Forest Bathing is more than just a walk in the woods. It is a practice of slowing down, being present in the moment, and engaging with the forest environment through all of your senses. We have been evolving for millions of years with nature. Trees and plants breathe out and we breathe in. Our wellbeing depends on this synchronicity. When we connect to nature mindfully through Forest Bathing, physiological changes take place. We move out of our sympathetic nervous system - fight or flight and into our parasympathetic nervous system - rest and digest. We experience many benefits such as mental clarity, regulated heart rate and blood pressure, improved sleep and a sense of peace.
Breathwork has been practised for thousands of years in Eastern cultures and is the basis of modern yoga. It can be described as an active and embodied form of meditation. When you intentionally change your breathing pattern through different techniques you can change your state of consciousness and improve physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Breathwork can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, increase your energy levels, improve sleep patterns, and boost your immune system. It is also a powerful practice to release blocked emotions, increase self-worth, let go of self-limiting beliefs and release trauma and emotions that may be stored in the body.
No, you don't need any prior experience. All sessions are designed to be a non-judgemental, relaxed, and supportive space for everyone. Whether you are a complete beginner or have some experience, each practice is a deep self-healing journey where you will be fully guided. Conscious Connected Breathwork does have some contraindications and you will always be offered an alternative gentle breathwork practise.
There is a range of professional packages at Oak and Air for businesses and organisations to suit different needs and schedules. These include 1-hour online or indoor breathwork sessions for small groups and individuals, half-day Forest Bathing immersions, and full-day retreats at Minsteracres Retreat Centre, which include starting indoors in the library with tea, coffee, scones and tray bakes and indoor dining lunches prepared with home grown ingredients from their own walled garden. Explore The Air Reset, The Oak Reset, The Oak and Air Rest and the Conscious Connected Breath Reset here.
Workshops and events are based in and around the Tyne Valley, Northumberland and across the North East.
For corporate and organisations, Forest Bathing and Breathwork events can be held at Minsteracres Retreat Centre. This venue is stunning with it's own private woodlands and breathtaking views from the indoor spaces. Their hospitality is amazing with the option of tea, coffee, scones and traybakes served in the library on arrival and a delicious homemade lunch served in the dining room, prepared with ingredients from their own walled garden.
1:1 breathwork and group breathworks can be held online.
Conscious Connected Breathwork events are regularly held at Naturel Therapies, Warden NE46 4SH. Find out more about events here.
These practices directly affect your nervous system. By using specific breathing techniques and mindfully connecting with nature, you can consciously shift your body from the "fight or flight" stress response to the restorative "rest and digest" state. This process is scientifically shown to lower levels of cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone.
Practises such as Conscious Connected Breathwork is an activating type of breathwork which builds resilience in our nervous system making us more able to respond positively to stressful situations.
Yes. Laura is a trauma-informed facilitator dedicated to understanding the science behind these practices. Research shows that Forest Bathing can boost immunity by increasing our Natural Killer (NK) cells, while breathwork is proven to regulate the nervous system and improve the body's oxygen efficiency through mechanisms like the BOHR effect. See The Science to find out more.
I am Laura Waugh, a Nature Therapy Guide and Breathwork facilitator with 20 years of experience in environment and conservation with a focus on health and wellbeing. I am a fully insured practitioner with an International Diploma in Forest Bathing from Nature and Therapy, a training provider accredited by the Complimentary Medical Association (CMA). I am accredited by the Global Professional Breathwork Alliance (GPBA), ensuring the highest ethical and training standards. I am currently training to become a Breathwork Teacher with Breathing Space.
Find out more About Laura.