FOREST HEALING SPHERE
癒しの森のスフェラ | Amongst Trees – A Place To Heal
癒しの森のスフェラ
Amongst Trees – A Place To Heal
Shinrin Yoku Guide Training
Looking ahead, from 2025, the training for Shinrin Yoku guides will be hosted in the newly established Forest Healing Sphere in Japan, marking a significant evolution in the program’s journey by The Mindful Tourist: 森の心・人の心. Read more about the Edition 1 and 2 of the Shinrin Yoku Guide Training.
IKIGAI Retreat
The IKIGAI Retreat at Forest Healing Sphere is a special program designed to help individuals discover their purpose in life, or “ikigai” – a Japanese concept that translates to “reason for being.” By immersing participants in the healing power of the forest and offering a range of nature-based practices and activities, the retreat aims to cultivate well-being, personal growth, and a deeper connection with oneself and the world around them.
The IKIGAI Retreat combines elements of Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), mindfulness practices, and reflective exercises to facilitate self-discovery and personal development. Participants engage in guided nature walks, meditation, and yoga sessions, all within the nurturing embrace of the forest. These practices encourage relaxation, stress reduction, and mental clarity, allowing individuals to tap into their inner wisdom and intuition.
In addition to nature-based practices, the retreat also incorporates workshops and group discussions that explore the concept of ikigai and its relevance to one’s life. Participants are encouraged to examine their passions, values, and strengths, fostering a deeper understanding of what brings them joy and purpose.
By the end of the IKIGAI Retreat at Forest Healing Sphere, participants should have gained valuable insights into their unique purpose and how to align their lives with their passions and values. This newfound understanding can lead to increased happiness, fulfillment, and a more profound connection to the world around them. The retreat also promotes a sense of community and cultural exchange, as individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to share their experiences and learn from each other in the idyllic setting of the forest.
Shinrin Yoku Paths
At Forest Healing Sphere, our Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing) paths are designed to provide a truly unique and immersive experience. Unlike traditional hiking or nature trails, our paths are crafted to slow you down, encouraging a gentle, mindful exploration of the forest. Each path is carefully laid out to guide you through a diverse range of environments within the forest, from quiet, secluded groves to awe-inspiring vistas, fostering a sense of discovery and wonder.
Our paths are dotted with ‘invitation spots’ where visitors are encouraged to pause and engage with nature through a variety of senses, such as listening to the rustle of leaves, feeling the texture of bark, or inhaling the scent of fresh pine. Moreover, our Shinrin Yoku paths are more than just physical trails; they are a journey into a deeper connection with nature and self. Every twist and turn is an invitation to let the forest in and to open up to its healing power.
Guided Shinrin Yoku Sessions
At the Forest Healing Sphere, one of our signature experiences is our Guided Shinrin Yoku Sessions.
Shinrin Yoku, also known as ‘forest bathing’, is a Japanese practice that invites you to immerse yourself in the healing energy of the forest. It’s not about physical exercise, but about opening your senses to nature, taking in the forest’s sights, sounds, and scents, and cultivating a deep connection with the environment around you.
Our guided sessions are led by trained Shinrin Yoku guides who will gently lead you along our dedicated forest paths, encouraging you to slow down and engage your senses. They’ll guide you through a series of invitations – gentle suggestions to help you interact with the forest in a more intimate way.
Whether it’s feeling the texture of a leaf, listening to the rustle of branches, or breathing in the scent of the earth, these experiences are designed to help you find calm, balance, and a sense of presence.
Science has shown that spending time in nature in this way can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost the immune system. But more than that, our Shinrin Yoku sessions offer a chance to rediscover your relationship with nature, to listen to the forest and what it has to share.
Nature Connectedness Workshops
At Forest Healing Sphere, we believe that a strong connection with nature is integral to our overall well-being. That’s why we offer Nature Connectedness Workshops, designed to help you deepen your bond with the natural world around you.
Our workshops are immersive experiences that go beyond just being in nature – they are about actively engaging with it, understanding its rhythms, and recognizing our inherent place within it. Under the guidance of experienced facilitators, you will participate in a range of activities aimed at cultivating awareness, mindfulness, and appreciation for nature.
From mindful walking to sensory exploration, from learning about local flora and fauna to understanding the subtle changes of the seasons, these workshops are designed to awaken your senses, stir your curiosity, and kindle a lasting love for the natural world.
But it’s not just about connecting with nature – it’s also about connecting with ourselves and each other. In sharing these experiences, we foster a sense of community, understanding, and mutual respect.
Art Residency
At Forest Healing Sphere, we deeply value the power of creative expression and its profound impact on mental well-being. That’s why we’re thrilled to host an Art Residency program, designed to bring together artists from different disciplines who seek inspiration from nature and wish to explore the therapeutic benefits of the forest.
Our Art Residency program offers a unique opportunity to live, work, and create in the heart of the forest, surrounded by its tranquillity, beauty, and healing energy. Artists are provided with a serene workspace where they can immerse themselves in their craft, allowing the forest to fuel their creativity and influence their work.
During their stay, artists are also invited to engage with our community, share their process and insights, and contribute to our mission of promoting mental health and environmental conservation. They can lead workshops, present their work in our on-site art gallery, and participate in our various nature-based activities.
Join us at Forest Healing Sphere and let the forest be your muse, providing a space for reflection, inspiration, and growth. Through the Art Residency program, we aim to foster a vibrant community of artists united by their love for nature and commitment to mental well-being.
Tea Ceremony Experience
At Forest Healing Sphere, we invite our guests to partake in a unique, meditative experience – the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony. Rooted in centuries-old customs and philosophy, the Tea Ceremony, or Chado, is a practice of mindfulness, aesthetics, and profound respect for nature and others.
Performed in our dedicated Chashitsu, or tea room, the ceremony is an immersive sensory experience. The subtle aroma of the tea, the warmth of the cup in your hands, the exquisite taste – every detail is designed to bring you into the present moment and promote a deep sense of calm.
Our skilled tea masters guide you through the intricate process, from preparing the tea to savoring it, emphasizing the principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility that underpin the ceremony. They share insights into the ceremony’s history and symbolism, enriching your understanding and appreciation of this ancient art form.
Participating in a Tea Ceremony is much more than enjoying a cup of tea. It’s an opportunity to slow down, connect with yourself and others, and cultivate mindfulness. It’s a reflection of our belief at Forest Healing Sphere that every action, no matter how small, can be a path to inner peace and mental well-being.
Shinrin Yoku Retreats
At Forest Healing Sphere, we believe in the transformative power of nature to heal and rejuvenate. Our Shinrin Yoku Retreats are the embodiment of this belief, offering you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of the forest and reconnect with your inner self.
During our retreats, you’ll experience the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, or “forest bathing,” under the guidance of our trained facilitators. We’ll guide you on tranquil walks along our curated forest paths, encouraging you to engage all your senses to absorb the forest’s restorative ambiance. It’s not about the destination; it’s about savoring each moment, each breath, each step.
Our retreats are a time for you to unplug from your daily routine and let the forest nurture your mind, body, and soul. They’re designed to help you find balance, clarity, and a sense of well-being that you can carry with you long after you leave.
Body-Mind Retreats
At the Forest Healing Sphere, we embrace the profound bond between body and mind. Our Body-Mind Retreats are crafted to cultivate this connection, fostering holistic wellness and equilibrium.
These retreats are a blend of mindful movement, immersive nature experiences, meditation, and mindful eating, creating a nurturing and transformative journey. We kick-start with guided Shinrin Yoku sessions that encourage a deep immersion in the forest environment, allowing nature’s tranquility to soothe your mind and rejuvenate your spirit.
Our schedule includes dedicated meditation sessions, guided by experienced practitioners who will help you develop mindfulness techniques to calm the mind and promote inner peace. Whether you are new to meditation or have been practicing for years, these sessions will deepen your understanding of your mind, helping you cultivate a more mindful presence in your daily life.
We also incorporate yoga and other movement practices to stretch and strengthen the body, while centering the mind. Our instructors guide you through accessible sequences, with a focus on breath control and conscious movement.
The body-mind connection extends to our approach to nutrition too. Our outdoor kitchen serves plant-based, locally sourced meals that are as nourishing as they are tasty. The act of communal cooking and dining under the open sky adds another dimension to the experience, fostering a sense of community and connection.
Our Body-Mind Retreats are more than just a vacation. They are an invitation to reconnect with your authentic self, to deepen your understanding of your body and mind, and to cultivate practices that will enrich your wellbeing long after you leave our sphere.
Jikiden Reiki Sessions
elcome to the world of healing energy at the Forest Healing Sphere. Our Jikiden Reiki sessions offer a gentle yet powerful way to balance your body, mind, and spirit.
Jikiden Reiki is a traditional Japanese form of Reiki, a practice that channels universal life energy to promote healing and relaxation. In these sessions, our skilled practitioners use a hands-on technique to channel positive energy into your body, helping to restore balance and harmony within you.
As the life force energy flows through you, you may feel a deep sense of calm and relaxation enveloping your body. Many participants report feeling a release of stress and tension, improved sleep, and an overall sense of wellbeing.
But the benefits of Jikiden Reiki extend beyond the physical. By balancing your energy, these sessions can also help to calm the mind, soothe emotional distress, and nurture a deeper sense of inner peace.
At the Forest Healing Sphere, we believe in the interconnectedness of body, mind, and nature. Our Jikiden Reiki sessions are conducted in the heart of the forest, allowing you to tap into the healing power of nature as you experience the restorative energy of Reiki.
Organic Farming
n the heart of the Forest Healing Sphere, our organic farming efforts bloom in harmony with the surrounding environment. Our philosophy goes beyond sustainable agriculture – we aim to nurture a relationship between people and the land, fostering a deeper appreciation for the food we eat and the earth that provides it.
Here, we grow a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs – all nourished by the natural richness of the soil and the warmth of the sun. By tending to the farm, visitors can connect with the land, learn about sustainable farming practices, and appreciate the joy and satisfaction that comes from growing one’s own food.
But the experience doesn’t stop at the farm. In our outdoor kitchen, visitors have the opportunity to participate in communal cooking. Using the fresh produce harvested from our organic farm, we come together to prepare delicious, nutritious meals. This is a chance to learn new recipes, engage in the joy of cooking, and appreciate the value of food prepared with love and care.
At the end of the day, we gather to share the meal, exchanging stories, laughter, and camaraderie. This is more than just a meal – it’s a celebration of community, of the fruits of our labor, and of the deep connections that can form when we take the time to slow down, appreciate the earth’s bounty, and share in its gifts.
Writing Residency
he Forest Healing Sphere welcomes writers from all walks of life to our serene and inspiring Writing Residency program. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, our tranquil environment provides the ideal backdrop for creativity to flourish and for writers to delve deep into their craft.
During their stay, writers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the healing power of the forest, drawing inspiration from the natural world and the unique experiences offered at our sanctuary. Our Writing Residency program is designed to encourage self-reflection, growth, and artistic expression.
As part of our community, writers can connect with other artists and enthusiasts, exchange ideas, and find support in their creative journey. Whether working on a novel, poetry collection, or personal essay, residents can find solace and motivation within the forest’s embrace.
The Forest Healing Sphere also offers workshops and resources to help writers hone their skills and explore new techniques. From meditation and Shinrin-yoku sessions to nature connectedness workshops, we encourage our residents to expand their horizons, deepen their connection to the environment, and find new ways to express themselves through the written word.
Expressive Writing Sessions
At Forest Healing Sphere, we believe in the power of words to heal, inspire, and transform. That’s why we offer Expressive Writing Sessions, a unique therapeutic experience that invites you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and personal stories through writing.
Under the guidance of our trained facilitators, you’ll be encouraged to let your pen flow freely, uncensored, and without judgement. These sessions are a safe space where you can express yourself authentically, gain insight into your emotions, and find your voice.
Writing can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth. It can help to release pent-up emotions, process complex experiences, and cultivate a deeper understanding of oneself. It’s not about perfect grammar or polished sentences, it’s about honesty, vulnerability, and raw emotion.
As you immerse yourself in the tranquility of the forest, you’ll find inspiration in the whispering leaves, the rustling wind, and the rhythmic song of the birds. The forest is a mirror to our inner world, reflecting our feelings and thoughts, and fostering a deep connection between our inner self and the natural world around us.
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