What’s it really like to have a Forest Bathing Guide Job?
The morning sun is beginning to filter through the canopy as I arrive at the edge of the woodland around 9:30 am. This is the start of a typical day for me, a Forest Bathing Guide, and a day dedicated to sharing the restorative power of nature with others. Many wonder what having a Forest Bathing Guide Job entails, and today, I’ll give you a glimpse.
Morning Preparations
My morning preparation begins with a personal practice. Before any group arrives, I dedicate time to grounding myself in the forest. I walk slowly, mindfully allowing my senses to awaken. I listen to the chorus of birdsong, feel the warmth of the morning sun on my skin, and breathe deeply, inhaling the crisp, clean air. This personal ‘arrival’ is essential; it allows me to be fully present and centred when I guide others. This is a crucial part of the Forest Bathing Guide Job if you are determined to give your participants a top-quality experience.
Today, I’m leading a three-hour Forest Bathing session for a small group of women seeking respite from the demands of their busy lives. I’ve carefully chosen a trail, a gentle loop that offers a variety of natural elements – towering trees, a babbling brook and a secluded meadow. Each element will serve as a backdrop for the forest therapy invitations I will offer.
Introducing Forest Bathing
By mid-morning, the group begins to arrive. I greet each participant with a warm smile and a gentle introduction to the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing). We gather in a circle, and I explain the basic principles: slowing down, engaging the senses and cultivating a mindful connection with nature. I emphasise that there is no right or wrong way to experience the forest; it’s about allowing oneself to be present and open to whatever arises.
We begin our walk, moving at a leisurely pace, allowing the forest to set the rhythm. I offer the first invitation: a simple sensory exploration. I invite them to lie on the ground and close their eyes and listen to the sounds around them, to notice the different layers of sound – the rustling leaves, the distant birdsong, the gentle murmur of the stream. We move through each major sense in turn.
Feeling an Embodied Response
As we continue, I offer a series of invitations designed to deepen their connection with the forest. We explore the textures of tree bark, observe the intricate patterns of leaves, and breathe in the fragrant scents of the forest floor. More than that though, we observe how we feel inside as we become one with nature. We spend so much time in our thinking minds these days that it’s not easy to allow and notice our embodied responses. We pause to appreciate the beauty of komorebi, the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves and marvel at the resilience of a wildflower pushing through from beneath a fallen branch. So many metaphors in nature.
One of my favourite invitations is the “Wabi-Sabi” exploration, where we seek out the beauty in imperfection. We find cracked bark, weathered stones, droopin flowers and leaves with insect nibbles, recognising the inherent beauty in the natural cycle of life and decay. This invitation often sparks profound reflections on acceptance and impermanence.
Throughout the session, I observe the subtle shifts in the group’s energy. Initially, there’s a sense of nervous anticipation, a lingering tension from their daily lives. But as we move deeper into the forest, I witness a gradual softening, a sense of calm settling over them. Their breaths become deeper, their movements slower, and their faces soften with a gentle serenity.
Welcoming Emotions is Key in a Forest Bathing Guide Job
I also utilise my counselling skills to hold space for any emotions that arise. Forest bathing is not just a sensory experience; it’s an emotional one as well. Sometimes, the quiet stillness of the forest can bring up buried feelings. I provide a safe and supportive environment for participants to explore these emotions, offering gentle guidance and reassurance. This is a vital aspect of the Forest Bathing Guide Job.
Ending the Experience
As we approach the end of our session, I guide the group through a final relaxation. Today I’ve chosen an EcoNIDRA meditation that allows them to integrate their experiences and connect with the earth beneath them. We gather once more in our circle, sharing reflections and insights with a foraged tea and I read a poem. There are smiles, tears and heartfelt expressions of gratitude.
‘Walk of Wonder’ is a wonderful way to close the experience as we walk out of the woods back into real life. After the group departs, I spend a few moments in quiet contemplation, reflecting on the session and the individual journeys of the participants.
Back Office Tasks in a Forest Bathing Guide Job
Later that afternoon, I might be preparing for a private session, researching new trails, editing photos or working on administrative tasks. I also dedicate time to continuing education. This could be reading about the latest research on Forest Bathing or exploring new ways to deepen my own connection with nature. These tasks are all part of the varied responsibilities of a Forest Bathing Guide Job.
Evenings are often spent with my son, running through our days and enjoying the tranquility of our garden with a shared meal and perhaps a spot of wildlife pond dipping! Though I sometimes work of an evening if I’ve chosen to take the day off to go on an adventure. Recently I’ve explored the Halnaker Windmill Tree Tunnel and the Welford Park Snowdrops with friends. I find that the practice of Nature Connection and Forest Bathing is not just a job; it’s a way of life. It’s about cultivating a deep respect for nature and sharing its restorative power with others.
As the sun sets I feel a profound sense of gratitude. I’m grateful for the opportunity to witness the transformative power of nature, to guide others on their own journeys of self-discovery and to live a life that is deeply connected to the earth.
This is a day in the life of a Forest Bathing Guide. A day filled with purpose, peace and the enduring beauty of the natural world.
A Day in the Life with a Forest Bathing Guide Job
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