Angie Stegall

Executive Wayfinder

by

Forest Bathing!

Here’s a fascinating way for YOU to begin cultivating a new, deeper relationship with nature.

“Forest bathing” (also known as “Shinrin-yoku”) was developed in Japan in the 1980s. This meditative walking activity that asks you to consciously and deliberately engage with nature using all five of your senses:

  1. Sight
  2. Sound
  3. Taste
  4. Touch
  5. Smell

I’m just crazy enough to also engage a sixth sense—my intuition and perception. To feel into the place I’m in.

With forest bathing, your walk is to be done in silence—no buddies, no personal electronic devices, etc.

You’re asked to tune in to what sparks your senses, like the texture of birch bark or the scent of wild flowers or pinecones. Bend down and feel the moss. Find a seat, get quiet and watch what happens in the forest when you are still.

Here’s the basic idea during your walk:

  • breathe
  • relax
  • wander
  • touch
  • listen
  • heal

Appreciating nature for her silence, beauty, colors, and for how she changes through the seasons is an excellent habit to practice daily. The more you notice nature, the more she nurtures you. The more important she will (hopefully) become.

And when something is important, you’ll work to protect it. And in protecting it, you protect all of us (the animals, people, and even the plants) long term, too.

One easy way to notice nature is to just go outside and sit. Watch the wind move the trees and leaves. See how the bugs wander, but with purpose.

And I’m fond of saying, “Just take time to watch the birdies do their birdie thing.”

This combination of mindfulness and time spent in nature are immersive healing activities.

In 2024, I’ll be offering OODLES of ways for you to try forest bathing if it’s new to you. These include options on weekdays and weekends:

  • Virtual guided group forest bathing experiences
  • In person guided group experiences at local parks, nature preserves, and gardens
  • Select private group forest therapy events
  • An Outside Perspective (TM): a private nature-based coaching experience
  • The Slow Down – our 6 day/5 night river rafting adventure on the Salmon River in Idaho August 26 – 31, 2024

I hope you’ll join me for these mind-slowing and heart-opening experiences throughout the year!

Warmly,

Angie