The world is a frantic place and we live at a frantic pace.
Why not buck the trend, slow down and have a tree break?
Heartwood Nature Bathing offers the gentle and therapeutic art of Shinrin Yoku – forest bathing – which emerged in Japan in the 1980s.
Brisbane-based Monique Ross – founder of Heartwood Nature Bathing – leads gentle sensory walks in the outdoors.
The leisurely ambles take place over several hours at forested locations across south-east Queensland including hinterland National Parks and urban green spaces, like beautiful Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens.
Led by Mon, an accredited nature bathing therapist, the sessions cultivate curiosity, connection with nature and mindfulness… a practice that brings deep relaxation.
“Your immune response gets a boost from doing things like this in nature,” says Mon. “It’s really good for destressing, boosting your creativity, your focus and concentration.”
A walk with Heartwood Nature Bathing can also include activities like basket weaving and making mandalas (symbolic diagrams) from found objects in the forest.
Each session ends with a tea ceremony beneath the branches.
