A WAlk about: Shinrin Yoku in Tai Tam Country Park
World Health Day is Sunday, April 7. In recognition of this important date, AWA is proud to offer a variety of unique experiences throughout April in connection to each of the eight dimensions of the Wellness Wheel.
April's A WAlk about activity targets environmental wellness with a restorative session of Shinrin Yoku, also known as forest bathing.
Led by trained guide Amanda Yik, this is a unique outdoor experience where our group will walk, pause to rest and reflect, and then deepen our connection with nature through guided sensory exploration.
What is Shinrin Yoku (森林浴)?
It is the practice of spending time in nature for the purpose of enhancing health, wellness, and happiness. It is a Japanese term that translates into forest bathing, taking in the forest atmosphere.
Forest bathing is gentle, accessible, and supports you imagining a better understanding of yourself and your relationship with others.
Forest bathing is not a hike, nor is it a physical challenge. It is not a naturalist outing to learn the names, characteristics or medicinal values of plants or trees, or wildlife spotting. The essence of forest bathing is about immersing ourselves in the natural world in a way that holds potential for healing our body, mind and spirit.
About Our Guide:
Amanda Yik leads Shinrin Yoku Hong Kong 香港森林浴, a pioneer in the field of nature and forest therapy in Hong Kong. Since 2017 they have offered unique guided forest bathing and nature connection experiences in both English and Chinese that support busy city dwellers to reconnect with nature, each other and themselves in Hong Kong’s beautiful countryside and urban green spaces.
With increased awareness in the importance of mental health and holistic wellbeing, their work has been very positively received and are honored to be of service to many. Shinrin-Yoku Hong Kong is a “for benefit” entity that exists for the purpose of supporting the healing of people and the planet. They believe that what they do is not only good for our wellbeing, but the wellbeing of the entire planet.