\u2018With an eye made quiet by the power of harmony, and the deep power of joy, we see into the life of things.\u2019<\/p>\nWilliam Wordsworth<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.’<\/p>\n\n\n
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Forest Sessions naturally have several key aspects:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Deeper emotional connection with self \u2013 increased personal wellbeing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Transforming our relationship with nature<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Creating community \u2013 connecting on deeper levels with others<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Creating eco awareness \u2013 caring and taking action for nature<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
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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.<\/p>\n\n\n
\nSlowing down to observe is a powerful experience.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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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\u2019s research shows \u2018forest bathing\u2019 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<\/em> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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