Connecting with Nature through Forest Bathing & Wild Tea Ceremony

Enter into the beautiful forest that is all around you in a way you never have before with Forest Bathing, drawing from the Japanese Tradition of Shinrin Yoku. This practice is about taking time to slow down and connect with yourself and nature in a way most people don’t take the time to do. 

In forest bathing, we receive the nourishing, healing and restoring energies of the forest and learn to connect with the more than human world. 

This is a very simple practice and an ancient one too. Although Shinrinyoku has only been practiced in Japan formally since the 80's people have been taking sacred walks in forests for thousands of years. After the benefits of the practice, such as reduced blood pressure, increased feelings of wellbeing and general experiences of relaxation, "forest bathing" as it was newly termed was popularized as an alternative medical practice.  

As a practice, one can do it on their own, or sign-up to join a group forest walk with a guide. During a guided practice you will be led through various prompts for engaging with yourself and the forest. 

Here are some simple steps you can try on your own for a more intentional experience in nature:

1) Pick a point in the path that will be a threshold for you to pass through. Before passing through the threshold, set an intention for what you would like to receive (or offer!) on this journey.

2) Walk quietly and slowly through the forest, allowing your gaze to gently rest upon all beings you encounter (try to walk as slowly as a turtle entering into what M. Amos Clifford calls, "tree time". 

3) Take a moment to notice your thoughts as you are having this experience. Invite mindfulness of your body and mind as you walk the path.

4) Enter into a relationship with the forest in some way! (for about 15 minutes) Take off your shoes, smell the earth, try to remember how you use to play for hours if you grew up with access to nature, what was it you used to do? 

5) Find a quiet spot to sit for about 20 minutes and simply observe. Engage with your senses and allow yourself to hear...everything! What are you seeing, smelling, hearing, noticing? (You can bring a journal and sketch what you find as well)

6) Enjoy a cup of tea! This might not be as easy if you are on your own, but if you can create a moment to reflect and enjoy a cup of tea in the forest, it is unlike any experience you have ever had. The tranquility of sipping tea in the forest is amazing. 

7) Lastly, upon your return, find the same threshold you passed as you entered the forest. Take a moment to pause, and reflect how the journey was for you. Perhaps stand for a moment with your eyes closed and bring your gaze within just for a moment inviting in gratitude to close your journey and give thanks to the forest

... and then cross the threshold to return! 

For more information about forest bathing you can read any number of books on the subject including:

Wildly Vibrant Permaculture & Ancestral School is offering Urban Forest Bathing and Wild Tea Ceremony in the Seattle area. For more information about their offering or to schedule a guided Forest Bathing experience visit here: http://www.wildlyvibrant.org/urban-forest-bathing/

Or 

You can find a Forest Bathing Guide via The Nature and Forest Therapy Organization here: https://www.natureandforesttherapy.org/.

x