What is Forest Bathing?
The world feels particularly turbulent these days, filled with uncertainties that can stir up stress and anxiety. As someone who finds comfort in planning and knowing what lies ahead, the current fluidity can feel unsettling.
Turns out that the instinctive reaction to seek quiet moments outdoors is not unique to me, and in Japan has an official medical name - Shinrin-yoku, or in English, Forest Bathing. When I first heard the term Forest Bathing it made me cringe, “can’t we just call it walking in nature”, and sure, we can. But the term Forest Bathing has now become synonymous with the mindful intentions behind this kind of time spent in nature and it strikes me that the essence of this practice is beautifully mirrored in our Backcountry Hiking & Yoga Retreats.
Forest Bathing is simply about the intention to mindfully absorb the atmosphere of a natural space through all your senses. Far from being just a recreational activity, the Japanese have recognised its profound health benefits and have had this practice integrated it into their preventative healthcare systems for decades.
At Wild Vedas, our retreats are also designed to offer more than just physical activity. They are an invitation to bathe in the restorative power of nature. The reported benefits of forest bathing – reduced blood pressure, improved mood, better sleep, and a greater sense of well-being – are just come of the invisible intentions behind our retreats. We believe that this combined with yoga, community and length of out immersive experiences in the wilderness amplifies these therapeutic effects.
In our digitally saturated world, the constant connectivity can be a significant source of stress. Phones, for better or worse, have become extensions of ourselves. The endless scroll and the pressure to curate a perfect online persona can leave us feeling drained. Our retreats offer a precious opportunity for a digital detox. While we understand the need for navigation and safety, we encourage you to leave this part to your guide to that you can allow yourself a true break from the digital noise. It’s a rare chance to give your mind, and perhaps even your phone, a much-needed rest. Breathe deeply, savor the crisp mountain air, feel the earth beneath your feet, run your fingers over the texture of a leaf or a moss-covered rock, listen to the gentle sounds of nature, and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. Like any practice, the more you immerse yourself in this way, the more profound the benefits become. Each time you join us, you’ll find it easier to disconnect.
While the beauty of nature can be experienced year-round, there’s a unique magic to be found on our summer retreats, where the forests are lush, the air is warm, and the mountain landscapes are vibrant. We are committed to preserving the beauty of these natural spaces, so we actively pack out everything we pack in and stay on marked trails, respecting the delicate balance of the ecosystems we call home.
In a society often driven by achievement and constant striving, it can feel counterintuitive to slow down and simply be. Think of our retreats as a mental and emotional tune-up. Instead of pushing your physical limits, we invite you to embrace the present moment, connecting with your senses as you move through yoga practices and wander along mountain trails. Leave your fitness trackers behind and allow the journey itself to be the focus, not a specific destination or metric.
Nicki is Founder of Wild Vedas & Lead Guide - a clinical Ayurvedic Practitioner and Yoga Teacher Trainer. She has been guiding transformative outdoor journeys since 2011.
Growing up in Australia, her career has had her living in New Zealand, the UK, Bali and now Canada, as well has having guided numerous programs across Asia and South America. She has held space for thousands of journeys of self reflection, awareness and growth using nature and community as mirrors back to ourselves.
Nicki's programs prioritise playfulness, community, authenticity, and a deep curiosity for self-discovery, connection with others, and exploration of the world around us.
