Immersion in Nature's Calm - The Practice of Forest Bathing for Mental Tranquility
Forest Bathing: A Holistic Approach to Nature Connection and Wellbeing
Claire Branigan, a wellbeing coach, mindfulness teacher, and shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) practitioner, is dedicated to helping middle-aged women reconnect with both themselves and nature while prioritizing self-care. In this feature, we delve into the art of forest bathing, its benefits, and how this practice sustains Claire's own wellbeing while nurturing others.
Forest bathing, a popular Japanese practice, involves embracing the essences of nature through a conscious, multi-sensory experience. This therapeutic practice, which envelops individuals in the invigorating ambiance of the woods, aids in mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
"Forest bathing is the art of 'not doing,'" explains Claire. "It's the perfect antidote to our fast-paced daily lives. The bathing element of the term refers to immersing oneself mentally rather than physically, like sunbathing but without getting wet."
Claire highlights the numerous scientifically proven benefits of forest bathing, including stress relief, enhanced immune function, improved mood, and better sleep. The practice allows individuals to disconnect from their daily lives, quiet their minds, and calm their overstimulated nervous systems, ultimately leaving them feeling more relaxed, content, and energetic.
A nature lover and native of Oxfordshire, Claire draws upon her affinity for the great outdoors in her wellbeing coaching practice. Prior to becoming a mother, she ran the Pet Bereavement Support Service for the Blue Cross and worked as a Cruse Bereavement Care counselor. However, being a counsellor while raising a young family seemed incompatible, leading her to establish an online vintage garden store called Mabel & Rose. Ten years later, Claire retrained as a wellbeing coach, mindfulness teacher, and shinrin-yoku practitioner.
"Wellbeing coaching is about empowering people to lead healthy and fulfilling lives," shares Claire. "It's taking a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectivity of all aspects of life. I help clients identify areas that aren't serving them well and guide them towards tools to bring about more contentment, joy, and ease in their lives."
Claire found nature to be particularly healing during difficult periods in her life, a sentiment she still holds true today. When her mother passed away at a young age, nature provided solace and a sense of connection during a time of loss.
"I wasn't aware of the reasons then, but being in nature–especially during the cycles and seasons of life–was incredibly healing for me," recalls Claire. "Being part of something larger than myself helped me make sense of my loss and provided a sense of hope."
Today, Claire practices and advocates for slow living, a lifestyle centered around intentionality, mindfulness, and harmony with our surroundings. By honoring her connection to the earth, prioritizing self-care, and cultivating gratitude, Claire ensures her own wellbeing while helping others do the same.
Summarizing the beauty of forest bathing, Claire offers practical advice for first-time practitioners:
- Choose a suitable forest bathing spot that offers a decent number of trees, leaving behind distractions like mobile devices.
- Upon arrival, pause for a moment, and ground yourself by noticing the feeling of your feet on the ground.
- Walk slowly through the forest, taking time to engage all your senses and observe the colors, sounds, and aspects of the natural environment around you.
- Find a quiet spot to sit for an extended period, observing and connecting with nature for at least 20 minutes.
- Express gratitude for the experience and observe how you feel as you exit the woods, carrying the sense of calm and tranquility back into your daily routine.
By immersing ourselves in the beauty and variety that nature has to offer, we cultivate a deeper appreciation for the world around us and reclaim our relationship with the Earth. Forest bathing invites us to slow down, reconnect, and thrive in harmony with the rhythms of life.
- Claire Branigan, a wellbeing coach and shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) practitioner, encourages middle-aged women to reconnect with nature while prioritizing self-care.
- Forest bathing, a Japanese practice, promotes a conscious, multi-sensory experience in nature that aids in mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
- According to Claire, forest bathing is the art of 'not doing,' designed as the perfect antidote to fast-paced, daily lives, serving as a means to relieve stress, enhance immune function, improve mood, and promote better sleep.
- As a wellbeing coach, Claire empowers individuals to lead healthy and fulfilling lives, acknowledging the interconnectivity of all aspects of life, including small businesses like her home-and-garden venture, Mabel & Rose.
- Claire's affinity for nature and personal growth led her to advocate for slow living, a lifestyle centered on intentionality, mindfulness, and harmony with our surroundings, promoting personal wellbeing.
- To practice forest bathing, first-time practitioners should choose a suitable spot with numerous trees, disconnect from mobile devices, engage all their senses, find a quiet spot to sit, express gratitude, and carry a sense of calm and tranquility back into their daily routines.
