The only thing that is constant is change,” said the Greek philosopher Heraclitus. Change, learning, and growth are fundamental aspects of life, and this is especially true when we embark on a path like becoming a Shinrin Yoku, or forest bathing, guide. Tony Robbins, a motivational speaker and life coach, puts it succinctly: “All growth starts at the end of your comfort zone.”

The term ‘comfort zone’ was first outlined by Judith Bardwick in 1991 as “a behavioral state within which a person operates in an anxiety-neutral condition, using a limited set of behaviors to deliver a steady level of performance, usually without a sense of risk.” This zone, comfortable and secure as it may be, doesn’t lend itself to personal or professional growth. To grow, we need to step beyond our comfort zone into the fear zone, the learning zone, and ultimately the growth zone.

As a budding Shinrin Yoku guide, you may already be feeling the tension of the fear zone. This zone is marked by uncertainty and discomfort, and it’s where many of us face the temptation to retreat back to what’s familiar. But if we persist through the fear, we enter the learning zone, where we start to acquire new skills, learn to handle challenges, and broaden the boundaries of our comfort zone.

In the learning zone, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Shinrin Yoku’s principles, hone your ability to facilitate meaningful experiences for participants, and learn to adapt to different circumstances. You’ll develop resilience, empathy, and a more profound connection with nature. Over time, this continuous learning propels you into the growth zone, where you experience profound personal transformation and professional development.

You may ask, “How can I effectively transition from the comfort zone to the growth zone?” The answer lies in cultivating a growth mindset, a concept introduced by psychologist Carol Dweck in 2008. A growth mindset is characterized by the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. It’s about embracing challenges, persisting in the face of setbacks, seeing effort as a path to mastery, and learning from criticism. In the context of becoming a Shinrin Yoku guide, a growth mindset helps you see every challenge as an opportunity for growth and every mistake as a lesson.

Today, let’s start by asking ourselves, “What is holding me back?” This simple question can unearth fears and self-imposed limitations that may be hindering our progress. Acknowledge these fears and think about potential solutions.

Stay kind to yourself in this process and embrace your own pace.