SHINRIN-YOKU | FOREST BATHING
tune in to the rhythms of nature
HIGHLAND FOREST THERAPY
‘Shinrin-yoku’ or ‘Forest Bathing’ originated in Japan in the 1980’s as a wellness practice for using our senses to connect to the natural world. Forest bathing does not involve any swimming! The idea of ‘bathing’ comes from bathing your senses in the atmosphere of the forest for relaxation and health care.
Isabel offers guided nature and forest experiences to help relax, relieve stress and invite joy and pleasure through a sensory connection with the natural world. A forest bathing experience focuses on slowing down, using techniques such as mindfulness and meditation and through a set of invitations, offers ways of using our senses to deepen our connection to the land. There are also opportunities for sharing our experiences as part of the group and expressive arts can be incorporated into the practice through sculpture, writing and poetry activities. A forest bathing experience is not a naturalist walk or a trek, it is an opportunity to use our senses so that we move out of our heads and into our bodies. Forest bathing enables people to tune in to the rhythms and seasons of nature and the experiences are not physically demanding and often finish with a tea ceremony.
Isabel often creates forest bathing sessions that are informed by the earth festivals, and the lunar and astronomical calendar.
Forest bathing is an evidence-based practice for preventative healthcare and research has suggested that it can; lower stress and anxiety, strengthen the immune system, lower blood pressure, reduce our stress hormone cortisol, improve sleep and improve cognitive function such as memory and attention. Forest bathing is also a social practice, enabling the community to come together and connect with the local landscape and each other.
“Feel more grounded, calmer and yet energised. Isabel’s gentle guidance has helped me reconnect to myself in a more natural way. Time to reconnect to your senses and to take a big breath in and release all tensions to be present in the now.” — Forest Bathing Participant
“Really slowing down, really using ones senses is not something we do generally in society. Taking time to slow down ones breathing, listen, feel, touch, taste, smell and become part of the forest that just passing through was invigorating, centring, calming and peaceful.” — Forest Bathing Participant
“I don’t think I will walk through a forest in the same way again.” — Branching Out Participant
“I joined the Women’s Circle Journey to meet like minded women. What I found was more than I hoped for. The space, the facilitation, the food and the general sense of goodness was there right from the moment we stepped in. It was such a privilege to enter into a space made of trust, inclusion and love. Thank you to all that made it happen.” — Women's Circle Participant
“A wonderful way to connect with nature and slow down and also to connect with others. Highly beneficial.” — Forest Bathing Participant
“Forest Bathing - ACE! Enlightening, inspiring, thought provoking, settling and appreciating small every day things.” — Virtual Forest Bathing Participant
EXPERIENCES & EVENTS
Guided group experiences – Connect with your local community and landscape by coming to an organised guided group forest or nature experience. The session can be forest bathing (for wellness and preventative healthcare) or forest therapy (for specific populations and conditions).
One-to-one - For a more intimate experience, have a one-to-one guided experience with the option of choosing your walk location as well as a more tailored experience focusing on what you would like to gain from your experience.
Intervention packages – Block of at least 6 forest bathing or therapy experiences to transform your wellbeing so that you feel calmer and restored as well as deepen your connection to the natural world.
Art Workshops – Boost your creativity and strengthen your connection to nature through the expressive arts.
Corporate events - An accessible and enjoyable way to improve wellbeing and connect with nature.
Hire the Guide - Hire the guide for your own event or occasion and get a customised workshop or experience to suit your needs.
Virtual Forest Bathing - Due to covid-19, Isabel has experimented with virtual forest bathing sessions and is happy to offer online sessions to those who cannot attend in person, or as an introduction to the practice.
Webinars - Isabel also welcomes the opportunity to do presentations, webinars and talks about the practice of forest bathing and forest therapy, green and blue health, ecotourism and ecowellness.
Isabel McLeish photographed by Iain Turnbull
To book a session or to enquire about workshops and events, please get in touch.
HIGHLAND FOREST THERAPY
Isabel McLeish is a certified Forest Bathing Guide and Integrative Forest Therapy Practitioner.
Training and certification provided by Nádúr: Centre for Integrative Forest Therapy and Forest Therapy Hub.
Isabel McLeish photographed by Iain Turnbull