learn the ways of nature
NATURE SCHOOL
Forest bathing has many definitions. Originated in Japan, it’s called ‘Shinrin-yoku’, which roughly translates into ‘bathing in the forest’. It’s often called forest bathing therapy, where nature takes on the roll as therapist, sharing healing energy and reflections. If you google forest bathing, you will find something like this: “forest bathing is a form of therapy where one uses his/her senses to take in the atmosphere of the forest to improve one’s healing”. On this page I would like to share what forest bathing means to me.
We Are Nature
Forest bathing is not just about being outside, going for a walk in the forest or a swim in the lake. It’s not just about being IN nature, but being WITH nature. Along the way humanity has disconnected from nature, thinking they were better than animals, that the earth is just a thing that can be exploited for profit and that we are the only intelligent and conscious species on earth. When we disconnected from outer nature, we also disconnected from our inner nature. The result? I would like to call it the ‘sickness of seperation’ which causes mental, emotional and physical health issues. Our inner worlds have become barren and we see that reflected in our outer world, in the mass extinctions, climate change and other global issues.
Forest bathing is built on the belief that we ARE nature. When we remember that we are not separated, that we belong in nature, we can also feel the harmony and beauty that is present within nature. We can cultivate inner harmony and peace and become what we were always meant to be: guardians of all life on Earth.
Earth speaks through our body
So, we now know we have to do more than going into nature, we have to be with nature. How do we do this? We are connected to nature through our own nature, which is our body. By using our senses, our sight, touch, smell, taste and hearing, but also through our less known senses: our imagination, intuition and inner knowing, we can feel we are part of the Web of Life. When we slow down and see and hear with our heart, we can feel the presence of Earth throughout our body. She is a Mother and wants all of her children to flourish here on Earth. She speaks through all of nature and you can call upon her wisdom, love and support any time of the day. All that is needed is a conscious connection.
“Many of us have disconnected from nature’s cycles and rhythms, but our health and well-being demand that we remember we are one with nature and that we live from that connection.”
— Speaking with Nature. Awakening to the Deep Wisdom of the Earth (Sandra Ingerman and Llyn Roberts)
A guided forest bathing experience
As your guide I will take you on a journey of around 2,5 to 3 hours in the forest (or any other place in nature). As a guide I open the door between you and Nature. We will become quiet and slow down and experience nature through our senses. It is not a workshop, there will be no ‘exercises’ or a right or wrong way to do it. I will offer ‘invitations’ to guide you into a connection with the natural world around and within you. This can be as simple as this: walking around slowly and using our sense sight to look for patterns and fractals. Forest Bathing is an open-ended practice, which means your experience is unique and entirely your own. We will sometimes share our experiences with the small group we are with and end with a tea ceremony and a snack. I would describe forest bathing as incredibly fun and an accessable way to deepen your nature connectedness, anyone can do it!
The healing power of nature
We live in a fast pace world, often buried under responsibilities and still carrying heavy imprints from our past with us. Depression, chronic fatigue, stress and other illnesses are more common than not. We are not designed to be sick. Our original blueprint is to live in perfect health, wealth, peace, joy and harmony. Nature can help us heal. In the freedom of nature, you reawaken to beauty, to the harmony and connection that is present within your heart. Nature can bring you home to who you really are. You have something to offer, your uniqueness and authentic expression fits perfectly in the Web of Life and nature can help you remember who you truly are. All trees and plants are rooted in the energetic flow of unity that supports all life. By being open to nature and connecting with nature, you receive the healing power of this universal energy field of harmony and unity. You will feel that you are this energy, cultivating harmony and unity within. When we truly feel that we are interconnected with all that lives on Earth and heal the split within ourselves, harmony and peaceful existence will be possible.