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I want to share my personal story with you. Many students on our Forest Bathing certification training program know that I work in hospitality. 2020 was the worst year for our industry and many people lost their jobs. That includes me. Along with many employees, I was made redundant by the beautiful wellness retreat I had worked at, due to plummeting number of international travelers normally visited our resorts. It started with an extended mandatory vacation leave to reduce the financial obligations for the company, and eventually we were all let go in December 2020.

The Mindful Business - Your Achievements, Habits, Goals and Ikigai. In week 14 of your TMT Shinrin Yoku training, we discuss your past achievements, the habits or system you have that contributed to those achievements, your life goal and what hinders you to reach your ikigai or life purpose.

We intuitively know that spending time in nature in good for us. When we slow down, stop the busywork, and take in beautiful natural surroundings, not only do we feel restored, but our mental performance improves too. Critics often scoff that research about the Shinrin Yoku practice is lacking. However, there is growing scientific evidence that getting outside in a natural setting strengthens mind-body connection and, therefore, is good for health.

In Japan, Shinrin Yoku is built into the daily habits without much friction for many people, Japanese and foreign residents alike. This is easily accessible thanks to the clever city planning that beautifully weaves nature and well-paved walkways into the urban landscape. As a result, going for a Shinrin Yoku walk requires little planning, hence incorporating it into the daily life is convenient.

If you are a trained Forest Bathing or Shinrin Yoku guide, you probably have all the Forest Bathing basics covered. However, prior to the trip, there is the planning part and a well-planned itinerary ensures a safe and unforgettable experience for both you and your clients. In this blog, I am sharing the secrets, which I used when I planned our very first Forest Bathing trip in Kyoto, to a successful trip.