Hiking and Yoga - Castle Hill (October)

Timeline

We will meet at One Garden and start the day with yoga in a cosy studio before heading off into the surrounding woodlands. Our walk will lead us through wide-open fields with panoramic views to a remote part of the forest with hardly any artificial noise to experience Shinrin-Yoku or Forest Bathing, consciously connecting with what's around us using all our senses. The trip takes about 4 hours, but it could be shorter or longer depending on the group.

Forest Bathing

The term shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, emerged in Japan in the 80s, meaning "taking in the forest atmosphere". But the concept is not new; many cultures have long understood the importance of nature to human health. A forest bathing trip involves visiting a forest for relaxation and recreation while breathing in volatile substances called phytoncides (essential wood oils). These volatile organic compounds derived from trees can lower cortisol levels and increase the number of NK cells in the human body. In other words: It is now proven that being in the forest boosts your immune system, lowers your stress levels and leaves you with a feeling of calm and happiness.

Weather

The event is fine in any weather. We can easily adjust the event to be half indoors and half outdoors. The studio is inside the garden walls and surrounded by the Great woods and Stanmer Nature Reserve.