Bush Breathing is based on the Japanese practise of “Shinrin Yoku” or Forest Bathing. It was coined by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture in1982 and can be defined as “making contact with and taking in the atmosphere of the forest.” Shin is the forest and Yoku means bath. The Ministry emphasised that this practise is “not exercise, hiking or jogging.”
The Japanese practitioners of Forest Bathing are experiencing the beneficial energy of the plants and trees through the release of “Phytoncides.” These chemicals are antimicrobial allelochemical volatile organic compounds derived from plants and trees. Research suggests exposure to phytoncides can lower blood pressure, heart rate, cortisol levels, promoting relaxation and well-being. These beneficial organic compounds are used by trees to defend themselves against unwanted irritants such as insects, bacteria, or fungi. The trees that produce phytoncides in abundance are pines, cedar, spruce and fir. Similarly, we can also benefit from breathing in our bushland to achieve the same physiological and psychological benefits. Bush Breathing is simply being in nature and connecting with it through your senses. Bush Breathing becomes a bridge between the bush, your five senses, and your breath.
In Bush Breathing we use our five senses:
How can we connect?
The practise of Bush Breathing begins a meditative experience connecting you to the bush via your breath. This mindful sensory experience can be called “Mindfulness in Action (MIA).” This heightened sense of presence with bushland will have a stress reducing, healing impact on both mind and body.
Technique
On location we will walk slowly and in silence using our five senses. When your mind becomes full of chatter just repeat the phrase silently “my mind in relaxed (on the in-breath), and my body is relaxed” on the out-breath. This will enable you to ground and centre yourself. Be mindful of everything without your mind trying to name everything in your visual field. Just breathe into each step and enjoy your connection with bushland. This is Bush Breathing using a Mindfulness in Action technique.
Come and share this uplifting experience with like-minded Bush Breathers under the guidance Lyndon Harris (Hastings, Bonny Hills Landcare).
Date : 8th August 2024
Time : 10am
Catering :No catering
Limited numbers :10 spots only
Location: Port Macquarie -Christmas Bell Plains courtesy of Birpai LALC- We will send a meeting point to attendees via email (note no toilet facilities on site)
Bring: Yourself, drink bottle & hat. It is recommended to have limited caffeine beforehand.
