"I went forest bathing with Viv, and I thought it was wonderful. I came out less stressed, feeling peaceful and throughout our session, I was able to hear the sounds of the trees, birds, water even the wind all around me. It was the most calming, stress-free experience I have ever had among nature. I am looking forward to repeating this experience".
“The session was very organic”
“Loved taking a journey with all my senses joining me as I walked”.
“Enjoyed having permission and space to explore”.
“Really liked being able to appreciate the woods at the start and end of the session and especially liked the 180° to end”
“It was such a surprise how for the size of the gardens it had everything”.
“There was such a diversity of trees and plants. It surprised me”.
“It was a wonderful experience. I loved it and want to do it again”.
“Thank you it was beautifully paced and I don’t know where the time went”.
“What I loved was tuning into nature and the amazing birdsong that seemed to follow us”.
“Your consideration for our comfort and wellbeing was great and I felt that you were able to lead us so well”.
“There was a good balance of direction and play”.
“I really enjoyed the treelaxation and the pause at the waterfall and the 180° was amazing to complete the session”.
“I was very impressed with the way they adapted and coped with my fear of dogs and made sure they were kept at bay as soon as they were aware. I felt that they acted above and beyond in doing this as encountering the occasional unruly dog off a lead in a park or woodland is something out of our control. It was dealt with very efficiently, without making a fuss.”
“In addition to the post-session email with links to useful websites there was a very good, relaxed opportunity to ask further questions and discuss the benefits of Forest Bathing at an after session drinks and discussion.”
“The immediate post-session hot drink was very welcome and it was a great release to have a chat and a laugh after concentrating so hard for a long time. The follow-up email reminding us of what we had done, and of likely benefits, was a useful summary.”
“The Common and the woods were lovely, especially in the spring sunshine with the birds singing at the tops of their voices. Maybe participants need to be aware that sounds of the nearby road, railway, and overflying aircraft can feel intrusive, and it takes an effort of will to think of them as just part of the soundscape and not an annoying aberration. However, it is a great choice as it is fairly easy to reach, and one can be in the midst of the woodlands without seeing houses, factories, or indeed many other people.”
“Each pause for sensory experience was clearly explained, and great emphasis was placed on them being an 'invitation', with no obligation to participate or to follow suggestions exactly. There was plenty of time at each pause to explore as much as you wanted, or, having had enough, to find somewhere to sit quietly and contemplate the surroundings.”
“Viv was our guide, and demonstrated admirably the tricky art of leading and informing without coming across as pushy or over-enthusiastic. Her calm way of speaking is an essential element in the overall aim of slowing down, relaxing, and taking in one's surroundings. Information was given very clearly, with plenty of time to absorb and ask questions if required. We always knew what we were supposed to be doing, and the process of gathering up the group at the end of each sensory experience pause was also done very calmly and sensitively.”
“It was helpful that Viv explained her and Beth's scientific backgrounds, and the research they had carried out into the science and benefits of forest bathing. Having participated, often unwillingly, in a myriad of training courses during my professional life, my BS detection sense is unfortunately very acute, but I am happy to report it was not activated in this case, and I was able to accept and enjoy the activities on offer.”