I am excited to share my latest project! A deck of 55 cards that can guide you in designing your own Forest Bathing and Mindfulness experience in nature – whether in the woods, the desert, a local park, or even your own backyard.
I’ve used these cards with adults both individuals and groups, scout troops, homeschooled children, and my own grandchildren. I look forward to sharing this deck with you. They are a perfect gift. They are useful for healthcare workers, forest bathing guides, therapists, teachers, and more that I haven’t thought of.
About
Forest bathing is a growing self-care practice that offers many health benefits. With beginnings in Japan, Forest Bathing is now practiced around the world because of the benefits to our overall health in a time where stress, turmoil, and chronic disease increases.
Forest bathing is a mindful slow walking experience to connect and explore the natural world around us. We explore with our senses wide open and slowing down to interact in meaningful ways. Being in nature lifts our spirits, contributes to our health through natural smells, sites, and sensations. In many countries there are guides and designated parks for Forest Bathing experiences.
Most of human existence has been intricately woven with nature — for food, shelter, community, and for life, itself. We hunted & gathered our food. We sat by fire pits for storytelling, warmth, safety, and connection. We built shelter with branches and undergrowth. We breathed in the fresh air, drank from streams, walked trails shared with wildlife, and recorded stories on cave walls & rocks along the way.
As our lives become busier, our connection to nature is diminishing. Forest Bathing is a practice of reconnecting and gaining the health benefits offered for free anywhere the natural world exists. Give yourself the gift of spending time in the natural world.
How to Use These Cards
Each card is a gateway to connect. Each card includes a photo, a word, and a suggestion. Every card offers you new ways to connect in mindful, slow walking as you explore using your senses.
Plan on at least 15 minutes and up to several hours for your Forest Bathing experience. Choose one card for a brief session – your gateway to a mindful exploration in nature. For a longer Forest Bathing retreat, choose 4 – 5 cards and allot 10 to 20 minutes for each gateway card.
Make a plan with a group of friends, colleagues, and family for several hours. With a group, create a mandala of twigs, leaves, stones, and other found objects that will grow during your time with each gateway. Have each person choose 1 – 3 cards for personal experiences in nature. After each gateway card, share with a group so everyone benefits from each card’s suggestion.
You will find your own ways to be in nature in beneficial ways. There are 2 blank cards in this deck for you to add your own gateway. Feel free to post your additions to my Forest Bathing Facebook page or email me with your idea. I am always updating and expanding my own deck from personal experiences and guiding others into the woods. Stay tuned, there may be another deck available soon.
Some Benefits of Forest Bathing and Connecting With the Natural World
~ lower blood pressure ~ reduced stress
~ increased Serotonin ~ increased Vitamin D
~ clears mental clutter ~ inspires creativity
~ improves mood ~ improves overall health
~ anti-cancer properties ~ better sleep
~ strengthens immune system ~ increases natural killer cells
In as little as 15 minutes to even days in the woods you will improve your health, well-being, and happiness. Benefits can be gained in a forest, a park, a lone tree, a local greenhouse, your favorite house plant, your garden, and even nature photo’s.
To purchase these decks you can: 1. go to my website @ www.centreforacupuncture.com
2. Etsy or 3. send me an email at LJ5250@aol.com.
Each deck costs $28.
Happy, Healthy, & The Prepared Mind 