The ancient woodlands of Minsteracres have always been a place of peace and reflection. On a beautiful autumnal morning, with the leaves just beginning to blush with the vibrant oranges of the season, we gathered in the old Shrubbery to experience this peace in a new way. I had been asked to lead a special Forest Bathing session for a small group on this beautiful estate.

As a nature therapy guide and breathwork facilitator, I guided the group through a morning of mindful immersion in the natural world. Forest Bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese practice of connecting with nature through the senses. It is not about hiking or exercise, but about slowing down and bathing in the atmosphere of the forest.

Forest Bathing at an idyllic setting in the North East

We took the time to truly be present in the woodland, pausing to breathe in the crisp autumn air, and noticing the intricate details of the natural world around us – the texture of bark, the delicate pattern of leaves, the quality of the light filtering through the canopy. We practised some gentle and supportive breathwork techniques among the trees. It was a morning of quiet contemplation, of reconnecting with the gentle rhythms of nature and, in doing so, with ourselves.

The session concluded with a warm and welcome tea, a chance to share reflections and to carry the tranquillity of the morning forward. The experience was a beautiful reminder of the healing power of nature and connection.

So why does Forest Bathing support our wellbeing?

Focusing on the quality of the time that we spend in nature, Forest Bathing invitations ensure that we are being conscious, in the moment, and aware of our senses. We find it easier to be mindful in this way when we’re in nature because it is so sensory in terms of textures, shapes, movements, sounds and smells it also changes from hour to hour, day to day, season to season with patterns that are reliable and familiar.

As modern humans have evolved for 300,000 years in nature we have learned to have positive associations with it; many aspects of it tell our nervous system that it is home. Certain natural landscapes, flora and fauna contain signals of safety such as tree cover (shelter, food and resources) and water (drinking, washing, fertile land). We unconsciously recognise these signals, and our nervous system responds with a reduced stress response and improved mood; even if our day-to-day relationship with nature is different than our ancestors, it is in still in our DNA.

You can see what a beautiful setting Minsteracres for Forest Bathing is here: www.minsteracres.org.

Minsteracres is a truly beautiful setting to explore our connection to nature. The giant sequoia trees line the entrance way and tower above the canopy creating a sense of awe, which is an important component of our wellbeing as we sense something greater than ourselves. The woodland in the Shrubbery includes wonderful big beech trees and magnificent oaks along with its very own pinetum hosting trees from all over the world from Afghanistan to Siberia. The woodland really is a feast for the senses.

On the borders of Durham, Northumberland, Gateshead and a short drive from Newcastle it is a highly accessible place. There are stunning far-fetched views stretching over the Cheviots from the main house and in the kitchen the chefs freshly baked scones, traybakes and delicious healthy lunches from the ingredients grown in their own walled garden. It is my favourite place to hold public retreats, take businesses for corporate Forest Bathing and indoor Breathwork experiences. All of these sessions have a focus on wellbeing, team building and cohesion.