Let's Talk About Forest Bathing
A few days ago, The Retreat Costa Rica was included in an article about Forest Bathing and has since been recognized by several magazines and experts as one of the best destinations to do Forest Bathing.
But what exactly is Forest Bathing? I'll explain:
This term emerged in Japan in the 1980s as a physiological and psychological exercise called shinrin-yoku ("forest bathing" or "taking in the forest atmosphere"). The purpose was to offer an eco-antidote to tech-boom burnout and to inspire residents to reconnect with and protect the country's forests. The Japanese quickly embraced this form of ecotherapy, and in the 1990s, researchers began studying the physiological benefits of forest bathing, providing the science to support what we innately know: time spent immersed in nature is good for us.
Many cultures have long recognized the powers of spending time in nature, and at The Retreat we are embracing this concept as a powerful form of healing.
One of the good things about forest bathing is that it can be practiced by anyone and is not limited to the wilderness-lover; the practice can be as simple as walking in any natural environment and consciously connecting with what's around you or can be a more structured experience with trained guides for a meditative two- to three-hour ecotherapy excursion.
The Retreat is nestled amongst lush green quartz mountains overlooking the Pacific Ocean and offers a great setting to start experiencing the healing powers of nature and Costa Rican forests.
The Retreat hosts Forest Bathing Retreats, however, if you can't join us, here are 5 simple things you can do to take advantage of this healing modality:
Wake up early around 6-7 am and find a quiet place outdoors. Close your eyes and listen carefully for about 10-15 minutes to the sounds of nature. Focus on birdsongs, the smells, and the textures underneath you.
Walk barefoot as much as possible on the grass.
Find a quiet place for about 20-30 and try to recognize at least 4-5 different types of birds. This can be done early in the morning or right before sunset.
Hug a tree or a few. They have different energies and personalities. Have fun and try to discover what their personality is based on the energy you are receiving while hugging them. Some of them have a masculine energy while others hold a more feminine one.
Take one of our guided hikes early in the morning, try not to bring your phone or any electronics so you can be more present during the hike. Don't forget to set an intention for the hike, if you need to release something this is a great opportunity, or if you need guidance, pay attention to encounters with the animals crossing your path, they can have a message for you.
Check out Healing Holidays Blog post about Forest Bathing at The Retreat Costa Rica
https://www.healingholidays.com/blog/forest-bathing-natures-healing-powers
