Immerse Yourself in Nature: A Guide to Forest Bathing
By: Dominique Phongsavath with Rooted Motion Studio in Fort Worth, Texas
The first time I heard of forest bathing was during an eco-conscious retreat with The Mind Body Ecology Institute. We were invited to walk silently through a trail at Finca Camino Nuevo in Monte Verde, Costa Rica. There were invitations to stop, touch, or hold sticks or rocks that called out to us, to notice our pace, and to notice the creatures below us.
As a Yoga teacher, I was familiar with moving meditation but to bring awareness to my total surroundings - the luscious green vines and natural elephant ears - even to see bromeliads in their natural habitat but more than just a passing glance was somewhat new to me. To truly immerse myself in the landscape I was in, to feel connected with the earth was a transformational experience I promised to revisit Forest Bathing near me, back home in Fort Worth, Texas.
Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, offers a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world and experience its transformative benefits. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or simply looking to add more wellness practices into your life, this guided online experience is perfect for you.
Let’s chat about the incredible benefits of forest bathing, how it works, and how you can experience it from the comfort of your own home through ExploreMore’s upcoming Virtual Forest Bathing Workshop and Practice.
We’ll also introduce some of ExploreMore’s past workshops, like Grounding and Forest Flow Outdoor Sequencing, and explain how you can still access these powerful tools for well-being.
What is Forest Bathing?
Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, is a mindfulness practice that originated in Japan in the 1980s. The term translates to "taking in the forest atmosphere" or "forest immersion." Forest bathing is not a hike or a nature walk, forest bathing is a slow, deliberate experience focused on nature connection and mindfulness in nature. It’s about being present in the moment, breathing deeply, and engaging all your senses to fully experience the healing environment of a forest. Read more about Forest Bathing Beginnings from ExploreMore’s very own Certified Forest Therapy Guide in All About Forest Bathing.
The Benefits of Forest Bathing
Research shows that forest bathing offers a wide range of health benefits, both physical and mental. When we immerse ourselves in nature, we trigger the body's natural healing processes. The mind-body connection becomes stronger as we relax, reflect, and release stress.
Check out the some benefits of Forest Bathing:
Stress Relief in Nature
Spending time in a forest helps lower cortisol levels, reducing the physical and emotional effects of stress.
Boosted Immune System
The phytoncides released by trees have been shown to enhance the body’s immune response.
Improved Mental Health
Forest therapy can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, promoting a sense of calm and peace.
Enhanced Focus and Creativity
Time spent in nature helps clear the mind, improving concentration and sparking creativity.
Lower Blood Pressure
Studies have shown that forest healing can lead to lower blood pressure, contributing to heart health.
Grounding
The practice of grounding (walking barefoot on natural surfaces) during forest bathing helps restore balance and harmony in the body’s energy. (Learn more in our Grounding Workshop here)
How to Practice Forest Bathing
If you’re new to forest bathing, the practice is simple but profound.
Here’s how you can get started:
Whether it’s a local park, a forest, or a quiet garden, choose a place where you can be surrounded by nature.
Remember, this is not a hike—there’s no destination or goal. Walk slowly, breathe deeply, and focus on the sights, sounds, and smells around you.
Notice the feel of the earth under your feet, the rustling of the leaves, the scent of pine or wildflowers. Let yourself be fully present in the experience.
After spending time in nature, take a few moments to sit quietly and reflect on how you feel—lighter, calmer, more centered.
Like any wellness routine, consistency is key. Try to incorporate forest bathing into your weekly or monthly self-care practices.
If getting out into nature isn’t possible for you, don’t worry—you can still reap the benefits through our Virtual Forest Bathing Session. Keep reading to learn more!
I want to experience Forest Bathing near me!
Connect with Nature Anytime, Anywhere.
In ExploreMore’s Virtual Forest Bathing Session with Bethany Kilgore of First Nature Experience, you’ll learn the history of Shinrin-Yoku. Through guided imagery, sensory mindfulness exercises, and relaxation techniques, you’ll begin to feel the magic of this grounding practice.
👉 Join our Virtual Forest Bathing Session Here
This session is perfect for anyone looking to reduce stress, reconnect with nature, and restore balance to their life, regardless of location.
You can also join Bethany in person. Check out her Instagram here and join one of her upcoming sessions.
ExploreMore also has 2 other Forest Bathing guides in the DFW area. Join Laurence with Slow Trails or Sandy for transformative Forest Bathing sessions all over DFW.
What Makes ExploreMore's Virtual Forest Bathing Workshops Unique?
The convenience to experience Forest Bathing whether you’re at home in your backyard, traveling, or have limited access to nature, our virtual session allows you to experience the healing power of nature from anywhere.
This 2 in one workshop will bring you a lecture style workshop with Christina Rena, Holistic Wellness Coach & Forest Therapy Guide at The Nestuary, LLC where we will discover the profound art of connecting deeply with the natural world.
Then you will have access to a full virtual Forest bathing session led by Certified Forest Bathing Guide Bethany Kilgore specializes in nature-based wellness, our sessions provide all the tools you need for a transformative experience.
Our workshops and virtual sessions address both the mind and body, helping you reconnect with the natural world and restore inner peace.
Sign up here.
More on Grounding and Forest Flow
Our recent workshops, Grounding and Forest Flow, have helped many participants rediscover the importance of connecting with the earth and their own bodies and equip Yoga teachers with tools and knowledge for taking their practice and classes outdoors.
Here’s a brief overview of each workshop and how you can still access them:
Grounding
This workshop teaches the practice of grounding, or earthing, which involves connecting your bare feet to the natural ground. This simple yet powerful practice helps align your body’s energy with the earth’s natural rhythms, promoting balance and well-being.
You can still purchase the session to learn the techniques of grounding and its healing benefits. Register here.
Forest Flow Outdoor Sequencing
This workshop blends yoga and nature. Learn how to safely and mindfully practice yoga outdoors, creating sequences that harmonize with the natural environment. This workshop is perfect for both practitioners and teachers seeking to enhance their practice and deepen their connection to nature.
You’ll also gain valuable insights into safe and mindful outdoor yoga practices and cultivate a deeper connection with nature through your yoga and meditation. Earn 3 Yoga Alliance CEUs.
Missed this live workshop? Don’t worry—you can still purchase access to the session and enjoy the benefits of outdoor flow at your own pace. Sign up here.
What’s Next?
If you’re ready to deepen your connection to nature and improve your overall well-being, join us for a Virtual Forest Bathing session live on November 15 and November 17 at 4 pm CT.
Sign up here.
Or get all 3 of these workshops plus 6 more and the complete Nature Yoga certification in our all in one Yoga in Nature workshop!
Read more and sign up here.
