AMAYU
Wellness
Join us on a unique walk in the woods. You will be invited to slow down, engage your senses and come fully into the present moment as you connect with nature.
Come and experience the healing of the forest as you shift to a state of being.
What is
Forest Bathing?
Forest Bathing is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku. Translated to English this means bathing in the atmosphere of the forest. Spending time in the forest in this deliberate, mindful way is beneficial for healing, well-being and preventative care.
It’s not your typical walk in the woods, but an immersive experience that involves slowing down and engaging the senses. Participants gain benefit from noticing and connecting to their surroundings in a new, but ancient, way - fully engaging with life to receive the medicine of the forest.
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Each walk is a unique way to experience nature. Moving at a very slow pace, we will let go of stress, coming out of our heads and coming into a state of being. Your guide, Laura, will lead you through a series of activities, called invitations, where you will experience the present moment through all your senses, allowing you to connect more deeply with the forest and with yourself.
What are
the benefits?
Science is starting to empirically demonstrate what many have intuitively sensed for years - being in nature is uniquely beneficial for health and wellness.
As a species that evolved in the natural world, our minds and bodies are being overwhelmed by our modern lifestyles, leading to states of stress and disease.
As we search for accessible and affordable methods of health promotion, research is demonstrating that the practice of forest bathing is linked to a variety of physiological and psychological benefits including:
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Reduced stress
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Boosted creativity
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Lowered blood pressure
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Increased immune system function
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Reduced anxiety and depression
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Increased positive mood and emotions
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Faster recovery time after surgery or illness
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Restored mental energy and recovery from fatigue
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Increased feelings of belonging and connectedness
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Promotion of deep relaxation
nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees
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-John Muir
Laura McLaughlin
Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide
The forest is the therapist, the guide opens the doors
Why do I need a guide?
Guides certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy are trained to design supportive and accessible walks, following a professional standard. While being highly adaptable to the needs of participants in the present moment, Laura will guide you through thoughtfully crafted invitations, created with the intention of opening up the doors of the forest to you.
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As with other practices such as yoga or meditation, an experienced guide will hold space, allowing your thinking mind to rest as you deepen into the experience. Laura will help you to slow down while suggesting techniques that you can incorporate into a personal practice.
Laura has been guiding walks since 2018. She will be a supportive witness of your journey and will facilitate connection within the group as well as with the natural landscape, ending the experience with a tea ceremony using locally foraged plants.
Experience Forest Bathing
