Our Programmes

Forest Bathing

26th January 2025

Facilitator: Dee Aebischer

Forest Bathing (Shinrin Yoku) is a gentle, nature-based therapeutic practice developed in Japan during the 1980's to help reduce stress and improve mental and physical wellbeing. Although Shinrin Yoku is translated as “forest bathing”, there is no water involved, the term rather describing a state of becoming fully immersed in the forest atmosphere through awareness, observation and meditation.

Event time: 26th January 2025 10:00am - 3:00pm

Interested in spreading the cost of this course? Select Clearpay at checkout.

Not seeing Clearpay? Email info@hawkwoodcollege.co.uk for your payment options.

What Is Included

For the majority of our courses, both residential and non-residential rates are available. Residential options are fully inclusive with all meals provided. Non-residential options include suppers, lunches and all refreshments and exclude B&B. Some of our short day courses, events and talks do not include meals and refreshments. For more details about this course, please see the Practical Information section below.

Additional Activities

Mindful walking through our woodland trails
Meditate in our Woodland Sanctuary
Go on a hike and explore the Cotswolds AONB
Discover surrounding charming market towns

At a Glance

Japanese forest-based meditation exercises
A nature-based practice of self-care
Built on ancient Buddhist and Shinto traditions
Involves sensory, mindfulness exercises

What You Will Gain

An introduction to the art of forest bathing
An opportunity to experience first hand the benefits of spending mindful time in nature
Potential reduction in stress and tension leading to improved mental and physical well-being

Booking Options

Half DayHalf day delegate rate

£50.00

Interested in spreading the cost of this course? Select Clearpay at checkout.

Not seeing Clearpay? Email info@hawkwoodcollege.co.uk for your payment options.

Forest Bathing Tutors

Dee Aebischer

More about Forest Bathing

During the 4 hour session you will be guided through the beautiful woods surrounding Hawkwood House. You will be shown simple breathing and sensory exercises to help relieve tension as well as develop a calm and positive state of mind. In the most part, silence and focus will be encouraged, but there will be opportunities to share observations and experiences within the group. Sessions are held in all weathers except for strong winds and extreme cold, as different conditions enable us to better observe the ever-changing woodland environment.

The aim is to give you the skills to practice Forest Bathing independently, and connect with a sense of awe and curiosity in nature. The benefits of doing this regularly are many fold, working on all aspects of a person’s being.

Practical Information

Please wear weather appropriate clothing. As we'll be walking at a slow pace, you may wish to wear an extra layer, a wind-proof jacket may be useful too.

The session will be taking place over lunchtime as the woodland is generally quieter then, so you may wish to bring a snack, water bottle and a thermal cup.

Please bring a yoga/meditation mat or a picnic blanket.
Our Forest Bathing walks can include activities such as climbing over stiles, walking on uneven ground, slopes and sitting on the ground. However, we can adapt our route to suit your access needs so please let us know in advance of the course if you have any mobility, hearing or sight impairments.

‘This was a wonderful way to start the day’. ‘I thought I knew Hawkwood woods well, but Forest Bathing has shown me a whole new way of looking at them’

Previous participants

About Hawkwood

Hawkwood is a stunning Grade Il listed 19th Century country house, surrounded by 42 acres of sustainably managed woodland, farmland, and gardens. Set in the heart of the Cotswolds - an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - it is a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With a diverse selection of nearly 150 courses, there's plenty to choose from, including courses in transformative leadership, future thinking, inner life, music and the arts.

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