Welcome to forest bathing in the Cotswolds and South West. My name is Sharon and I am an accredited Forest Bathing Guide and Founder of Forest Mind. I have been walking the woods and forests around me for decades, connecting with nature and making it part of who I am and I promise there's no water involved!
With the constant use of technology, we are forgetting how to mindfully connect with those around us. My guided Forest Bathing sessions allow space to find and connect our shared emotions in a natural and sensory way.
Originating in Japan in the 1980's, Shinrin Yoku, literally translated as Forest Bathing, is a natural therapy for mental and physical balance. It is like a bridge. By connecting and bathing all our senses, it bridges the gap between us and the natural world. And this harmony is when we begin to heal. Our minds and bodies are no longer out of balance with nature but fully in tune with it and we are both restored and refreshed.
Bathe Your Senses
The sense of smell - the fragrance of the trees is wonderful and relaxing.
The sense of sight - beautiful changing colours in a glorious woodland landscape.
The sense of hearing - listen to the soundscape, the birdsong, the wind in the branches, the rustle of wildlife and the orchestra of insects.
The sense of touch - stroking the different textures of the trees and giving them a good hug really makes you feel alive.
The sense of taste - safely foraging food in the forest really connects you but also breathing through an open mouth and tasting the air is amazing.
My two hour sessions involve gentle walking, poetry reading, and several sensory based forest activities (invitations) to discover peace in nature.
You will feel stresses and strains evaporate as your body and mind recover and reconnect to nature in the beautiful woodland environment, becoming fully aware of your healing surroundings.
What are you waiting for? Come walk with me and get that dose of Vitamin N(ature). Leave the World Wide Web behind and enter the Wood Wide Web!
Testimonials
"This was such a beautiful experience today, in a magical place, led by Sharon in such an informative, gentle way. Totally recommend this. As an artist it has opened up more creative inspiration, tapping in to all the senses and feeling inspired."
Helen
"I really benefited from my Forest bathing session and will forever carry the experience/practice with me. As we pause during this season, like the trees, we will come back renewed and ready to face the next season stronger and wiser."
Kimberley
"The time spent with Sharon Forest bathing has made me more appreciative of our walks. It was a walk I will remember and I am grateful for her awakening a new way of spending time in nature. Even on walks now on my own I am more observant of the things around me and more relaxed as a consequence."
Simon
"I hugged a tree, something I’ve never done before but will certainly be doing in the future. The grounding sensation it gave me was magical.’ Thank you to Sharon for being such a wonderful forest bathing guide. I enjoyed every moment and can’t wait for next time".
Nicola
"I started my weekend with the lovely Forest Mind and a small group of lovely ladies. I arrived a little bit stressed from a busy week and some minor health issues and after two hours mindful and quality time spent in nature and beautiful woodland I walked out relaxed, calm and utterly content! I cannot recommend it enough and your central nervous system will be benefitting so much."
Annaliese
"A wonderful morning spent with nature in a magical forest led by Sharon who made the whole experience a truly memorable one. I felt relaxed, calm and invigorated afterwards and still can't quite believe I hugged a tree and now can't wait to hug another!"
Diane
"Thanks for such a lovely morning on Saturday, Sharon! It was wonderful to be immersed in the beauty of nature and feel completely at ease.
P.S. practised some mindful walking on my dog walk yesterday afternoon and the dog looked at me like I was crazy! It made me slow down and notice what was around me though! X"
Mel