Forest Bathing

Have you ever heard of Forest Bathing? If there was any place to try it out, you can’t get much better than the deep emerald, salt kissed temperate rainforests of Yachats! 

“Forest bathing is a restorative nature connection practice that encourages mindfulness and curiosity through sensory awareness and slowing down.

Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku (Shinrin=Forest, Yoku=Bath), that started in the 1980’s, these immersive experiences offer the chance to shift away from the stress and business of daily life, and to find calm and nourishment through a more intimate connection with the natural world.”

-Irene Bailey, Program Director of Temenos Rising + Certified Forest Therapy Guide

“The area surrounding Yachats offers an abundance of places to practice forest bathing. You can go to any outdoor space that makes you feel safe. This could be on a trail in a forest, at the beach, anywhere your senses feel awakened! 

There are two important things to remember-

Be quiet or silent.

Go slow and pause along the way. 

Use your senses to find things in nature that you are curious about or that offer feelings of calm. It can work well to set a timer, 15-20min as a sensory activity, or 1-2hrs to experience a “full bath”. Put your phone in airplane mode and commit to not taking any photos, simply be present. Notice how you feel before and after.”

You can learn more and register for a guided Yachats Forest Bathing Walks by booking directly through the Chamber of Commerce Events page, or by visiting www.temenosrising.com/forest-bathing-yachats

Article and Photography by: Girl in Water Photography