The Green Pharmacy: Shinrin-yoku/Forest Bathing for organisations

The Green Pharmacy: Shinrin-yoku/Forest Bathing for organisations

With Justine Clement

Shinrin-yoku is the Japanese practice of immersing yourself in nature whilst gently engaging all of the senses. In this virtual Shinrin-yoku (Forest Bathing) workshop, you’ll learn about the immersive experience of connecting with the forest,  the healing and calming properties of trees and plants, and how to enhance our sensory connection to nature (wherever you live).

Being close to trees has powerful benefits in reducing stress, increasing happiness and a sense of awe, and a feeling of being grounded and ‘held’.  When we feel connected to people and places, we feel a sense of belonging and wholeness. We feel ourselves truly alive and connected, in some indescribable way. Yet over thousands of years, human beings have gradually become mere onlookers – bystanders, not just to the glory and wonder of the natural world, but also to ourselves, our lives and our understanding of our place in the world. Yet there seems to be a gentle, yet unmistakable awakening happening. An increased desire to get out into nature. And whether we realise it’s a pull to find our way back to what it is we have lost, or not, doesn’t matter. Most important is the shift.

This one-hour talk will take you through the ancient wisdom and modern science of Shinrin-yoku to reveal the amazing healing and wellbeing benefits of trees, as well as exercises for you to take and try for yourself either in the city or in the countryside. There will also be a short Q&A session to give you the opportunity to get answers to questions which will help you find your way back to an easier way of living – one where you intrinsically know and understand your place in the world and how our connection with nature will bring you back to wholeness, happiness and a thriving, well-balanced life.

Your two speakers for this enlightening talk on Shinrin-yoku are Stefan Batorijs and Justine Clement. Stefan is trained as a psychotherapist and Outdoor Activity Leader. He’s also an Associate Lecturer at Plymouth University on the D.Clin. Psych training for 20 years teaching the benefits of Nature to assist mental health recovery. He set up the Ecotherapy Project with Plymouth NHS, and since 2017 have been offering training courses in Shinrin Yoku based in South Devon.

I just wanted to say how much I loved your talk last evening, Justine. I’ve thought of nothing else since! I am part way through watching the Earthing movie and have scoped out some local places for my first bathe. Oh and I’ve walked barefoot in the grass this morning! Thank you for inspiring me!

In this 60-minute webinar will explore:

• A short history of Shinrin-yoku in Japan
• The science behind Shinrin-yoku
• How trees impact our physiology and psychology
• The importance of grounding in everyday life and how this will benefit your health
• Redefining intelligence for a new world
• The importance of awe and wonder
• How Shinrin-yoku can have a positive effect on depression, anxiety and sleep issues
• Lessons from nature
• How Shinrin-yoku can help to improve your mental clarity
• The top 6 benefits of Shinrin-yoku
• Practical exercises to connect with trees and nature
• Q&A