mark Reeves is a psychotherapist and a forest therapy guide who works with individuals and groups. The next Forest Bathing event happening in Sussex is on Saturday 18 October 10am -1.00pm.

More information about Forest Bathing.

Please get in touch if you would like to host a Forest Bathing event in your local area, or you would like Mark to run an event for your organisation or company. Email: kynastonreeves66@gmail.com.

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