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Forest Bathing can be for everyone – there is no need for Nature knowledge, no need for any experience of Nature or wellbeing, no need to be mindful, no need to be fit or healthy, no need to understand it in any way and no need for any specialist kit. It is inclusive of all nationalities, religions, cultures, class, disability, neurodiversity, status, sexual orientation, gender, ethnicity, age and any other personal or culturally assigned identities. All are welcome, with the only exception being that participants must be above the age of 16.
No two people are the same however, and it might not be the right practice for you right now. If you are uncertain or have any concerns, please do get in touch as I would be very happy to discuss them with you.
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Unfortunately not to a publicly offered group or workshop. Forest Bathing is non-discriminatory, but there are simply some practices that are not generally appropriate for unsupervised children. Young children can also cause distraction. My intention is to support adults in their journeys towards stillness, peace, connection and healing, which I hope contributes towards them setting positive examples for their children. There are many Forest Schools, charities, clubs and initiatives out there that support children in their connection with Nature, but if young people live in a world with busy, reactive and disconnected adults, then we need to work towards setting better examples for them, by becoming healthier, happier and more Nature-connected role-models ourselves.
I do offer Nature Connection and Circle Facilitation for young people separately, which I would be happy to discuss.
Out of respect for the sensitivities of all participants, I request that you don't bring your pets. If you hope to bring a guide dog, assistance animal, therapy dog or emotional support animal, please contact me in advance using the form below.
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All locations will have access to shelter if needed and all sessions, circles, workshops and retreats will go ahead unless there is severe weather forecast.
The weather is a bit like the emotions, and we might prefer some types to others - none are bad or wrong and all have their challenges, but all have their place and wisdom too, if we are open to it. As much as possible, we will welcome all that comes and bring it into our experience.
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No. Everything in Forest Bathing and Circle is invitational. There are no requirements, expectations or rules. Forest Bathing only uses invitations, not instructions, so when being guided, if something doesn't feel right for you, listen to that and trust yourself. If engaging isn't of support, wait until it is and know that there is no right or wrong and everything is welcome. In Circle, there are intentions, which we might do our honourable best to uphold, knowing at the same time that "to err is human". In Circle we use a talking piece, which can be passed on if not ready to speak. Listening and witnessing are just as important as sharing and silence can sometimes speak volumes. Whatever is right for you is the right way.
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There aren't any major risks, but it is worth mentioning a few minor ones. Roots, branches and wet leaves can cause trip and slip hazards, so appropriate footwear is recommended. Vigilance around the fire is necessary, so watch the loose blankets and long hair. It is important to be aware of ticks in Nature in the UK, as anywhere there are wild animals, there may also be ticks, which can transmit Lyme disease. It is good practice to check yourself for ticks after time spent in Nature.
If there are any other hazards at a specific location, I will make you aware of them at the start of the session. Please contact me with any further concerns or health issues that you would like to make me aware of.
I have a current Outdoor First Aid qualification, which I renew every 3 years.
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Yes. Forest Bathing, Circle or a combination of the two are very well suited to building resilience and improving wellbeing, communication and connection within the workplace. The focus of the session can be adapted to suit any topic you or your team wish to explore. For details, rates and packages or to discuss, please email me here or fill in the form below.
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That's up to you. For some people, it is important for their experience to know that Forest Bathing is empirically proven to be beneficial to human health. For others, being in the forest and connecting with meaning, purpose and perhaps something greater can certainly be a spiritual experience.
No scientific, religious or spiritual beliefs or experiences are necessary, but all are welcome.
We won't be hugging trees unless you really want to - although it has now been scientifically proven to boost the happy hormone oxytocin :)
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Firstly, I'd like to reassure you that it is normal and ok to be anxious, particularly in new situations, with groups of unfamiliar people. You are definitely not alone. Over the years, I have learnt that nature can be of great support to these feelings and be the perfect place to stretch your comfort zone. In Nature, we are in a context free from judgements, expectations and social pressure - we are free and welcome to be our true selves. We can ease ourselves in and go at our own pace. In our groups, we don't go around sharing names and doing introductions, and any talking is invitational. Sometimes it is helpful during your first group session to just listen - it can be the first step in building social confidence, and sometimes just being there in a group without speaking is enough to gently start to stretch our comfort zones. If it helps you to know any more or know what the group size will be before your session, please get in touch.
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If you have signed up for a full-day or multiple day workshop, I will send you an appropriate kit-list. If you can't find it or haven't received it yet, please fill in the form below.
In general, no special kit is required - just what you personally need to feel comfortable outdoors in Nature. For some, that means hiking boots and waterproofs, and for others that's barefoot, t-shirt and shorts. I recommend that you wear clothing and footwear appropriate for the time of year, weather and environment. An extra layer is always a good idea as temperatures can drop under the forest canopy, especially when slowing down and becoming still. A bottle of water and snacks are recommended, especially if you follow a special diet. Eating something after a session can be a good way to feel grounded, before heading back out into the world. I will provide any specialist kit needed, and always have spare blankets, stools and sit-mats.
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Apart from your pets and kids, not really. For some, being without a mobile phone can be a source of anxiety, so in Forest Bathing sessions, they are not banned, but I do recommend that we take the opportunity to be present and connected with each other, so turning them to silent and limiting use as much as possible is strongly encouraged. For the safety and confidentiality of the group, mobile phones are not permitted during Circle. Alcohol and drugs on the person or in the body are not welcome.
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Joining the Circle in Nature is FREE, although I do suggest a £5 donation towards hiring the space and firewood.
Public Forest Bathing group sessions are £60 per person for 2.5hrs.
Full day workshops are £150 with a deposit of £65.
2-day non-residential workshops are £275 with a deposit of £125.
Hiring me for one-off corporate or bespoke workshops and trainings is £265 for half a day and £425 for the full day. Prices are negotiable for regular bookings or if you are a small charity, CIC or other community initiative and will increase slightly if outside of the Bristol and Bath area.
One-to-ones, mentoring and personal Ecotherapy and Nature Therapy are charged at £75 per hour and £145 for a 2-hour session.
All profits are currently going towards purchasing a much-needed piece of land in the Bristol and Bath area, as a space for local therapists and practitioners working with nature to support people with their wellbeing. If you would like to contribute and support this cause, it would be gratefully received, and you can do so here.
The above prices are an honest guide, but not inclusive of all related costs, such as travel, accommodation, food etc.
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For me it's simplicity, peace of mind and meaningful connection with other human beings. I don't experience that all of the time, but find it most often when I'm engaging in these simple practices.
For you, it might be something else, but there is no better place to find it or experience it for yourself than in Nature.