what is shinrin yoku?

Shinrin-yoku (森林浴) is a Japanese term that literally translates to "forest bathing,” and is also referred to as Forest Therapy or Forest Medicine. All of these names apply to the wellness practice and delicious art of developing a fuller breadth of sensory engagement with Nature, a higher reaching sense of wonder, and a more deeply rooted connection with both the Natural world and one’s own True Nature. All in service to our inner sense of peace, vitality, and wellness.

Easy meandering amongst trees, mindful engagement with each unfolding moment, and the unshielded noticing of the natural world are key amongst the methods of Shinrin Yoku. This practice may also invite us to explore the uncharted reaches of our imaginations, and awaken us to our level of readiness for play, our willingness to not-know, our capacity for wonder and sincerity of heart. As the techniques of Shrinrin Yoku support us in our gradual opening to the forest, the forest opens back to us, welcomes us in, and gently engages with us in a way that restores our own natural healing capacities.

So much science now supports what we all know intuitively to be true: we just feel all-over better when we are outside. In Japan and increasingly around the world, mindful being in Nature is recognized as preventative medicine and complementary health care, with a long list of verified therapeutic effects including: stress reduction, immune system support, reduced blood pressure, improved cardiac function, relief from systemic inflammation, release from both depression and anxiety, as well as enhanced cognitive function and creativity.

I am grateful to offer Shinrin Yoku in collaboration with the elemental and wild ones on the traditional territories of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples, specifically the Songhees Nation and the Xwsepsum Nation whose relationship with the land endures.

The whole existence is celebrating. These trees are not serious, these birds are not serious. The rivers & the oceans are wild, and everywhere there is fun, everywhere there is joy and delight.

—Osho

book your fully guided forest bathing experience with tracey

Option 1: create a custom event for your family or group

Contact Tracey to create a custom event for your group. From April through October, I am booking morning and afternoon sessions, Friday through Monday, on secluded trails in and around Victoria.

Accommodating group sizes of 4 - 10, ages 14+.

Cost varies depending on duration, location and group size. Please contact me for more info

Option 2: join a regularly-scheduled group event*

Mornings in the Forest: Sundays April - October, 3 hour tours (9:30 - 12:30) $85

Contact me to join a fully guided forest bathing experience no further than 1 hour drive from downtown Victoria. I choose trails that are gentle, but you can expect to meet a few roots, small hills, seasonal mud and such along the way. If you use a walker or wheelchair, please join the Early Bird walks on Friday mornings, or the fully accessible walks on Monday afternoons (see below). You may also contact me to arrange an experience that we can tailor especially to meet your needs.

Early Bird walks in Victoria’s Urban Forests: Fridays April - October, 2 hour tours (8:00 - 10:00) $65

Contact me to join a fully guided forest bathing experience in out-of-the-way natural spaces right in Victoria. Even if you have been here before, even if you live here, these walks will have you meeting Victoria again, for the first time. We wake up with the early birds when the world is fresh and most of the humans are still asleep. While we do not remove ourselves entirely from the built world on these urban forest bathing walks, with our hearts and senses focussed on the Nature of the city, we are sure to be delighted, restored, and inspired.

Routes are gentle. Contact me if you use a walker or wheelchair to ensure the trail is appropriate for you.

Fully accessible Forest Bathing, $65

Monday afternoons 2:00-4:00. Join us for guided shinrin yoku experiences in fully-accessible natural spaces in Victoria. Contact Tracey to register.

Forest Bathing with BCalm

The British Columbia Association for Living Mindfully (BCalm) is a collection of physicians, mindfulness facilitators, educators and researchers dedicated to sharing practices that increase mindfulness. I am delighted to offer Shinrin Yoku as one of BCalm's mindfulness programs aimed to help participants navigate common challenges such as stress, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, and chronic disease. Contact BCalm for details and to register.

*Forests offer their good therapy rain or shine, we just dress accordingly and get out there. In some cases of extreme weather we may need to reschedule.

kind words about tracey

Forest bathing is the best, lasting gift I’ve given to myself and the world for a long while. I am grateful to BCalm and Tracey.

—BCalm participant (see more BCalm testimonials here).

“Tracey's way with this beautiful work is just so right. She is an incredibly attuned listener, in all embodied ways, and a potent guide to both inner and outer landscapes. I am not sure if there is more essential work in these times as the reanimation of direct relationships with more than human beings. Tracey has a powerful ability to bring this reverent practice to life.”

—Fiona Mayhill, Passage Guide