‘With an eye made quiet by the power of harmony, and the deep power of joy, we see into the life of things.’
William Wordsworth
Wellbeing is the basis of a good life. All cultures recognise that trees uplift the human spirit and can inspire us. Forest sessions allow us to bathe in the nourishment of nature, to slow down and rebalance ourselves.
In nature thoughts naturally become expansive and harmonious. From these moments of deeper living, we are able to see life and ourselves more clearly. William Blake felt passionately that how we see a tree is how we see the world, and in the act of seeing we reveal what we are: ‘The tree which moves some to tears of joy is, in the eyes of others, only a green thing which stands in the way,’ he wrote. ‘As a man is, so he sees.’
Forest Sessions naturally have several key aspects:
- Deeper emotional connection with self – increased personal wellbeing
- Transforming our relationship with nature
- Creating community – connecting on deeper levels with others
- Creating eco awareness – caring and taking action for nature
Sessions are not about walking distances but being with nature. We aim often for stillness with easy to follow exercises to connect with nature through all of our senses. The exercises are deceptively simple. An example of a warm-up exercise may be to observe for 2 minutes something that catches your attention. Simple but powerful. The exercises give the mind permission to slow down, to enjoy, to feel, to be. When we naturally sink into the experience of observing, we open our senses and become more alive. When we hear others and their experiences it helps us to deepen into our own.
The healing nature of being with trees and plants allows the nervous system to rebalance, restoring calm. Forest plants emit essential wood oils and airborne chemicals (phytoncides) that benefit humans. Joseph Bharat Cornell’s research shows ‘forest bathing’ reduces stress, lowers blood sugar, increases concentration, strengths the immune system, builds up vitality and even has anti-cancer benefits. The Coalition for Education in the Outdoors adds to this: alleviation of potential burn-out, improved mood states and enhanced feelings of pleasure along with mental restoration, improved problem solving abilities and the mitigation of the impact of dementia.
A comparative study of the physiological and psychological effects of forest bathing (in Japan called Shinrin-yoku) on working age people showed being in nature reduced depressive tendencies.
‘[In woods] Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.’
John Muir
The UN Environment Program issued a synthesis report titled: Making Peace With Nature. Released ahead of the fifth UN Environment Assembly, the report presents a strong case for why and how urgent action should be taken to protect and restore the planet and its climate in a holistic way. It also lays out the roles that everyone – from governments and businesses to communities and individuals – can and must play recognising the urgent need to recreate meaningful, restorative connections with nature.
The Forest Wellness sessions last around 2 hours.
Courses are eventually closed and ongoing with once a month sessions. It’s beautiful to meet once a month and feel the change of seasons, the change of temperature, of light, of gathering darkness or opening into summer space.
The closed nature of the courses, where no new people enter, create a safe structure to be able to share and trust on a deeper level.
Each session is 15 pounds, but once the group is closed, is it asked that the sessions are paid for each season (ie, 45 pounds for the 3 sessions).
Please contact julia.robinsong@gmail.com or WhatsApp +44 7783 729 751 to sign up for more information about dates and meeting place.
Let’s make community!
Participants’ reviews of Flourish Forest Sessions:
I really enjoyed it too, and slept well last night after all the foresty goodness. Lovely to meet you all! Thank you, Julia (and Ruth!) 🌳
Laura
Thank you Julie and Ruth for creating a nurturing, sacred space to connect deeply with nature and with each other. Thank you everyone for being wonderful companions and for sharing the experience. I’m so grateful to you all 🙏🌳🌿xxx
Jayne
Today I was walking and I realised I’ve started looking at trees differently.
Caroline
Thank you all for the wonderful time of deep relationship with nature. You were amazingly. Gros bisous
Raoul
Once again thank for your support yesterday. Just so you know, I am feeling absolutely energised this morning with a sense of belonging. Special thank you to Julia’s mum. Have a blessed and delightful day.
John
Really enjoyed it and the not being the teacher side of it- refreshing for me!
Mary
After the session I slept better than I have in years. It feels like my whole system has been reset. Thank you!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Christine
I have started to not only see but smell the forest more. I’m using my senses more.
Ruth
Over the weeks of this course my peripheral vision has expanded and become more nuanced. I’m amazed. I missed so much before. What am I still missing? The other day, in Mill Brow I saw, in the shadows, barely perceptible, a lynx! I couldn’t believe it. There is no way I would have had that experience if I hadn’t been doing the exercises.
Julia
Online participants’ reviews of Flourish Forest Sessions:
Thank you for this experience, it came in the right time and the right place!❤️
Jana
Julia, thanks so much for this beautiful session! It felt great, and I forgot to share – I hugged the tree and I was actually leaning on it… And it felt safe and so energising… just as being in this group tonight.
Olga
Thank you very much Julia, I found some excellent thought pathways leading me to a greater improved appreciation. Thank you for leading and finding that space.😀👍
Andy
Thanks Julia! That was a really positive experience 😀❤️
Eriks
🙏🏼💚 Thank you.
Elena
