Forest Bathing - Monday

WHAT IS FOREST BATHING

The healing energies of the natural world have been known about for centuries. Forest Bathing is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin- Yoku, which can be loosely translated to “taking in the medicine of the forest”. This practice was established in the 1980's in Japan as a direct response to declining health in the population. It is a simple yet powerful way to tap into natural healing powers that are readily available to all of us. Extensive research shows that Forest Bathing can offer relief from anxiety and depression, provide a deeper sense of mental relaxation, better sleep and an increased feeling of gratitude and overall sense of well-being.

All sessions take place outside. Location and a list of what to bring will be sent to you in advance.

IMPORTANT: Due to Covid-19 safety guidelines, we will only permit a total of eight (8) participants per session.

WHAT TYPE OF ACTIVITIES WILL I ENCOUNTER?

Forest Bathing typically lasts about 2 hours and we won't be covering much distance (less than 1/2 mile) on a level and unobstructed path. We will mostly be in silence. Each session closes with a brief tea ceremony and time for sharing and reflection on how to integrate your experience into daily life.

A session of forest bathing might consist of becoming aware and moving through a series of Invitations like these:

• Touch Water
• Water Messenger
• Speak Aloud
• Feet in stream
• Scent Tracking
• Cloud Watching
• Seek Support From a Stone
• Sit Spot
• Forest Floor
• Walking barefoot
• Listen and talk to a tree
• Tea Ceremony

HOW DOES FOREST BATHING WORK?

During Forest Bathing we will respond to a series of invitations - suggestions from the forest itself to slow down and to experience the natural world primarily through our senses and in a variety of ways. "Bathing" does not refer to water or swimming but to being fully emerged in the flow of the forest air and its natural components including phytoncides, chemicals released by the trees, which studies have shown to have a beneficial anti-microbial effect on human bodies and boosting the immune system.

Forest Bathing is not an outdoor exercise or ramble in the woods but rather a slow, deliberate, and mindful encounter with nature meant to increases our awareness of our surroundings, eventually leading to a reciprocative relationship with the forest. Each session offers the possibility to experience yourself as part of the web of life and gain new perspectives on ways of transformation. The insights and guidance you’ll receive are based on your own felt sense — you will feel whether what the forest shows you rings true and is authentic for you. The aim of aim our “bath" is achieving downtime with a meditative feel.

FACILITATED BY RALF ‘TRAVIS’ MASCH

A forest guide encourages awareness of the natural surroundings by pointing participants towards natural sources and giving priority to sensory experience instead of intellectual understanding and analysis. The aim of Forest therapy is not that we "take" or "get something out of it" but rather that we arrive at a state of reciprocity, where we forge a deep connection with the natural environment in a tender and loving way. While part of the emerging field of nature or Eco therapy your guide is not your therapist and will not try to diagnose treat you or impose any spiritual agenda. All of this will be done by the forest.

Ralf ‘Travis’ Masch is a certified Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing) guide and a spiritual life coach. He is a fully ordained Dharma teacher in the mindfulness tradition of Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh and a member of the St. Romuald society of New Camaldoli, a Christian contemplative order in the Benedictine tradition.

His business background is as a publisher of multiple award-winning books on mindfulness and as a pet bereavement counselor. He currently lives in Cambridge, England.