what is shinrin yoku/forest bathing?
Shinrin-yoku (森林浴) is a Japanese term that literally translates to "forest bathing,” and is also sometimes referred to as Forest Therapy or Forest Medicine. Each of these names apply to the wellness practice and delicious art of developing a fuller breadth of sensory engagement, a higher reaching sense of wonder, and a more deeply rooted connection with the Natural world and one’s own True Nature.
The practice is delightfully simple. In a nutshell: log off, get outside, slow down, attune our senses to the natural living world, and then just sort of... soak in it, soak it in. It is this opportunity for immersion in Nature—the sense of relaxing and being cleansed— that gives “Forest Bathing” its name.
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 reaches of our imaginations, play a little, and awaken our capacity for wonder, our willingness to not-know, and our sincerity of heart.
In a culture of constant hurry, overwhelm, and perpetual distraction, where so much is vying for our attention in every moment, Forest Bathing can feel like a sigh of relief, like time out of time. As your guide, I will support you as you gradually make the shift out of overdrive, slow down, and mindfully attune to the simple pleasures of Nature, reclaiming and rewilding your scattered attention.
what forest bathing is not:
Forest Bathing is not just a walk in the woods. It’s not hiking. The practice invites some meandering at an easy relaxed pace, with no need to cover any great distance. The point is not to “get there,” but to “be here, now.” The landscape around us is not just a pretty backdrop for this practice, but becomes an active participant in a shared, relational experience with the other-than-human world.
Forest Bathing is not a naturalist excursion. It’s not about learning botanical names or fun facts about the local ecology. Instead, it offers us the opportunity to de-emphasize thinking in favour of just noticing…deeply noticing and delighting in the ways Nature can reach in through our senses and increase our sense of aliveness to the degree that we allow ourselves to open and receive.
benefits of forest bathing:
As the techniques of Shrinrin Yoku support us in our gradual opening to the forest, the forest surely opens back to us, welcomes us in, and gently engages in a way that restores our own natural healing capacities.
So much science supports what we know intuitively to be true: we just feel all kinds of better when we are outside. In Japan and increasingly around the world, mindful time in Nature is recognized as preventative medicine and complementary health care, with a long list of verified therapeutic effects that include: stress reduction, immune system support, reduced blood pressure, improved cardiac function, relief from systemic inflammation, relief 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: contact me to create a custom event for your family or group
I am always booking fully guided forest bathing experiences no further than 1 hour drive from downtown Victoria, or in peaceful parks and gardens right in the city. Contact me and I will tailor a fully guided forest bathing experience for your group.
Accommodating group sizes of 4 - 12, ages 14+
Cost varies depending on duration, location and group size.
The trails we walk will be gentle, but expect a few roots, small hills, seasonal mud and such along the way.
Fully accessible walks to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids can be arranged.
Option 2: join a regularly-scheduled group event*
Mornings in Beacon Hill Park with Hidden Victoria walking tours.
This 2-hour fully guided, immersive Forest Bathing experience in the urban forest of Beacon Hill Park will help you to shift out of overdrive, slow down, open your senses and mindfully, playfully engage with Nature in a way that is sure to leave you feeling deeply grounded and fabulously uplifted.
More information and booking here.
Afternoons FREE! in Finnerty Gardens with UVIC MultiFaith Centre, Tuesdays July 7 - 28, 2-3:00 pm
Give a big exhale and try a fully guided immersive Forest Bathing experience.
Forest Bathing is a science-backed wellness practice that invites us to slow down, unplug, attune our senses to the natural living world around us, and then just sort of... soak it all in. It is this opportunity for immersion in Nature—the sense of relaxing and being cleansed— that gives “Forest Bathing” its name. Led by certified Shinrin Yoku/Forest Bathing guide Tracey Cook, this mindful walk through the lush oasis of Finnerty Gardens will help you to log off, slow down, reclaim your attention, and awaken your senses as you engage with Nature. Touch grass!
Open to UVIC students, staff, faculty, and the larger community.
Free of charge.
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 extreme weather we may reschedule.
kind words about guided forest bathing with Tracey
Tracey: I was very moved by your approach to Shinrin-yoku. Your passion and joy is contagious, and you have crafted an experience that is both well structured and profoundly in the moment. I've been appreciating the extra noticing for everything around me (including the humans) these past few days, and have particularly been enjoying tuning my different senses on and off. Thank you so very much again :)
—GL, Victoria
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
Thank you again for providing such an enriching experience, and giving us all a chance to try something new and get away from our desks. A lot of people had no idea Finnerty was so accessible, and people really enjoyed it. They also liked how calming and peaceful it was to be away from their computers for an afternoon. Tracey was friendly and efficient. She was clear and supportive of the whole group… taking people out of their comfort zone in an easy way. [Shinrin-yoku] can connect a group of people who don’t normally have much in common.
—Anon, Victoria
Incredible reminder to return to nature. What an eye opener!
—Anon, Victoria
The thing I enjoyed most about this Forest Bathing session with Tracey was being reminded of my childhood, a time where I took the time to look at the plants and the trees, taste the sap of primulas, watch the ripples on the pond and feel the breeze in my hair.
—Anon, Victoria
learn more at tracey’s shinrin yoku blog
breathe deep: fill your lungs with phytoncides (december 21, 2025)
