Coming home in the forest

Sigrid Sypré is a forest bathing guide who assists people in their path to resilience and self-confidence. Her goal is to motivate people to regularly seek out nature, find peace, and most importantly, be themselves. In her practice called Sypressi, Sigrid organizes forest bathing sessions for groups as well as individuals. In February 2023, I spoke with Sigrid and invited her for a photoshoot… in the forest, of course. Having a keen interest in sustainable initiatives myself, I was eager to hear her story which she told me during the photoshoot.

LVC: You are a forest bathing guide. What is forest bathing, and how do you best explain it to people who have never heard of it?

SS: I guide people in their sensory experience in the forest. We walk very slowly, and we take our time to fully acknowledge the forest because people often don’t enter the forest in that slow mode. Maybe you have felt it before, but often you can only truly relax at the end of a forest walk. And sadly enough, by that time it’s time to go home. But it is actually at that very moment that your forest experience really can begin. The more stressed you are, the more time you need to experience the forest through exercises, and that’s exactly what I provide.

LVC: So forest bathing is not taking a bath in the forest?

SS: Forest bathing is the literal translation of the Japanese “Shinrin Yoku”. It has nothing to do with taking a bath in the forest but it stems from a Japanese tradition, to indulge in an immersion into the forest. I remember the first time I was going to do a forest bath and my children asked if I was going to take a bath in the forest. Which I was not.

“Engaging in forest bathing felt like rediscovering a part of myself that had long been dormant, it felt like coming home.”

LVC: What made you decide to become a forest bathing guide?

SS: I found myself drawn to forest bathing due to my health challenges. It was my burnout coach who initially introduced me to the practice, offering it as a potential remedy for my ailments. Intrigued, I decided to participate in a session for the first time. Although I had previously heard about forest bathing, it wasn’t until then, perhaps influenced by the pandemic, that I truly recognized its value. After that initial experience, I felt compelled to explore it further. Engaging in forest bathing felt like rediscovering a part of myself that had long been dormant, it felt like coming home. It was during those moments of stillness that I became acutely aware of my own exhaustion which was very confronting.

LVC: What aspect of forest bathing do you find most enjoyable? In other words, what does it give you?

SS: Every time I am in the forest, it reminds me about the importance of taking care of myself. Every step I take on the soil every soft leaf that rustles, tells a story of growth and tranquility. The forest teaches me to pause, to listen to my heart, and to cherish what nourishes me. In the forest, I understand that self-care is the key to inner growth and fulfilment.

LVC: As a forest bathing guide you assist people. Do you know what they love about forest bathing? Are there aspects of forest bathing they find strange or uncomfortable?

SS: It’s always beautiful to see how people gradually relax, breathe, and open up to the sounds and sensations around them during a forest bathing session. Although it may feel a bit unfamiliar at first, they quickly experience the tranquility and benefits that come with slowing down and connecting with nature. I believe it’s important for participants to feel free to enjoy what the forest has to offer. I encourage them to relax, observe, and take in the landscape. For those accustomed to a life filled with stimuli and hustle, this experience can be a real eye-opener and help them find a deeper connection with themselves and nature.

“The forest teaches me to pause, to listen to my heart, and to cherish what nourishes me.”

LVC: What is the biggest difference between forest bathing and a normal walk into the forest?

SS: A regular walk often focuses on enjoying the scenery and movement, while forest bathing is about much more than that. It’s about consciously experiencing the natural environment with all your senses, moving slowly, breathing mindfully, and truly connecting with nature. Forest bathing focuses on cultivating a deeper connection with nature and receiving the healing benefits it has to offer.

LVC: Many people have lost their sense of wonder and curiosity about nature. How do you deal with clients who feel disconnected from nature?

SS: As a forest bathing guide, I share my personal story of illness and burnout and emphasize the benefits of forest bathing. I encourage and support participants in exercises to experience nature with their senses. By regularly evaluating their experience during the forest bath, they learn from each other, and I foster a sense of connection. I bring playfulness into the activities to motivate hesitant participants and create a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s important for me to ask for understanding and patience from the group for those who need a little more time to open up to the natural environment. Also, it’s important to set clear boundaries and show respect for the needs of all participants, including those who prefer to participate quietly.

LVC: You underwent training to become a forest bathing guide. What was the most challenging thing you had to do?

SS: During my training at the Academy for Healing Nature by Ilse Simoens, I was invited to spend a night in the forest – completely alone and without a tent – and to rate this experience. I found it very challenging and was forced to go out of my comfort zone, yet at the same time spending a night outside granted me some insights. Despite not being able to silence my thoughts entirely, I did engage with them to some extent. Initially, it appeared that trusting myself was the theme of this short forest journey. But when my short solo forest trip came to an end, I felt so proud, empowered and determined. I’ll never forget this.

LVC: Now more than ever, people must realize that nature is crucial, not only for their physical health but also for their mental well-being. Do you think a forest bath prescription could be very helpful?

SS: Nature can have a tremendous impact on our well-being, even if we don’t often think about it. It’s been proven that spending time in nature reduces stress, improves our mood, and can even strengthen our immune system. By offering forest bathing through prescription, people have a practical and effective way to improve their health, especially when dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression. It’s a simple and natural way to relax and rejuvenate and can be a valuable complement to other treatments for mental health issues. Additionally, offering forest bathing on prescription can help raise awareness about the benefits of nature, even among those who don’t often consider it. This can lead to a greater appreciation for green spaces and the importance of protecting and preserving them for future generations.

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Hi there 👋

I loved getting to know Sigrid’s story and was amazed to find out we share quite a lot of ideas and beliefs. Besides, it’s inspiring to see how Sigrid passionately practices what motivates her and by doing so, contributes to making a difference. And maybe you know by now, but I have a soft spot for passionate people who have a special interest. Especially if it involves nature and sustainability. Even though you only read about it now, this photo shoot was actually one of the first ones I did since buying my camera. As an (ex) Arts student, I love stories and I find so much joy in crafting, documenting and showcasing not only my story but others as well. Both through images and words.

If you want to know more about Sigrid’s forest bathing sessions, you can check her website or follow her on Instagram.

As a side note: maybe you already saw it, but I changed my website considerably. The focus is now wholly on photography, my number one passion that links all my other passions, hobbies and interests. So, feel free to have a look and remember… it’s a work in progress.

Until the next blog!

Laura