About Nature Bathing

Nature Bathing is a simple and powerful practice that promotes the health, wellbeing and happiness of both people and the land.

Your certified guide, Monique Ross, will help you to switch off and slow down, before leading you on a gentle walk where you immerse yourself in nature through your awakened senses. In partnership with the land, Monique will offer a series of simple and open ‘invitations’, carefully crafted to help you explore and engage in any way that feels right to you.

Nature Bathing is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, which translates to Forest Bathing; soaking in the atmosphere of the forest. 

Shinrin-yoku began in the 1980s, in response to a massive health crisis caused by stress and overwork - people were literally working themselves to death. Researchers discovered that a chemical released by trees and plants, called phytoncides, can boost the immune system and promote the production of ‘natural killer’ cells, which can help ward off cancer. The Japanese government has now incorporated it into the country’s health program. 

Research shows it can:

• Boost immune system functioning

• Reduce blood pressure and heart rate

• Enhance the parasympathetic ‘rest and recover’ system

• Combat stress, anxiety and depression

• Increase focus and concentration, and boost creative thinking

• Accelerate recovery from surgery or illness

• Increase energy levels and boost wellbeing

• Improve sleep

Shinrin-yoku, Forest Bathing and Forest Therapy all fit under the same umbrella, though each has slightly different methodologies and motivations. Heartwood uses ‘Nature Bathing’ because in Australia, we’re not just ‘bathing’ in forests! We’re experiencing the beauty of gardens, native bushland, the beach and even city green spaces. 

Monique is certified with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, which also emphasises the relationship between people and the planet. So rather than just going out into nature and extracting a health benefit from it, she is also focused on building deep reciprocal connections with the land. This sense of connectedness can lead toward the kind of relational values that will support new solutions for the health of the planet. As Jacques Cousteau once said, “People protect what they love.” 

Nature Bathing walks can be profoundly healing. They can restore a sense of calm and clarity, awaken your imagination, reconnect you with your inner child, and make you feel more connected to yourself and those around you. They can help you remember that we are nature, and nature is us.

Through the practice of Nature Bathing, participants can also cultivate better relationships with themselves, and with others.

Have more questions about what to expect? Check out the FAQs or get in touch - all your questions are welcome.