Slow down and reconnect: Forest bathing in the Tervuren Arboretum

We are living through uncertain times. I’ve often found that in the midst of the overwhelm - the haste - the simple act of being in nature brings me back to myself and makes me feel alive again.

It turns out, there’s a simple biological explanation for that. Spending time in and connecting with nature has been widely studied for its countless physical and mental health benefits. From reducing stress and blood pressure, to boosting immune function, and even helping our bodies shift to the parasympathetic nervous system - enabling rest and regeneration.

It can also positively impact our mood, help restore our concentration and attention, and even reduce feelings of loneliness, anger, and depression.

Forest Bathing is one of the many ways we can spend time in the more-than-human world of nature. Simply put, it is the practice of slowing down, awakening the senses and reconnecting to the intelligence of our bodies. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, it is a science-based framework which supports physical, mental and spiritual health and wellbeing.

As an ANFT Certified Forest Bathing Guide, I offer guided walks for groups in the beautiful forests of the Tervuren Arboretum, right on the edge of Brussels. These gentle, three-hour experiences invite us to move from our thinking minds into our sensing, feeling bodies, and offer time and space to reconnect with ourselves, one another and the more-than-human world.

I’ll be guiding walks in Tervuren throughout the autumn, so if you’re curious to experience Forest Bathing for the first time, or simply want to spend time in the forest in a different way, I’ll be delighted to guide you.

You can find out more about me and my upcoming walks here. See you in the forest.

“And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet

and the winds long to play with your hair”

—Kahlil Gibran