Shinrin Yoku, or forest bathing, is a practice originating from Japan that involves immersing oneself in nature to promote health and well-being. As a Shinrin Yoku guide, facilitating this immersive experience requires attentiveness, empathy, and a deep connection with nature. An effective method for cultivating these qualities and enhancing your guiding practice is the “Three Good Things” intervention from the field of positive psychology.

Developed by Dr. Martin Seligman, the “Three Good Things” intervention is a simple yet powerful tool designed to increase individual happiness and overall well-being. The process involves reflecting on the day’s events, identifying three positive things that occurred, documenting them, and analyzing why they happened. This practice helps shift our focus from life’s challenges to its joys, fostering a more optimistic outlook.

Here are ways to incorporate “Three Good Things” into your journey as a Shinrin Yoku guide:

Personal Development

As you undergo training to become a Shinrin Yoku guide, integrate the “Three Good Things” practice into your routine. At the end of each day, take a moment to identify and write down three things that went well in your training or forest bathing practice. Then, consider what led to these positive outcomes. This process not only amplifies your awareness of your personal growth but also boosts your morale, which fuels your continued learning and development.

Professional Practice

After becoming a Shinrin Yoku guide, apply the “Three Good Things” intervention to your professional practice. Reflect on each forest bathing session you lead, noting three things that went well and why. This practice helps you recognize your strengths, understand the elements contributing to successful sessions, and identify areas where you can enhance your skills and offerings.

Enriching Participant Experiences

Integrating the “Three Good Things” exercise into your Shinrin Yoku sessions can also enrich participant experiences. Towards the end of each session, invite participants to reflect on their experiences and identify three positive elements they noticed or felt during their forest bathing. This practice enhances their awareness of the positive aspects of nature, deepens their connection with the natural world, and reinforces the health and wellness benefits they gain from forest bathing.

Maintaining Optimism

Finally, the “Three Good Things” intervention can help you maintain a positive and resilient outlook as a Shinrin Yoku guide. The nature of guiding groups can present challenges. Still, by routinely focusing on positive experiences, you can navigate these challenges with grace, fostering an atmosphere of optimism and well-being that enhances your effectiveness as a guide.

By making the “Three Good Things” practice a cornerstone of your daily routine, you can bolster not only your own well-being but also the quality of the Shinrin Yoku experiences you provide. This simple yet profound practice serves as a reminder that every day, regardless of the challenges we face, there are always aspects of our lives that bring joy, foster growth, and deserve our gratitude.