Mindfulness & Forest Bathing are like cousins. They meet together every so often and are related, but don’t come from the same family. They intersect at the point of awareness of your experience and your relationship with the Forest.
What is Mindfulness
Mindfulness simply put is being completely aware of what is happening within you and around you while being non-judgemental. It is very difficult to do, and that says something coming from a therapist. If you’re neurodivergent, it is especially difficult. Mindfulness can certainly be practiced while forest bathing. As you are walking down the path, you can notice your thoughts wandering aware of the beautiful scenery. In a non-judgmental way, you would need to bring yourself back to present awareness by immersing yourself in what you are doing.
Mindfulness and Forest Bathing
The above example is extremely common. I have plenty of difficulties staying completely aware of my wandering thoughts outside. Forest Bathing, as practiced by certified guides through the ANFT, offers invitations for your walk. A simple one that is foundational to forest therapy is “wander out and notice what’s in motion”. This invitation allows you to bring to focus on what your present moment is intended for, to become mindful of what’s in motion.
More than Mindfulness
Forest Bathing can be restricted if you limit it to the definition of mindfulness. Forest Bathing (or forest therapy) is about building your relationship with nature. Focusing on the connection you have with the natural world, it allows you to dive even deeper into what Nature has to offer you. This is the purpose of the invitations: to bring you into awareness of how the forest is sharing its wisdom with you.
But how do you get invitations? You can check out my guide to Denver Forest Bathing, and at the bottom is a way to get some free invitations. Don’t miss out!