Mindfulness

Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment on purpose, without judging what you notice. That might be your breath, the sounds around you or how your body feels right now. It has roots in old meditation traditions and is now practised all over the world, often through guided breathing and meditation. Many people find it a calming way to slow down.

Forest bathing is a way of being mindful in nature. The idea comes from Japan, where it's called shinrin-yoku, which roughly means taking in the forest atmosphere. There's no water and no swimming costume involved. Instead, you wander slowly or sit quietly among the trees and use all your senses: the smell of pine, the feel of bark, birdsong, the light through the leaves. It's less a hike and more a very slow, very curious amble.

Mindful breathing is the classic starting point. You simply notice each breath in and out, and gently bring your attention back when your mind wanders, which it will.

Breathwork uses set patterns of breathing on purpose, like a long, slow breath out, to help you settle.

A body scan moves your attention slowly from your toes to the top of your head, noticing how each part feels.

Walking meditation turns an ordinary walk into practice, paying attention to each step and what's around you. Sitting still in one spot and just listening is another lovely way in.

Very. There's nothing to learn by heart and no way to get it wrong. Your Activity Leader guides you through breathwork, meditation and some forest bathing, all at a gentle pace. You might sit, lie down or walk slowly through the trees. If your mind drifts to your inbox or what's for dinner, that's normal. Noticing it and coming back is the whole practice.

Comfortable, loose clothes you can sit or lie down in, and shoes with grip for the woodland floor. Bring a warm layer or a blanket, as it's easy to get chilly when you're sitting still, even on a warm day. Leave your phone on silent, or better still, somewhere else entirely.

You might also like Sound Bath, Qigong and Botanical Walk.

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