Forest Bathing
“the ancient Japanese art of immersion in nature”
Forest Bathing
Forest Bathing, or Forest Therapy, originates from Shinrin Yoku, the ancient art of immersing oneself in nature through the five senses, practiced in Japan. Following the industrial and technological revolution, the profound relationship between man and nature has increasingly deteriorated, reaching the point where it is almost imperceptible today. We have lost the concept of nature as a master that our ancestors wisely held. Nature has become something to be exploited, rather than loved and thanked. It is essential to re-establish this wonderful bond, and one of the most effective tools is undoubtedly forest bathing, a moving meditation through the beautiful woodland paths of Tuscany. Forest Therapy can also be practiced in the city with the help of a plant or by perceiving the energy of a tree outside the window. The forest thus becomes a psychic place in which to take refuge and regenerate at any time of the day. A true panacea for our Being, which slowly reconnects with Mother Earth, regaining all its potential.
I will guide you in the wonderful walking meditation in the woods or in the exciting meditation on the four elements with which we will deeply perceive ourselves as part of the Whole.
The basic approach of shinrin-yoku draws on a major branch of medicine that holds that spending more time in nature may have some surprising health and immune system benefits, including lowering stress hormone levels and regulating blood pressure and heart rate. These benefits are thought to be due to the phytoncides contained in the wood of the trees, which, in addition to releasing special substances into the air to protect themselves from rot and insects, also appear to benefit humans.