Exbury Forest Bathing
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Availability
All year round; Several days a month - contact Sonya to discuss preferences
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Duration
3 hours
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Price from
From £60pp in a group of 2, cheaper with more participants
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Suitable for
Adults and children aged 16+, Family sessions can be arranged on request
Introduction
The Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku (bathing your senses in the atmosphere of the forest) is based on a simple premise: you can greatly influence your health by immersing yourself in the forest, absorbing its sights, sounds and smells, watching for movement and exploring textures. And perhaps, develop a kinship with the natural world.
Simple to do, easy to learn, and hard to forget.
Face to face sessions are 3 hours in duration and you don’t move far or fast (that’s why it’s great for those with CFS and Long Covid).
By slowing down in this way, you notice more than ever before, and begin to develop or deepen your connection to the natural world. It is this connection, this kinship, that has been proven to boost human health and wellbeing.
We begin with a 30-minute sensory-activation meditation which you can do lying down, sitting or standing up.
Following that there’s usually 3-4 other activities that are chosen based on the season, the location, and the weather.
You might enjoy some mindful walking, land art creation or time quietly connecting with a tree.
These slow, solo, gentle activities encourage you into a state of deep relaxation to reduce stress, pain and clear the mind.
After each individual activity, you have the opportunity to reflect and share thoughts and feelings with the wider group, so you gently move between solitude and companionship.
To secure your experience – book today
Why this experience is great for you
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You will learn simple, repeatable nature connection techniques, so you can easily integrate mindfulness into your everyday life
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Once you’ve begun noticing, appreciating and caring for the natural world in this way, you will be more resilient in times of stress
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You will learn about the latest proven science showing the benefits of a deep connection to nature – so you can inform others! Nature Connection is contagious ☺
Photos
Facilities and additional information
Equipment needed: As the experience moves at such a slow pace, it is always chillier than you think. Please wrap up warm.
Wear: Long sleeves and trousers (even in summer) Good, sturdy footwear such as walking shoes/boots/wellies. Big coat, thermals, hat, gloves, scarf and double socks in winter, Sun hat in summer
Bring: A spare layer (2 in winter), Waterproofs - consider them your superpower, Sun lotion, Medication, A drink and a snack, A yoga or waterproof mat (or camping chair if getting to ground level is difficult).
Weather: Sessions will run in most weather, except high winds, storms or continuous rain.
Parking: Meeting point is in the Exbury Gardens Car Park just before the entrance to the gardens.
Food and Drink: Food and drink can be purchased on site. Tea and light snacks (fruit and nuts) will be provided at the end. Please advise about allergies.
Toilets: There are toilets available on site.
Location: Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is located in the beautiful New Forest, near Beaulieu and only 20 minutes from Junction 2 of the M27.
Additional Info: Entrance to the gardens is additional (around £10pp)
Location
To secure your experience – book today
