Alchemy of the Forest is a documentary series on Forest Bathing or Forest Therapy, based on the originally Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku. The primary goal of Forest Bathing is to support the well-being and health of participants through guided immersive experiences in forests and other naturally healing environments and to help them reconnect with nature. Forest Bathing sessions are gentle walks with a guide providing invitations that help awaken our senses, slow down and soften our hearts, so that we can receive nature’s gifts and remember our relation(ship) with the rest of nature.
While there is a large body of scientific research confirming the benefits of Forest Bathing for our physical and mental health (find some of the resources here), our aim is to focus on the more subtle emotional, transformative, relational and ecological benefits of the practice and how deep nature connection has been changing the lives of people and whole communities.
Kat became an ANFT Certified Forest Therapy guide back in 2018 and being a guide as well as trainer of guides has changed her life. Kat & Stijn met on a Forest Therapy walk that Kat guided and Stijn attended as a solo participant during the Covid-19 pandemic. As Stijn was walking back to the parking lot after the experience, he did what he felt as a natural impulse and rescued a few little seedlings that were lying along the path, uprooted. This immediate act of reciprocity after the heart-opening and connective practice of Forest Bathing has touched the guide’s heart.
Soon enough we discovered that among other things, we both share a passion for creative expression through video and art, deep love for nature and for nature connection practices. It has become clear that it is our shared mission to spread awareness about the profound benefits of deep nature connection that Kat has known and witnessed in her guiding experience and while witnessing other people become Forest Therapy guides. The seeds of a documentary called Alchemy of the Forest were planted, and in 2022, the first Forest Therapy guides were invited to share their stories. However, another shared mission temporarily paused the project: the arrival and the first years on Earth of our first and only son Wick (2023), a true Forest Therapy child.
In 2024 the time has come to proceed, and so we are incredibly excited to share that on July 28th, on the 2024 World Nature Conservation Day, we will be launching the first episodes of Alchemy of the Forest! May this heart-centered documentary on Forest Bathing inspire you on your path. May the stories shared by those who have a lived experience of nature’s transformative power bring you closer to Mother Nature. May you find the same life-changing benefits that slowing down and deeply connecting with the rest of nature has brought to us.
You will find all episodes of Alchemy of the Forest on the ALCHEMY OF THE FOREST YOUTUBE CHANNEL. Feel free to share your reflections in the comments under the videos. Feel free to share the videos with others. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or collaboration ideas. Feel free.
“In every walk with Nature you receive far more than you seek.” ― John Muir
