11月
【 All programs are 25% OFF till the end of December 2021! 】
Rest
Reset
Reconnect
Forest Bathing / Shinrin-yoku
Welcome to Forest Minds
Forest Minds is dedicated to reconnecting people with nature by awakening their awareness and deepening their consciousness of the forest.
Over centuries of evolution, our innate bond with nature has been an essential part of our well-being. However, modern society and technology have distanced us from this connection, overshadowing what we inherently know.
Forest Minds aims to help restore this relationship by offering experiences, tools, and knowledge that empower you to reconnect with the forest - an abundant source of life, energy, and inner balance.
Services
Forest Bathing Walk
3 hours experience of deep immersion with beautiful eucalyptus forest.
Relax, Reset, and Revitalise in an immersive forest experience, where Mayu’s guidance
through the multisensory practice of Japanese Shinrin-yoku with different mindfulness activities to ease your stress and help improve physical & mental wellness.
Retreat
Indulge yourself in weekend retreat to Blue Mountains !
There has never been a better time to explore new well-being opportunities as we embrace the benefits of slowing down and putting our health first. Forest bathing Retreat is a beautiful way to recharge, connect with nature and regenerate our souls.
What is Shinrin-yoku ?
Originating in Japan, "Shinrin-yoku" translates to "forest bathing" or "immersion in the forest" and is a science-based public health practice. This simple yet profound mindfulness walk allows participants to de-stress, enhance overall well-being, and reconnect with nature in a natural, effortless way.
For centuries, the Japanese have embraced Shinrin-yoku as a means of promoting physical and mental health. The essence of this practice lies in actively engaging the five senses—feeling the textures of trees, listening to the rustling leaves, inhaling the fresh forest air, and observing the beauty of nature. By consciously connecting with the forest, we cultivate a deeper sense of presence, inner calm, and harmony.
Through Shinrin-yoku, we not only strengthen our bond with nature but also nurture our own bodies and minds, fostering relaxation, clarity, and emotional balance.
森
林
浴
Shin (Dense Forest)
Rin (Forest)
Yoku (Bathing)
The Benefits of Shinrin-yoku
Shinrin-yoku is well known to improve both psychological and physiological well-being, and has become popular around the world for its therapeutic benefits.
It is well known that the human species originated in nature, and evolved to thrive in the natural world. Since we live constantly outside of the natural environment, it makes sense that spending time in a natural space leaves us with a sense of peace and relaxation. The major benefits of Shinrin-yoku are :
✅ Reduce stress/anxiety
✅ Improve mood swings
✅ Deep relaxation
✅ Feeling calm
✅ Awareness within self
Additionally, plants and trees produce "Phytoncides", which are aromatic compounds that contribute to the subtle yet distinctive scent of the forest. The benefits of Phytoncide are anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-viral. Though simply enjoying the aroma of the natural environment is relaxing and invigorating on its own, some research has shown that phytoncides enhance the activity of certain human immune cells, which may benefit immune function.
Why do I need a guide ?
A Forest Therapy Guide is a trained professional who helps you fully experience the benefits of a mindful walk in nature.
Your guide carefully selects routes that embody the key principles of Forest Bathing - mindfulness, presence, and relaxation. Through a series of guided activities, you are gently led into deeper connection with nature and yourself.
Beyond personal reflection, your guide fosters a sense of community by encouraging shared experiences and insights. This exchange enhances not only your own well-being but also that of those around you.
Forest Bathing is not just about connecting with nature - it’s also about connecting with others. While the effects may not always be immediate, the experience leaves a lasting impression, bringing subtle yet profound benefits that unfold over time.
What do we do in walk ?
Forest Bathing or Hiking? Understanding the Difference
If you love spending time outdoors, you may be familiar with both hiking and forest bathing. While both activities immerse you in nature, they serve different purposes and offer unique experiences.
The following diagram illustrates what you can expect during a Forest Bathing walk.
Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku) is the practice of mindfully wandering through the forest, engaging all five senses, and consciously connecting with the sights, sounds, and sensations of the natural environment around you.
Walk Slowly
Just "be"
Tea Ceremony
Sensory Activities
Creative Activities
While both hiking and forest bathing occur in natural settings, they’re fundamentally different experiences with unique goals and approaches:
"One touch of nature makes the whole world kin."
- William Shakespeare -
"One touch of nature makes the whole world kin."
- William Shakespeare -
AS SEEN IN
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Forest Minds is accredit and licensed tour operator in NSW Parks Eco Pass and a member of Blue Mountains Tourism, NSW.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY:
FOREST MINDS acknowledges the traditional Custodians of this land and pay respect to Elders past and present, and their ongoing relationship with this land.