Our compassionate approach to Shinrin Yoku guiding involves creating a safe and nurturing space for participants to connect with nature in a way that feels comfortable and supportive for them. This means being attentive to their needs, listening to their concerns – when appropriate, and providing gentle guidance and encouragement to immerse during a Shinrin Yoku session.

One important aspect of compassion in Shinrin Yoku guiding is respecting each participant’s unique relationship with nature. Some people may feel an immediate connection with the natural world, while others may feel more hesitant or unsure. By creating a non-judgmental and accepting environment, our guides can help participants feel comfortable exploring their own relationship with nature at their own pace.

Compassionate Shinrin Yoku guiding also involves being aware of participants’ physical and emotional limitations. Some people may have physical limitations that make it difficult to walk or navigate through the forest, while others may have emotional challenges that make it difficult to connect with nature. By being sensitive to these limitations and adapting your guiding approach accordingly, you can create a more inclusive and supportive experience for all participants.

Why our compassionate approach? 

Respecting participants’ unique relationship with nature:

Research has shown that people’s relationship with nature is complex and multifaceted, and can be influenced by a variety of factors such as personal experiences, cultural background, and individual preferences (Mayer et al., 2009). As a Shinrin Yoku guide, it’s important to be aware of these individual differences and adapt your guiding approach accordingly. One study found that people who felt more connected to nature tended to have better mental health and wellbeing (Capaldi et al., 2015), highlighting the importance of creating a supportive and accepting environment that allows participants to explore their own relationship with nature.

Being attentive to participants’ physical and emotional limitations:

Research has also shown that Shinrin Yoku can be beneficial for a wide range of physical and mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, and depression (Morita et al., 2017; Song et al., 2019). However, not all participants may be physically or emotionally able to participate in all aspects of the practice. For example, some participants may have mobility issues that make it difficult to walk on uneven terrain, while others may have emotional challenges that make it difficult to fully engage with the forest environment. By being aware of these limitations and adapting your guiding approach accordingly, you can create a more inclusive and supportive experience for all participants.

Creating a safe, accepting, and nurturing space:

Research has shown that feeling connected to nature can promote a sense of safety and security, as well as reduce feelings of stress and anxiety (Kahn et al., 2010). As a Shinrin Yoku guide, it’s important to create a space that allows participants to feel safe and secure, both physically and emotionally. This can involve creating clear boundaries and guidelines for the experience, as well as being responsive and attuned to participants’ needs and concerns.