Unplug and bathe in the forest

Christmas can be a stressful time. Take your mind off the festivities and partake in the sounds of silence with a trend that is growing around the world suggests ELENI PHILIPPOU

Nature connection and spending time outdoors is trend that has gathered pace since the lockdowns. And our tech-bombarded, city lives have left so little room for the outdoors we need to schedule in some time for nature. But the lockdowns made us realise that taking nature breaks can be a catalyst for physical and emotional health.

Taking a walk in the woods or meditating under a tree isn’t a new concept but the essence of forest bathing goes beyond that. A term that developed in Japan some four decades ago, forest bathing is a physiological and psychological exercise known there as shinrin-yoku, meaning taking in the forest atmosphere. Through mindful practices connecting with a natural environment, the concept grew as a sort of remedy to a digital burnout and a way to reconnect with the forest.

The Japanese embraced it and though walking in nature is as old as, nature itself new evidence began to show the benefits of such practices: reduced blood pressure, improved memory and a boost to the immune system. As its benefits grew, the Japanese government included it in their healthcare programme; imagine, a doctor’s prescription for a weekend in nature. A few days without your phone, without worrying about the kids or the stresses of the upcoming festive season and simply paying close attention to nature.

Perhaps the beauty of forest bathing, other than the healing qualities that nature offers, is that it is free and anyone can do it. As a fairly new concept on the island, a Paphos retreat is coming up to guide people through the practice. Through mindful activities over a weekend, participants will get to experience the forest and leave phones, cameras and worrying thoughts behind.

The Forest Bathing Retreat on December 18 and 19 in Stavros tis Psokas, the first of its kind in Cyprus, will be a version of the Japanese concept in combination with other mindfulness and wellbeing practices organised by two local initiatives, the Coheali Eco Experience and the Silentruth Institute.

“Restrictions and social unease caused people a lot of stress and a depressed mood,” say organisers Afroditi and Marilena Shyama Shakti, “and our purpose is to hold a space in which they can feel calm, loved and alive.” Their retreat invites everyone, not just nature-loving folk, to unplug from the noise of the cities and to connect with nature through forest bathing inspired activities.

“We will use the medicine of the forest,” they add, “to reduce stress and support healing and wellness. We will have the opportunity to reconnect with ourselves, feel and embody Nature’s healing effects.” Nature walks, contemplative activities, yin energy practices, breathing techniques and ample vegetarian food is part of the retreat’s agenda.

Deep in the rich forest of Stavros tis Psokas, the Paphos forest could be a unique location to hold such a retreat even if it is held during the winter months when it is not as common to be outdoors. Yet when has the Cypriot winter really stopped us from enjoying the outdoors?

“There is a tendency to love being outdoors during spring and summer but avoid it during winter,” say Afroditi and Marilena. “Nature is so beautiful, it transforms and offers a different vibe to us, reflects this transformation to us. Being in the forest is healing, and rejuvenating. It is our fear, habit and preference of comfort which usually do not let us enjoy nature during cold days. Cyprus does not have a cold winter if we compare it with other countries.

“Stavros tis Psokas has an amazing forest, clean air, life and silence. We have chosen this area as it is pure still and kind of ‘untouched’ by civilization. We wish to merge both nature and bathe in its sounds, silence and oxygen.”

Despite its name, forest bathing does not actually include a bath but a rather metaphorical showering in nature’s healing benefits. A version of that is what the Retreat next weekend will offer. Two days, or even one depending on how long each participant chooses to stay, spent taking in the forest, connecting with nature and others, ultimately switching off from devices.

The participation cost for the retreat varies depending on the kind of accommodation selected, if meals will be included and whether it is a one or two-day stay. For the accommodation, guests can choose between camping or staying in one of the wooden guest houses of the area.

A weekend in the forest awaits. Or rather, a weekend with the forest awaits. “Once we are able to reach a calmer state of mind,” say Afroditi and Marilena, “we can grow our awareness. In the depths of the forest, one can sense the cycle of transformations that all life goes through. Things that we were. Things that we are yet to become. Just like a seed in the ground. Like a child in the womb. Growing our awareness is growing our connection to all life.”

Forest Bathing Retreat

Mindfulness retreat inspired by the Japanese concept of forest bathing. Organised by the Coheali Eco Experience and the Silentruth Institute. December 18-19. Stavros tis Psokas, Paphos. Prices vary. Contact @cohealieco on Facebook to register. Event: Forest Bathing Retreat. The exact programme will be given to participants on arrival