What is Nature Bathing?
Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, which focuses on mindfulness and sensory immersion whilst in nature, evolves the practice of forest, or nature bathing. Whist still a direct translation of the core principle of Shinrin-Yoku, Western Forest Bathing emphasizes the therapeutic and recreational aspects of nature immersion, often including additional activities like group sharing, or creative expression such as journaling or ephemeral artmaking. By bringing these additional experiences into the practice fosters accessibility and inclusivity as it creates opportunities for all participants to engage with nature in a way that feels most appropriate to you; whether through quiet, still contemplation, stillness or movement, or creative expression.
The benefits of Nature Bathing?
Nature bathing is a simple, accessible way to reconnect with the natural world and supports holistic well-being—no hiking or gear required, just curiosity and presence.Some of the benefits of nature bathing, but not limited to, include the following:
Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression
Lowers blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels
Boosts immune function and reduces inflammation
Improves focus, creativity, and mental clarity
Enhances mood and emotional well-being
Supports better sleep and increased energy
Fosters connection to nature and community
Encourages mindfulness and present-moment awareness
Promotes environmental appreciation and stewardship
Offers a natural, low-cost wellness practice
Who is this for?
This first experience will be for adults only. We aim to facilitate encounters for children & families in the near future, however on this occasion, we would like to invite anyone over the ages of 18 who is feeling a calling to shift gears; slow down and get back in touch with their sense of Self in connection with the natural world. Nature bathing is a very sustainable practice that is suitable for everyone.
What you can expect
When bringing with you a sense of curiosity and openness; a desire to find a state of presence and awareness, however this looks for you, opportunities will arise for you to enter a calming state of relaxation and connectedness, with the natural world, and within yourself.Initially we will welcome a small group of participants on site and share a little about the land upon which we will gather, invite you to set an intention that is, funnily enough, to be unintentional; open, curious, mindful, and attuned with your sensory system, and then gently guide you towards your own exploration of the natural world and how to mindfully track what becomes alive for you throughout the journey. Following this nature bathing encounter, we will offer moments to reflect on the experience via some creative materials, and then to come together to share for anyone that feels called to do so.
In addition to giving yourself permission to slow down, take a pause, and do something for yourself amidst what is so often a very busy life, we hope that you will take away with you:
A deeper or refreshed sense of belonging, identity, and connectedness to the natural world as a part of it
A calm nervous system and enhanced clarity
A new found or strengthened sense of curiosity about your relationship with nature
Sustainable practices that you can implement within your day to day lives
Connectedness to Self AND community - meeting new people and potentially building new friendships
Meet your facilitators
Leah is a trauma-informed art therapist and eco therapist, a mode of therapy which is underpinned by ecopsychology’s exploration around the deep psychological connection between humans and nature. Leah believes that combining art therapy with nature-based or ecotherapy enhances emotional expression through a deepened connection to Self and the natural world, cultivating holistic growth & wellbeing, and a strengthened sense of belonging.
Charles works as a support worker within the Cairns Region and a tour guide for a local company in Mossman. Originally from France, Charles settled in Australia 5 years ago and has called Cairns home for 4 of these years. He is passionate about supporting the individuals that he works with to reconnect with the natural world for an optimum state of wellbeing in whichever way feels right for them.
What to bring
As mentioned, curiosity, presence, openness, even playfulness are the key ingredients to this magic potion. However, to ensure comfortability throughout, we would also like you to please wear suitable clothing/footwear for nature exploration, to bring a water bottle, and to please leave any technology behind where possible (we feel you deserve this time just for you)!We will supply mats, insect repellent and sunscreen, and creative materials.
Where do we meet?
We will meet at the private facility: ‘The Northern Outlook’, which is a government funded recreational area not open to the public. The address for the Northern Outlook is: 646 Redlynch Intake Road, Redlynch QLD 4870There is parking and toilet facilities at this venue.Once you have registered and paid for this encounter, you will receive an email with a link to our online waver form which will ask to collect emergency contact information. This information is kept confidential. Should any changes transpire to the event from our end such as a need to reschedule due to bad weather or temporary venue closure, we will inform you at our earliest convenience.
Also check out other Arts events in REDLYNCH, Meetups in REDLYNCH, Health & Wellness events in REDLYNCH.
