FAQ
​WILL I BE ASKED TO HUG A TREE?
No, but if you feel like it at the time, it's perfectly okay.
I CAN GO FOR A NATURE WALK WHENEVER I WANT, WHY WOULD I DO IT WITH A GUIDE?
The difference between walking in nature and taking a forest bath with a certified guide is similar to the difference between lying on a yoga mat and taking a class with a yoga teacher. Lying on a yoga mat can already be very beneficial for some people, it's just a matter of choosing what works best for you.
HOW MUCH DOES A FOREST BATH COST?
40 euros for a guided forest bath in person (25 euros for small budgets) and 20 euros for a guided forest bath at a distance to be paid on the spot or by bank transfer to Calendula ASBL BE33 5230 8119 5846 (Triodos) with in communication "SY - your name - date of forest bath".
WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO A FOREST?
As long as you have access to plants (even houseplants) or can see plants and the sky from a window, it will be possible to experience the benefits of this practice.
HOW MANY SESSIONS DOES IT TAKE BEFORE I FEEL THE BENEFITS?
The effects are already felt after the first session. However, the ANFT strongly recommends that you practice it once a month, if not once a season.
In my experience and that of some of the participants, the practice becomes easier and easier with each session, and the benefits are even greater. The disconnection from our daily worries happens more quickly and the connection to nature (and to our own nature) becomes deeper.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN A FOREST BATH?
Forest bathing is for people of all ages and physical conditions as long as the person is able to walk (even slowly) on a forest path (not more than 1 or 2 km). If walking is not possible, I also propose virtual formulas in order to be guided from the chosen place, without moving.
In case of serious psychological problems, please inform me and discuss your wish to participate in a forest bath with your therapist, a psychologist or a psychiatrist beforehand. In some cases, I organise forest baths in the presence of the participant's therapist/psychologist/psychiatrist. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly in this regard.
CAN I BRING MY MOBILE PHONE?
Out of respect for the other participants, and for the smooth running of the forest bath, I ask you to switch off your mobile phone during the forest bath.
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​WHAT CLOTHES TO WEAR?
In order to get the most out of the experience, it is important to choose your clothes/shoes carefully:
Choose "all-terrain" shoes such as boots, hiking boots, ankle boots or trainers. Choose comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting damaged and that are suitable for the weather conditions in your area. As we will not be doing much physical exercise, it is best to bring plenty of warm clothing.
WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?
A forest bath in rainy weather reveals a different atmosphere with different sounds and smells and can be just as enjoyable and sometimes even more so than a forest bath in good weather. The key is to be sufficiently equipped. Waterproof shoes and jacket are a minimum. An umbrella, boots or even waterproof trousers can be useful.
If it rains, the forest bath will not be cancelled. It will only be cancelled if the conditions are dangerous (strong winds that can cause trees to fall or rain that can cause flooding). You will then receive a cancellation message 24 hours in advance.
WHAT HAPPENS IN CASE OF CANCELLATION?
If you have to cancel your participation in the forest bath, I ask you to do so at least 48 hours before the start of the forest bath. In case you would cancel less than 48 hours before the beginning of the forest bath, it will be charged in full. In case of bad weather, you will receive a notification of cancellation of the forest bath at least 24 hours in advance.
WHAT IF I'M LATE?
It is best to arrive early to avoid missing the start. If you arrive late, I will wait until 10 minutes after the scheduled start time, after which the forest bath will begin. For the good progress of the forest bath and out of respect for the people present, it will not be possible to join the forest bath on the way.
HOW TO STAY INFORMED ABOUT UPCOMING EVENTS?
By regularly consulting the agenda or by sending me your e-mail address via the contact form, I will keep you informed of upcoming events.
WHY THE NAME "SHARING YOKU"?
Sharing Yoku is a nod to Shinrin Yoku, the Japanese practice born in the 1980s, which is the basis of sylvotherapy. Yoku means "Forest" in Japanese and Sharing means "sharing" in English. This practice has been so beneficial to me that I have a huge desire to share it with others. The term sharing also refers to the partnership between humans and the nature around them.
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