As a participant in a Shinrin Yoku session or Forest Bathing session, navigating the delicate balance between expectation and intention can make the difference between a fulfilling or disappointing experience. But what do these terms mean, and how do they impact the forest bathing journey?

Expectation: The Participant’s Outlook

Definition: Expectation is a preconceived belief or assumption about what will happen during a Shinrin Yoku session, such as specific feelings, insights, or benefits.

Positive Impact:

• Guiding the Journey: Expectations can provide motivation and direction, aligning the participant’s focus.
• Enhancing Engagement: A positive expectation can increase excitement and commitment to the process.

Negative Impact:

• Hindering Experience: Fixed or unrealistic expectations may lead to dissatisfaction if not met.
• Guide’s Influence: A guide’s expectations may inadvertently affect the participant’s experience, limiting their freedom to connect authentically with nature.

Scientific Insight: Expectation management has been found crucial in various therapeutic settings, impacting satisfaction and outcomes (Constantino et al., 2011).

Intention: The Heart of the Journey

Definition: Intention refers to a conscious commitment to a desired quality or way of being during the session, such as openness, curiosity, or connection.

Positive Impact:

• Deepening Connection: Setting a personal intention aligns the participant’s mindset with the unique experience of the forest.
• Facilitating Presence: Intention encourages mindfulness, enabling a more profound connection to the present moment and natural surroundings.

Scientific Insight: Research supports the use of intention-setting in mindfulness practices, linking it to increased awareness and well-being (Chittaro & Vianello, 2016).

The Interplay Between Guide and Participant

Sometimes, the expectations of the forest bathing guide may inadvertently impact the participant’s experience:

• Influencing Perceptions: A guide’s strong expectations may shape the participant’s views, either positively or negatively.
• Limiting Authenticity: A participant may feel pressured to conform to the guide’s expectations, hindering a genuine connection with nature.

Finding the Balance: Tips for Participants

1. Clarify Expectations: Discuss expectations with the guide before the session to ensure alignment and understanding.
2. Set Personal Intentions: Choose an intention that resonates with you, focusing on how you wish to engage with the forest.
3. Embrace Flexibility: Allow the experience to unfold naturally, releasing rigid expectations.
4. Reflect and Share: Share your experiences and reflections with the guide, fostering a more personalized experience.

Conclusion

For a participant in a Shinrin Yoku session, understanding and balancing expectation and intention can significantly influence the experience’s quality. Emphasizing intention over rigid expectations and maintaining open communication with the guide can create a richer, more authentic connection with nature.