The Fall Equinox is a time of balance, and today's episode is a practice devoted to cultivating this balance for the colder, darker months ahead.
Join guest host Eve Payor from Singing Pines as she guides you through an authentic forest bathing experience rooted in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku. This isn't about hiking or exercising—it's about mindfully receiving nature's healing gifts through all your senses.
What You'll Experience:
- Complete guided forest bathing session you can do anywhere—even indoors
- Scientific evidence behind nature therapy's powerful health benefits
- Sensory awareness practices connecting you to the "more than human world"
- Three focused invitations: observing motion, connecting with water, and greeting trees
- Reflection opportunities and journaling prompts throughout
The Science Behind Forest Bathing
Research led by Professor Yoshifumi Miyazaki at Chiba University reveals forest bathing:
- Significantly lowers stress hormones, blood pressure, and heart rate
- Boosts immune system through phytoncides (tree essential oils)
- Increases natural killer (NK) cells that fight infections and tumors
- Improves cognitive function, memory, and creativity
- Reduces risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease
- Enhances mood through negative ions found near water sources
Perfect For:
- Those wanting to mark the Fall Equinox in a meaningful way
- Anyone seeking natural stress relief and anxiety reduction
- People interested in science-backed wellness practices
- Those wanting to deepen their connection to nature
- Beginners to forest bathing and nature therapy
- Anyone needing a mindful break from urban overwhelm
What You'll Need:
- Access to any natural space (forest, park, or even potted plants)
- Optional: journal for reflection
- Optional: cup of tea for the closing ceremony
- Willingness to slow down and be present
Practice Highlights:
This episode includes a full 30-minute forest bathing experience with guided sensory awareness, three distinct nature connection invitations, and built-in reflection time. Eve's gentle guidance helps you discover the healing power of simply being present with the natural world.
Ready to experience the profound healing of forest bathing? Find your favorite natural space, grab a journal if you'd like, and join Eve for this transformative journey into mindful nature connection.
About Guest Host Eve Payor:
Eve is a certified guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and founder of Singing Pines, dedicated to sharing Mother Earth's healing power through guided nature experiences.
Learn more and sign up for Nature's Reflection: A Meditation and Forest Bathing Retreat happening October 23 - 26 here: https://www.hambidge.org/workshop-schedule/natures-reflection-a-meditation-and-forest-bathing-retreat
Sign up for my newsletter at http://eepurl.com/jjPrV2 to receive free mini meditations and soundscapes each week, along with creative musings and more.
New episodes every Monday (just the meditation) and Thursday (a full meditation class).
Learn more or contact me at https://www.merylarnett.com/.
Thank you to Nick McMahan for today’s nature field recordings, sound design, and editing; and thank you to Brianna Nielsen for production and editing support. Find them at:
https://www.instagram.com/itsbriannanielsen
This podcast explores meditation, mental health and the power of connection, offering guidance for caregivers, healers, and therapists facing compassion fatigue, burnout, and other mental health struggles through self-care, self-compassion, and resilience. With a focus on anxiety, depression, and overwhelm, each episode provides tools like meditation, mindfulness, breathwork, and grounding to cultivate clarity and reduce stress. Listeners can also experience nature-inspired guided meditations, designed to bring peace and balance in times of distress.
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