Urban Forest Guiding
Forest bathing outings on the North Shore Vancouver Region
The healing power of Nature.
“All around us the forest expresses its harmony, stillness and healing qualities, if we are willing to really look, listen and be present to its gifts”.
ABOUT Forest bathing
Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a practice that involves immersing oneself in a natural forest environment to promote physical and mental well-being. Numerous studies suggest that spending time in nature has various positive effects on human health, and forest bathing specifically has gained attention for its potential therapeutic benefits.
Research indicates that exposure to phytoncides, natural compounds emitted by trees, can reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and boost the immune system. The practice encourages mindfulness, as individuals engage their senses and connect with their natural surroundings. Additionally, the quiet and calming atmosphere of the forest provides a contrast to the noise and pace of urban life.
Forest bathing doesn’t necessitate rigorous physical activity; rather, it focuses on being present in the natural environment. This simplicity makes it accessible to individuals of various fitness levels and ages. Overall, forest bathing serves as a practical and evidence-based approach to enhancing overall well-being through immersion in nature.
“Local parks can offer
the opportunity for solace,
reflection and healing”
Group journeys in local north shore urban parks
Who
Lynn Fearn, accredited Forest Bathing Guide and retired nurse leads individuals and small groups on Forest Bathing walks in local urban parks of the North Shore. She is a health educator, cancer survivor and certified Forest Bathing Guide. Lynn developed an intimate connection with nature at a very early age. She found the forest a source of deep peace, joy and mystery……all essential ingredients for those looking for deeper meaning and understanding of their own physical and emotional healing journey. Spiritually, she was able to connect with something larger than herself and experience first- hand the ‘living spirit’ of the trees.
Where
Surrounded by towering trees, the gentle sound of water, rustling of leaves, participants engage in a mindful exploration, harnessing the therapeutic benefits of nature to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance overall well-being. The North Shore offers many easily accessed park locations, usually with available parking and facilities.
why
If you are a healthy individual, someone going through health issues or simply someone who is curious, embracing nature’s calming and healing power is a transformative journey. Time spent outdoors facilitates physical recovery, bolsters your immune systems and reduces stress. Guided walks can be tailored to your fitness level allowing you to safely explore parks and forests in the company of a knowledgeable and well trained guide.
benefits
Better Attention and Focus
“Stronger Brain Activity: Forest bathing enhances the brain areas responsible for tasks like focusing, decision-making, and planning. This improvement helps you concentrate better and stay present. Additionally, it calms the part of your brain that causes overthinking, making it easier to focus.”
Improved Emotional Control
Handling Emotions: It helps you become more aware of your emotions, particularly fear and anxiety, without feeling overwhelmed. This awareness leads to better emotional stability.
Better Emotional Responses: It strengthens the connection between the brain regions responsible for emotions and decision-making, enabling you to react more calmly and rationally to stress.
Greater Self-Awareness
Body Awareness: It enhances your awareness of your body and internal sensations, helping you better understand your emotions.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Calmer Stress Response: It helps regulate your body’s stress system, reducing stress hormones like cortisol and promoting a sense of calm.
Better Memory and Learning: It increases the size of the hippocampus, a part of your brain involved in memory and learning, which is linked to reduced anxiety and stress.
Compassion and Empathy
Empathy and Compassion: It activates regions of your brain related to empathy and compassion, fostering feelings of kindness and interconnectedness.
Better Cognitive Flexibility and Memory
Improved Focus and Memory: It helps you maintain focus and concentration, thereby improving your working memory.
Enhanced Brain Adaptability: Regular mindfulness practice promotes neuroplasticity, allowing your brain to adapt and learn more effectively.
Regular Practice is helpful
“While an occasional forest outing can help you unwind for a few hours, regular engagement with nature is necessary to truly reap the benefits. It’s important to remember that changes in brain activity are not immediate. Mindfulness requires time and consistent practice to yield significant effects. However, the long-term benefits can be profound, leading to increased well-being, emotional resilience, and overall mental health.
With the tools provided in forest guiding sessions, your forest walks will take on new meaning, creating opportunities for deeper access to your body, mind, and soul’s healing potential.”
How long should I forest bathe?
“Research indicates that regular mindful walks, even for just 10-20 minutes a day or two hours a week, provide numerous health benefits. This simple connection with the forest can boost your immune system by 40%, with effects lasting up to a week.”
“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind
and find my soul” – John Muir
Contact us for your forest walk today
UFG contributes part of its proceeds to the following organizations
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