Forest Bathing & Slow Hiking

WHAT IS FOREST BATHING?

“The practice, usually with a guide, of moving slowly under a canopy of trees, engaging all the senses to arrive at a calmness and stillness through total immersion within the forest atmosphere.”

Emerging initially from Japan in the 1980’s as a way of dealing with what the Japanese saw as a growing epidemic of “Techno-stress”, Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) has grown exponentially across the globe, along with the vast body of science behind it.

BENEFITS
Some of the many proven benefits can include:

Boosted immune system
Reduced levels of stress hormones
Decreased scores for anxiety, depression, anger and fatigue
Improved happiness, creativity, calmness and stillness of mind
Improved sleep
Improved heart rate variability (HRV)
Normalised heart rate and blood pressure

WHAT TO EXPECT
You will walk, mostly in silence, through a woodland in locations carefully selected to offer the greatest benefits, being gently guided through a series of exercises designed to take you gradually deeper into your senses. By engaging your senses and bringing them to centre stage, the volume on the cacophony of your inner thoughts is turned down as they are quietened and find a stillness. The session will come to a peaceful and serene close with a guided meditation, generally lying down, under the canopy of trees. An experience most people find deeply relaxing. (There is no immersion in water.)

SESSION DURATION AND BOOKING
Depending on the location, the sessions can last for 2 – 4 hours and generally cover no more than 1km – 3km. Full information will always be given for every session (held monthly throughout the year and in all seasons) which you will see advertised on this page or via Eventbrite (link below). Alternatively, to be added to her mailing list or to request a tailor-made session, contact Jacqui directly via email and she will send you information on her programme of events or discuss your needs with you.

WHAT IS SLOW HIKING?

A small group of like-minded people exploring the wilderness of Abruzzo together. The emphasis of these hikes is to experiencing the beauty of this unique landscape, rather than how far, how fast or how high we climb.

WHAT TO EXPECT
At times during our hike we will walk in silence, but we will also chat and share and connect. We will climb hills and cover the ground, but we will also take the time to sit and look, to listen and just be. We will disconnect completely from technology, but there will also be time for a few meaningful photographs.

EXPERIENCE AND FITNESS LEVEL RECOMMENDED
Depending on the location, we will walk for between 4 – 6 hours and cover 8 – 10 km over undulating, natural terrain. Although we will be walking slowly and following recognised trails, there will be some hill climbing and descents to negotiate, as well as rough ground, possibly overgrown and muddy at times. No specialist clothing or equipment will be required, other than being suitable to the season, weather and location. Our walks are suitable for anyone with a basic level of fitness (eg regular hikers), but do please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

EVENTS AND BOOKING
Held monthly throughout the year and in all seasons you will see these sessions advertised on this page or via Eventbrite (link below). Alternatively, to be added to her mailing list or to request a tailor-made session, contact Jacqui directly via email (details below) and she will send you information on her programme of events or discuss your needs with you.

GENERAL

Whichever session you join us on, you will be introduced to some truly beautiful parts of this still wild and untainted natural landscape within the Apennines of Abruzzo. Our aim is to gradually slow you right down, bringing your focus into your surroundings in such a way that you can build a deeper connection with nature. Focusing on nature in this way allows the mind to settle into stillness and the body to find peace and to rest.

Our sessions are in English and our groups are small, to a maximum of 10 participants, which means each person can enjoy their own space, or connect with others as they wish, forging friendships and sharing experiences.

NB: Please note that due to the unpredictable nature of the weather and conditions in this mountainous region, we may have to change the location of the event (or postpone) if we consider the conditions to be detrimental to your safety, comfort and enjoyment. Details of our cancellation/amendment policy can be found on our Eventbrite page

BOOKING AND ENQUIRIES

Email (enquiries/booking/special requests): j.matthews.price@gmail.com
Booking direct: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/jacqui-matthews-price-103920368881
Website/Accommodation: https://kokopellicamping.co.uk/