What to expect in your first guided forest bathing experience

Just signed up for your first forest bathing session?  Wonderful!  We sometimes hear that participants are curious about what they can expect in a guided forest therapy walk. Here’s a short overview to help you prepare for your forest therapy experience.

How you’ll spend your time

Plan on arriving to the forest bathing location about 10 minutes before the scheduled start, and either leave your phone in the car or turn it off completely.  This is an opportunity to “unplug” and you’ll get much more out of the experience if you disconnect completely!

The guide will meet you at the forest bathing location and welcome all the participants. If you haven’t already signed a waiver, you’ll do so at this point. While forest bathing is not particularly dangerous, any outdoor activity comes with risks, so a waiver is a must. During this initial introduction, you’ll learn a little more about the guide, the place where you’ll be doing your forest bathing, and how the time together will flow.

Next, your guide will lead you through a grounding exercise designed to help you settle in and reconnect to all your senses.  You may be sitting, standing, or laying on the earth for this portion, depending on the location and your personal preferences.

After the first activity, your guide will lead you through a series of simple “invitations” that will encourage you to slow down and notice what’s around you.  Each of these invitations is completely “choice-based”: you are free to opt in, opt out, or edit any of them as you would like to fit what feels good to you.

You’ll likely not cover a lot of distance during a forest bathing session; in many experiences you’ll travel less than a half mile for the entire forest therapy walk.  If accessibility is a concern for you, please let your guide know as many routes and experiences can be adapted for your needs.   

Throughout the forest bathing experience, you will be given opportunities to share with the guide and other participants what you are observing.  You’ll wrap up with final reflections and sharing of tea or snacks.

Addressing common concerns

While many people are excited about forest bathing, others may have concerns based on previous experiences. Let us address those concerns head-on!

Does forest bathing involve problem-solving challenges as a group? Some of us have attended workplace outdoor team-building experiences that require groups to problem-solve together; while it may be a positive experience for some, for others it can feel very uncomfortable. Rest assured that in forest bathing, you won’t be expected to strategize or problem-solve and you can interact with the group at your comfort level.

I’m worried I won’t be good at forest bathing. Don’t worry – forest bathing isn’t a competition! We’re not trying to win a race or be the “best” at forest bathing.  This is an opportunity for us to remember or discover what it feels like when we are deeply connected to nature; all of us will have different experiences, and all experiences are equally valid.

Does forest bathing require special skills or equipment? Forest bathing is available and accessible to everyone, regardless of physical abilities, and doesn’t require any kind of special equipment.  We have all types and backgrounds who join us! Come as you are.

Does forest bathing or forest therapy require me to share personal stories in front of the group? Forest bathing is sometimes referred to as “forest therapy,” but it is not counseling or psychological therapy. While spending intentional time in nature has several physical and mental health benefits, during a forest bathing session you don’t have to share personal stories and all activities are optional. (Note: some guides may have separate training in spiritual and mental health modalities and may weave forest bathing into that work.)

Will forest bathing push me outside of my comfort zone? Much like learning to meditate can feel uncomfortable at the beginning, because we are so used to “speed living,” forest bathing can sometimes feel mildly uncomfortable at first! Some participants report an initial discomfort just from being away from their technology or moving at a slower pace; however, those same participants often say it was just what they needed. Because all invitations are optional and you are free to modify them as you wish, you can control how far past your “edge” you push, so long as you are respectful of the boundaries and experiences of other participants.

We’re excited you’ve decided to experience forest bathing! Please reach out to your forest therapy guide with any questions prior to your event.