There has never been a better time to explore new wellbeing opportunities as we embrace the benefits of slowing down and putting our health first. Forest bathing is a wonderful way to recharge, connect with nature and regenerate our souls as the practice involves a series of guided methods to help us relax, become more present and connect with the natural world.
We are delighted to be partnering wth Bangalay Luxury Villas to host our introductory sessions in Shoalhaven on Sunday 26 March 2023. Enjoy our 2 hour experience for $55 per person or join Christie Little for lunch (valued at $75) at Bangalay Dining either before or after your session.
Forest bathing, put simply refers to taking in the forest through our senses, and our 2 hour introductory session is a great way to invite listening, healing, reflection and accepting into our environment in a low impact way. Learn how to find yourself in the company of trees or more succinctly master the practice of creating physical and psychological wellness through immersion in the natural environment.
A wide range of scientific studies show that time spent in nature positively alters the biomarkers of stress and wellbeing. Our heart rates slow, blood pressure decreases, cortisol levels in the blood decline, sympathetic nervous system activity decreases and parasympathetic nervous system increase. In addition, the chemical compounds – phytoncides, released by trees positively impact our immune systems protecting us from illness and disease.
Don’t delay as spaces are limited and always sell out.
Description
In Germany, where it originated, it is known as “Waldtherapie”, in Japan it is called “Shinrin-yoku” (森林浴) or “Shinrin-ryōhō (森林療法)”, in Korea it is referred to as “Sanlimyok (산림욕)” and in China and Taiwan people call it “Sēnlín liáofǎ (森林療法)”. Here in Australia the practice is known as forest bathing, shinrin yoku, or forest or nature therapy.
We are delighted to welcome our collaborator Christie Little back to the Highlands to run our forest therapy workshops. She was the first internationally certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide in NSW and is also certified and experienced in mindfulness, biofeedback, positive neuroplasticity training, nutrition and permaculture. Working in partnership with a well-trained guide ensures that participants slow down. A hike in the woods is good for health but in a different way, the biomarkers of stress go up rather than down. A typical forest therapy walk may take 2 hours but covers less than 0.5km of trail.
Second, your guide ensures that you connect to the present moment through a range of sensory awareness activities. The senses are the gateway to joy and pleasure and too many of us have forgotten how to enjoy our lives. Thirdly, drawing on the ancient practice of mindfulness and meditation, guides create the space for participants to pause deeply. The busier we are the more deeply we need to pause.
Bangalay Dining
Inspired by its natural costal surroundings with a heavy focus on local and native ingredients, the menu is creative yet simple, allowing the ingredients and flavours to shine. Bangalay Dining is devoted to creating dishes full of integrity with just a sprinkling of whimsy, with a highly awarded team passionate about delivering quality food from local, respected producers and incorporating the foraging element in a sustainable and ethical way. Recently awarded One Hat by the SMH Good Food Guide, this is the jewel in crown of the south coast for dining.
Lunch includes an arrival cocktail or mocktail with 2 bites from the menu such as South Coast Rock Oysters with fingerlime mignonette or Prawns on brioche with creme fraiche and chives. Choice of main course from the a la carte menu with shared sides and sparking water.
Additional information
| Experience | Forest Bathing 2 Hour Workshop |
|---|---|
| Day | Sun 26 March 2023 |
| Time | 10am – Noon, 10am – Noon with Lunch, 2pm – 4pm, 2pm – 4pm with Lunch |
“What an amazing experience reconnecting with nature and leaving the world behind, even if only for a few hours. Our guide Christie was a joy as she lead us through, not just the forest, but also the experience within ourselves. This is a must if you’re looking for something more!”
“I was lucky enough to push the pause button and spend 2 hours being guided through a forest bathing session. Christie our guide gently showed us how to see and feel things differently whilst enjoying the bush around us. I left feeling full of peace and joy and with a sore face from smiling too much. I highly recommend this experience.”
“We went on a forest bathing experience organised by Wildfest. It was just the most magical experience. Christie, our guide, was so wonderful and competent. We left feeling relaxed, invigorated and deeply grateful for the amazing people taking the time to organise these kind of experiences for us to enjoy. Would go again in a heartbeat, loved it!”
“Participated in Forest Bathing, at Carrington Falls in Budderoo National Park. Our leader was Christie and this was a great experience for anyone who is interested in a well-researched way to connect with the surroundings, relax and leave your worries behind. I thoroughly recommend Bush Bathing for all.”
“Thank you to Wildfest and our guide Christie for such an amazing experience. From start to finish it was enlightening and calming. I thoroughly recommend this.”
Christie, It was so lovely to meet you on Saturday in Penrose State Forest.
You made everyone feel so welcome and relaxed and very quickly connected. We felt by the end we would have walked over hot coals for each other.
(Private Session arranged for Bushfire Victims by Exp Nature Group with Wingecarribee Shire Council)
I would just like to take the opportunity to say thank you on behalf of both Darren and I for the beautiful experience today.
Your knowledge, understanding and passion for the participants, experience and land was awesome
We had a great time and would absolutely recommend everyone take part in such a wonderful experience.
Take care and thank you.