Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and treat yourself to a morning of Forest Bathing at the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens. Recharge your mind, body, and soul in the embrace of nature.
What it is
Forest Bathing, also known as Shinrin-Yoku, is a Japanese practice that involves mindfully connecting with nature. It involves a series of gentle walks and sensory activities that will help you relax and simply 'be' in this natural setting.
When it is
These walks are offered quarterly - on the third Friday of the new season - Winter (June), Spring (September), Summer (December), and Autumn (March). See dates listed above for options.
We gather at 8am and return by 11am. (The early start is designed to catch the sights, sounds and smells of the Gardens in the morning.)
Where it is
Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden is located 7 minutes drive south of Batemans Bay, just off the Princes Highway.
The Garden offers a showcase of trees and plants native to the region - the perfect setting for a very Australian take on forest bathing.
The Gardens also has a lovely cafe (Mossy on Gardens) to go, if you choose, after we complete our session. (It's a good place to meet friends & family or for a contemplative coffee or brunch post-walk.)
Who it's for
If you've ever felt a special something in nature you'll no doubt enjoy this experience. But really forest bathing is a lovely practice for anyone keen to recharge and curious about re-connecting with nature. It's suitable for people 16 years and older.
Who's running it
Phil Stubbs is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide who trained with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. (ANFT is the leading international body in this emerging field.)
Phil's experience includes work as a lecturer at universities, environmental journalist, and sustainability manager for local and state government.
Why forest bathing is growing across the world
Forest Bathing began in Japan in 1980's and became a mainstream practice there many years ago - where it's been normal for doctors to prescribe it for people with a range of health challenges.
We instinctively know nature is good for us, and that's long been the case. But as we've become more reliant on technology, and with increasing levels of stress-related illnesses in our modern lives, getting back into nature is more important than ever.
There's now also a depth of research to back up the benefits. Growing scientific evidence shows nature immersion helps to reduce blood pressure, cortisol, anxiety and depression levels, enhance concentration levels and improve our immune function. The idea of nature prescriptions is gathering momentum worldwide, including in Australia.
Meanwhile in the US and UK, forest bathing and forest therapy has been rapidly growing in popularity - at rates similar to the growth of yoga 20 or 30 years ago. Many of the arboretums and botanic gardens in major cities in these countries now host regular forest bathing walks.
Why do you need a guide?
Normally when we bushwalk it's about getting from A to B. A trained forest therapy guide helps you slow down and really sense and experience the nature that's around you. This walk is not about getting there, it's about being here - in the moment.
What to expect on your forest bathing walk
On this gentle, mindful stroll, we will move through 2km of easy trail altogether in the Gardens. (So not far!) On the way you'll be offered a series of sensory-opening invitations to help you find your own personal connection with the natural world. You'll be with a small group of people for some of the time and on your own for some. By the end you'll have left behind the stresses of the world and got in touch with the healing powers of the forest.
What to bring
- Water bottle, hat and sunscreen
- Rain jacket (if there's a hint or forecast of rain)
- Warm clothing (as we'll be sitting still at times)
- Towel or small cushion (if you don’t want to sit directly on the ground)*
- Backpack or bag (for the above and other personal items)
* A portable stool can be provided on request.
Contact
If you have questions you can contact Phil directly on 0403 517242 or philstubbsnature@gmail.com
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