Introduction to Shinrin Yoku - Forest Bathing by ANFT
A step by step experiential guide to the practice of Forest Bathing, the health science that supports it and how to establish a consistent personal practice.
What you will be able to do
What this course will teach you to competently do
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Describe the origins of Forest Bathing in Japan
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Self- facilitate a Forest Bathing experience
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Distinguish between the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku and the ANFT practice
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Learn about how to guide others in this practice and how to become a Forest Therapy Guide
Facilitator
Founder
Amos Clifford
Amos Clifford is the founder of the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs and author of the bestselling Your Guide to Forest Bathing (Conari Press, 2018). After over 20 years studying Buddhist philosophy, he founded Sky Creek Dharma Center in 2004, emphasizing meditation in wild places. By 2008, he'd moved beyond Buddhist identity toward the nameless experiences he'd had in nature since childhood, deepening his inquiry into human and more-than-human relationships. Between 2010-2012, intensive wilderness practice with the School of Lost Borders led to his vision for ANFT, founded in 2012 and inspired by Japanese Shinrin-yoku. He developed the school's "Standard Sequence" over the following two years. Amos holds degrees from the University of San Francisco and teaches and leads retreats internationally.
Email
Course Curriculum
What you will learn during this course
Module 1 - What is Forest Bathing - Perspectives from around the Globe
In this module you will listen to the voice of ANFT guides from all over the globe sharing their perspectives on the practice. Have access to a reading list of books written by ANFT trained Forest Therapy guides.
Module 2 - History and Background of Forest Bathing
Here you will learn about the history and background of this practice, including the Japanese perspective and listen to ANFT founder Amos Clifford share it's story and lineage.
Module 3 - Health Benefits of Forest Bathing
In this module you will learn the science and research around the health benefits of Forest Bathing and dive deeper three of the most researched aspects of this practice: Relaxation and the nervous system, phytoncides and the immune system and the Attention Restoration Theory.
Module 4 - Module 4 - The health of the planet – remembering our relationship with the Earth
In this module you will learn about Relational Forest therapy and the importance and relevance of reciprocity and how it can impact teh health of our relationship with teh living world.
Module 5 - Where can I practice Forest Bathing?
Learn about all the places where you can experience Forest Bathing and have access to the global network of ANFT Guides.
Module 6 - Get to know your land
In this module you will be guided in experiential practices to deepen your relationship with the land where you are.
Module 7- Let's Experience Forest Bathing!
Learn how to prepare for a Forest Bathing walk, where to go and what to take with you and guide yourself on a walk through an audio recording.
Module 8 - Only got 10 minutes? No problem!
Establish your sit spot practice and deepen your relationship with teh living world.
Module 9 - You liked it? What's next!
Explore the next steps on this journey and get a glimpse of the ANFT universe, all teh courses and trainings that are offered to guide you on your journey to a deeper relationship with yourself and the living world of nature.
FAQ
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Do I need any experience with nature, meditation, or forest bathing?
No previous experience required. This course is designed for people who are simply curious. You don't need to be fit, outdoorsy, or good at "being still." You only need somewhere outside to go on a little wander.
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How long does the course take?
The whole course takes about six hours, spread across 9 Modules. You can watch them in one sitting or come back to them over a few days or even a whole season.
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Where do I do the guided walk? Do I need a forest?
You don't need to be in a forest. A park, a garden, a patch of trees: anywhere something is growing is enough. If you genuinely can't get outside right now, a room with a plant and a window is a gentle place to begin, and you can return to the guided walk when you can be outdoors.
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Where do I establish my Sit Spot?
A sit spot is place to return to, over and over, to establish and deepen your relationship with that particular place. It should be easy to access, close to your home or to where you work.
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What exactly will I be doing?
This course is a gentle and profound introduction into teh practice of Forest Bathing. You will hear certified guides share their experiences and perspectives on this practice; learn the history and background of Forest Bathing and about ANFT's Relational Forest Therapy practice. You will be guided on a Forest Therapy walk and learn how to establish and deepen your relationship with place and teh more than human world of nature.
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How is this course different to the First Steps into the Forest course?
In this course you will have access to more theoretical foundations of the practice, the health benefits and you will be guided into experiencing both a forest therapy walk and the art of building relationships with teh living world which is at the core of Relational Forest Therapy.
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Can I use this course as a stepping stone to go deeper?
Yes. The Introduction to Forest Bathing course will give you a clear insight into what the Forest Therapy Guide certification training entails. Becoming a Forest Bathing Guide is an incredibly beautiful journey of connection, discovery and remembering. As a student of this introduction class, you will get a $149 USD credit towards your tuition!