If you are one of the wonderful people joining us at our free Festival of Learning on the 8th and 9th of October, or perhaps one of our pioneering educators joining us for the onsite programme across the 30th of September and the 1st of October then you will soon have te chance to experience Shinrin Yoku in our beautiful woodland. "But Rob what is this Shinrin Yoku?" I hear you cry. You may know it my another name, Forest Bathing (not quite as cool sounding as the Japanese original perhaps).
Essentially the art of Forest Bathing is a practice which enables an individual to both connect with the non-human world externally and connect with themselves internally, as such this chimes with both our pursuit for a sustainable mindset and the development of our own wellbeing. In essence it is a simple method of being calm and quiet amongst the trees, observing nature around you whilst breathing deeply. When guided it can also extend to co-breathing with the trees around you (which I like to do), exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide between you and the forest. Also you can go tactile, feeling the wood on your cheek, the roots underfoot, grounding yourself through 'feeling' the forest.
A few top tips for beginners courtesy of Forestry England
Take in your surroundings using all of your senses. How does the forest environment make you feel? Be observant, look at nature’s small details.
Sit quietly using mindful observation; try to avoid thinking about your to-do list or issues related to daily life. You might be surprised by the number of wild forest inhabitants you see using this process.
Keep your eyes open. The colours of nature are soothing and studies have shown that people relax best while seeing greens and blues.
Stay as long as you can, start with a comfortable time limit and build up to the recommended two hours for a complete forest bathing experience.
So why not join us at Cymbrogi HQ this Autumn and let us help you give Forest Bathing a go.
At Cymbrogi Learn we are excited to launch this Autumn our first Young Changemaker workshops (12th and 13th of October) and we invite young learners, teachers, parents, school leaders and all those interested to get in touch to find out more.
We also invite all those interested in this debate and in the opportunities associated with re-engaging with the non-human world to join us at our upcoming Cymbrogi Learning Festival (8-9th of October), a free two day festival exploring the Cymbrogi Core 4:
Sustainable & Circular Futures
Owning your Well -being
Creativity & the Curriculum
Collaborative Action
Why not join us at Cymbrogi Learn, online or onsite at our inspirational Cymbrogi HQ in Pembrokeshire, and become a member of a growing community of thinkers and doers in the field of 'Sustainable learning for a sustainable future.'
