【Event Report】2026.5.4 GotoForest!〜Let’s walk together in forest around the world〜
GotoForest!2026 brought together a variety of forest experiences across 45 locations in 13 countries around the world, centered around May 4th.
GotoForest! Goes Global for the First Time 1,143 People Connected with Forests Around the World
2026 marked the 6th year of GotoForest!.
For the first time, participation was expanded beyond Japan, and a variety of forest-related events were held across 45 locations in 13 countries, including Japan. A total of 1,143 people took part, creating opportunities for people around the world to step into their local forests and reconnect with nature.
In Japan, May is known as the beautiful season of fresh greenery. Meanwhile, forests around the world reflected the diversity of each region — from colder landscapes still touched by winter to forests shaped by different climates, cultures, and environments.
GotoForest! is not only about inviting people into forests, but also about connecting organizers and communities through shared experiences and dialogue inspired by nature.
As this was the first global edition of the event, there were moments of uncertainty caused by differences in language and culture. However, the shared love and respect for forests transcended borders, and the passion for nature naturally connected participants and organizers across regions and countries.
We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteer staff members who supported the planning and operation of GotoForest!2026.
The Theme of GotoForest!2026: “Dialogue”
The theme of GotoForest!2026 was “Dialogue.”
Each host region designed its own program inspired by the unique character of its local forests and landscapes.
Dialogue is not only about exchanging words.
It can be the quiet time spent reflecting on oneself in the forest, a conversation with trees, wind, and nature, connections formed between participants meeting for the first time, or the feeling of being connected with others around the world walking into forests with the same intention.
Throughout the day, many different forms of dialogue emerged through forests.
Even though countries, cultures, and regions may differ, the care and love people feel toward nature are shared across borders. The photos and messages sent from each location reflected these shared feelings and experiences.
For many participants, GotoForest!2026 became an opportunity to reconnect with forests, with other people, and with the richness of time spent in nature.
We will continue to cherish the connections created through GotoForest! and, together with each local community, continue expanding these meaningful relationships through forests around the world.
If you are interested in joining or hosting GotoForest! next year, please use the form available.
Event Reports from Around the World
1. 🇯🇵Teshikaga, Hokkaido
A cold rain fell in the morning, almost as if winter had returned. The Akaezomatsu spruce forest within Akan-Mashu National Park was filled with a deep sense of quietness. Participants spent about two hours walking among 200-year-old trees along soft forest trails covered with fallen leaves, breathing in the rich scent of conifers. Once again, everyone was reminded how wonderful forests truly are.
2. 🇯🇵Tsubetsu, Hokkaido
The program in Nonno no Mori Forest focused on making handmade forest cutlery. Participants explored the forest with guides, searching for branches and wood that would become the handles of their own spoons and forks. After carefully carving and shaping the wood to fit comfortably in their hands, each participant completed their own unique cutlery set. Lunch included hot sandwiches cooked over a fire made from fallen branches, wood pieces, and carving shavings collected from the forest, enjoyed using the freshly made “forest cutlery.”
3. 🇯🇵Asahi, Yamagata
In Asahi Town, Yamagata, 33 participants enjoyed forest bingo and a forest treasure hunt. Although there was an unexpected bear sighting nearby, the program was adjusted and additional safety measures were implemented to ensure the event could continue safely. Both adults and children experienced the gifts of the forest and shared a meaningful day together.With gratitude to the forest.
4. 🇯🇵Murakami, Niigata
Due to stormy weather, participants gathered under a shelter to enjoy fire-making, wood chopping, baking twisted bread over the fire, and creating pendants from wood pieces. During breaks in the rain, the group moved into the forests around Tengai Highlands, using loud voices and bear horns as bear safety measures. Surrounded by a vibrant forest full of signs of monkeys and wildlife, children enthusiastically collected leaves and searched for Japanese fire-bellied newts, while adults rediscovered the richness of nature.
5. 🇯🇵Tsumagoi, Gunma
Despite forecasts predicting rain, the skies cleared and the day turned into a miracle of sunshine. University students from a nutrition studies club in Tokyo joined the program as part of a regional exchange initiative. A special “Shinrin-yoku × medicinal herbal tea” event was held, and new ideas for regional revitalization projects began to emerge through the GotoForest! gathering.
6. 🇯🇵Azumino, Nagano
Considering the weather and safety conditions, the venue was moved to the Karasugawa Valley Green Space in Azumino City. Contrary to the uncertain forecast, the forest welcomed participants with beautiful sunshine after the rain. Surrounded by dazzling fresh greenery, everyone spent a peaceful and relaxing time fully engaging their five senses and immersing themselves in the forest atmosphere.
7. 🇯🇵Hachioji, Tokyo
The rain and strong winds that had been a concern disappeared completely by the morning of the event, creating perfect weather for Shinrin-yoku. Under bright blue skies and vibrant fresh greenery, participants divided into five groups and slowly explored five different courses within Naganuma Park for about 100 minutes. Inspired by the theme of “Dialogue,” participants enjoyed dialogue with themselves, with the trees, and with one another, while sharing gratitude and joy for this special day when people around the world connected with forests together.
8. 🇯🇵Kanagawa, Sagamihara
A total of 194 people participated, including wheelchair users, families with strollers, visitors from other prefectures, and international participants. In the refreshing fresh green forest, people of all ages enjoyed the forest in their own ways through nine different activities, five food booths, and mini live performances. Surrounded by trees, gathering around campfires, and casually connecting with strangers, participants seemed to truly experience the warmth, openness, and comfort of the forest.
9. 🇯🇵Kanagawa, Kamakura
GotoForest!2026 in Kamakura was held under the theme of “Dialogue.” After a stormy day before, the forest welcomed participants with bright sunlight and a deeply refreshing atmosphere that sharpened the senses. Participants expressed gratitude to Hiroyama Green Space, preserved through local conservation efforts, and experienced Shinrin-yoku together with an outdoor tea ceremony hosted by tea master Reiko. In a memorable moment, a raccoon dog ran past the group, creating a sense of unity with nature. It was truly a special time of resonating with oneself, others, nature, and the world through the forest.
10. 🇯🇵Gifu, Shirakawa
Although the weather was not perfectly sunny, eight participants gathered, including visitors who traveled for the day, to make handmade pizzas. Guided by nature interpreters through the forest, participants collected seasonal wild mountain vegetables that can only be harvested during this time of year. The pizzas were then baked in the nature school’s handmade oven, resulting in colorful pizzas filled with the fresh flavors and scents of spring.
11. 🇯🇵Gifu, Takayama
Heavy rain prevented participants from entering the forest, but the day still became a warm and meaningful forest experience. Surrounded by the scent of wood, participants enjoyed spring water tea, yoga, woodworking activities, and wooden toys that brought smiles to both children and adults. Meaningful conversations also emerged, creating a cozy and comforting time connected to the feeling of the forest.
12. 🇯🇵Shizuoka, Fujinomiya
Although heavy rain continued until early morning and there were concerns about whether the event could be held, the rain stopped around 7 a.m., allowing the program to take place safely. Families traveled from Tokyo and other areas within the prefecture to participate. The day began with forest activities for elementary school children, followed by a forest treasure hunt and quiet relaxing time among the fresh greenery. Participants enjoyed listening to birdsong and spending a peaceful day immersed in nature.
13. 🇯🇵Shizuoka, Hamamatsu
The event was held at Shizuoka Prefectural Forest Park with six participants, including the guide. The program began with Qigong warm-up exercises, self-introductions, breathing practices, and energy exchange activities. Participants also experienced meditation while connecting with trees. In the second half, everyone walked barefoot across the grass, enjoying the feeling of the earth beneath their feet despite the damp ground. The group also formed a circle for sound and voice meditation and shared reflections using a talking stick. Participants deeply experienced the forest, making it a meaningful Shinrin-yoku and forest therapy session filled with gratitude.
14. 🇯🇵Shiga, Takashima
This year’s event took place at Biwako Forest Village “Villardest Imazu” at an elevation of 550 meters. Surrounded by rich deciduous and coniferous forests, participants listened to frogs singing around the pond and birds calling overhead. While enjoying the gentle breeze and the slow pace of time in the forest, participants relaxed both physically and mentally while drinking kuromoji herbal tea. Another heartfelt day of gratitude in the forest.
15. 🇯🇵Wakayama, Tanabe
GotoForest! was held in “Bincho Healing Forest” located within the Kishu Binchotan Memorial Park in Akitsugawa, Tanabe City, Wakayama — the birthplace of Kishu Binchotan charcoal. Children explored the forest together through activities such as forest bingo and “catching sunlight through the trees.” The organizers hoped that the discoveries and feelings experienced in the forest would become cherished memories for the children and inspire them to return to the forest again in the future.
16. 🇯🇵Tottori, Daisen
Under occasional rain, participants joined a special guided forest walk led by a nature guide. Along the trail, they learned about local plants, wildlife, environmental features, and history before arriving at a mystical destination wrapped in mist. There, participants spent quiet time in dialogue with the forest and themselves, experiencing the unique and profound beauty that only a rainy forest can offer.
17. 🇯🇵Shimane, Iinan
【Event Cancelled Due to Weather】 The program had planned activities such as forest tea time, making toothpicks from kuromoji branches, and hammock experiences. However, due to forecasts of strong winds and rain, the event was unfortunately cancelled.
18. 🇯🇵Hiroshima, Etajima
Held on Etajima Island, about 30 minutes by ferry from Hiroshima, the event took place at a forest and sauna space created by an Estonian host as part of the “Okurou Mori Project.” Participants worked together on forest maintenance, enjoyed Shinrin-yoku, gathered plants to create their own traditional “vihta” bundles, and experienced Estonian-style sauna sessions as time for personal reflection and renewal. It became a day where forests and people, and people and the world, gently connected. The organizers hoped the experience would quietly take root in each participant’s future journey.
19. 🇯🇵Ehime, Matsuno
Participants refreshed both body and mind in the forests of Matsuno Town, Ehime. Using all five senses, they enjoyed the fresh green forest through activities such as catching sunlight through the trees, blindfold “caterpillar walks,” and earthing. They even encountered the mysterious and rare ghost plant, Ginryoso.
20. 🇯🇵Fukuoka, Umi
The event took place along the Ayugaeri Waterfall course in Shioji Prefectural Forest, a hidden gem known mainly to locals. Guided through paths that would be difficult to find alone, participants were soothed by colorful dragonflies and the sweet scent of katsura trees. As sunlight filtered through the canopy, the deepening gradients of green left everyone speechless. Relaxing beneath the metasequoia trees, participants shared comments such as, “I could never have seen scenery like this on my own.”
21. 🇯🇵 Fukuoka, Soeda
The event was held for the first time at Mt. Hiko, a sacred mountain with 1,500 years of Shugendo spiritual history. Participants spent time surrounded by sparkling fresh greenery and giant trees hundreds of years old, listening to birdsong, feeling the breeze, and enjoying the sunlight filtering through the leaves. The group slowly walked the pilgrimage path and visited Hikosan Shrine. Families with children also joined, with children freely enjoying nature while adults immersed themselves in the sounds, air, and atmosphere of the forest, creating a meaningful moment of connection with nature and the present moment.
22. 🇯🇵Nagasaki, Saikai
Although heavy rain had fallen the previous day, the weather cleared beautifully for the event. This was the first GotoForest! event held in Nagasaki, and the organizer admitted feeling nervous. Even though the event was small, participants warmly listened to the guide’s explanations. When the sun appeared, everyone enjoyed “catching sunlight through the trees” and pausing to smell the rich scent of the forest soil. After relaxing together in the forest, participants shared tea and conversation, enjoying a peaceful day surrounded by fresh greenery.
23. 🇯🇵Kumamoto, Aso
On May 4th, Greenery Day, “GotoForest!2026” was held in Aso Taikan Forest. Surrounded by the scents of the forest, gentle winds, vast grasslands, and magnificent scenery, participants experienced meaningful moments of dialogue with nature, themselves, and one another. It became an irreplaceable day of connection and gratitude.
24. 🇯🇵Kumamoto, Yamaga
Held in “Yuki no Mori,” a forest lovingly cared for across five generations, the event offered a full day of forest experiences: forest walks, a fern workshop, forest café time, and a forest spirit puppet theater. Sixty-five participants, from small adventurers to adults, were wrapped in the magic of fresh greenery and enjoyed a truly special day in the forest.
25. 🇯🇵Miyazaki, Aya
After the rain cleared the day before, the strong winds unexpectedly created perfect conditions for making black tea. This year’s tea leaves grew especially well, and participants enjoyed tea picking while climbing earthen embankments. Because everyone became so absorbed in harvesting tea leaves, the planned forest walk became shorter, but participants still enjoyed time connecting with giant trees. Throughout the day, participants celebrated the changing colors and aromas of the tea leaves. “See you again next year!”
26. 🇯🇵Kagoshima, Satsuma
The organizers had been concerned about the weather for days and had even prepared an indoor backup space within the park. Although some cancellations occurred due to heavy rain the day before, the event day itself was blessed with beautiful weather. Participants fully enjoyed the forest through yoga sessions and relaxed conversations in hammock chairs. Everyone appeared deeply relaxed and full of smiles, creating a truly wonderful day together.
27. 🇯🇵 Kagoshima, Nishinoomote
GotoForest! was held for the first time in Nishinoomote City, Kagoshima. The event began with a visit to Minato no Ebisu, a sacred place deeply connected to the local forest, before moving into a forest of giant tree ferns. Participants experienced Shinrin-yoku surrounded by the unique nature of Tanegashima Island, including large Yakutane-goyo pine trees. Lunch was enjoyed beneath a giant akou tree near Kunigami Oku Shrine, featuring meals filled with the blessings of the island. It became a day of fully immersing oneself in the nature of Tanegashima. (For safety reasons, the original forest venue was changed.)
28. 🇨🇦Calgary, Alberta, CANADA
It was a joy to celebrate GotoForest! 2026 in Calgary, Canada, by guiding a 2.5-hour Forest Bathing experience in the beautiful surroundings of Fish Creek Provincial Park. Together, we slowed down, immersed ourselves in nature, and deepened our connection with the natural world, ourselves, and one another.
Throughout the experience, participants shared that they felt their stress levels decrease, replaced by a sense of relaxation, grounding, and belonging to the Earth. Through gentle nature connection invitations, they were encouraged to awaken curiosity, notice the small wonders around them, and experience the restorative power of the forest in a meaningful way.
29. 🇺🇸Canal Winchester, OH, United States
As part of a global forest bathing event inspired by Japan’s Greenery Day, Buds in Bloom Sanctuary hosted an intimate forest therapy gathering limited to 10 participants. Together, we slowed down, breathed deeply, and explored what it feels like to enter into dialogue and connection with nature through our senses. Guided invitations encouraged participants to listen, observe, touch, and experience the forest with curiosity and presence. The small group setting created space for meaningful reflection, shared connection, and a deeper sense of belonging with the natural world. This gathering offered a peaceful opportunity to pause from daily life, reconnect with ourselves and the forest, and join others around the world in honoring nature through mindful presence.
30. 🇺🇸Tijeras, New Mexico, USA
“May the Forest Be With You” Nature Connection Day was an opportunity for participants to explore their National Forest and Grasslands and learn more about public lands. Nature connection activities designed for family participation were offered by staff and volunteers. Participants made leaf and bark rubbings, nature art, used magnifying glasses to see the small beings of the forest, learned about the ecology, geology, and local wildlife in the interpretive building, explored the textures and construction of bird nests, pine cones, and counted tree rings. Youth participants became Junior Rangers after completing stewardship and environmental education activities designed to spark their curiosity and love for the Forest. Smokey Bear, an important mascot and messenger to help people understand the importance of fire safety and techniques in being wildfire safe, surprised us and modeled his Goto Forest pose. Due to local construction and road closures, the event had less participation than anticipated.
31. 🇺🇸Doc Long Picnic Area, Sandia Ranger District, Cibola National Forest and Grasslands
“Awakening Your Inner Forest” was an accessible remotely guided community nature connection where participants could explore nature wherever they were. We had participants sign up from the USA, UK, Germany, and Lithuania. About half of the participants had done a remotely guided forest bathing session before and for the other half, it was their first time. Through a series of guided sensory invitations, we explored how we dialogue with the nonhuman world, the human world, and ourselves. Participants who were indoors deeply related with plants in their homes, tending and stewarding them. Participants who were outdoors connected with newly sprouted wildflowers, ocean breezes, clouds, bird song, watching baby horses with their moms, trees, sky, hummingbirds, and the contrasting aromas of the bus and the natural world. We celebrated each other with our own brewed tea and water as we made an offering of our drinks to the land.
32. 🇺🇸Venice, California, USA
Participants of the Wellness Film Festival (WELLFF) gathered in Venice, California, to share in the GotoForest event in gratitude for urban trees and forests.
Together, we stepped into a shared space of presence, beneath the trees of the urban forest, alongside the rhythm of the ocean, and within a circle of open hearts.
Through our Nature and Forest Bathing experience and closing sharing circle, we slowed down… listened…and remembered…our deeper connection to nature and forests.
We offered gratitude to the land, to the ocean that held us, and to one another for showing up with such authenticity and care.
There was something powerful in that collective pause. It was a reminder that healing doesn’t happen in isolation, but in relationship with nature, community, and ourselves.
Our Silent Healers: Nature’s Cure film continues to send messages across the world that Nature is medicine, connection is essential and we are not alone.
33. 🇺🇸San Mateo County Park (exact location TBD)
Go to Forest Day 2026 was a deeply meaningful experience in partnership with the San Mateo County Parks Foundation. We were honored to welcome Akiko and Yoku Dohi from Japan to visit our glorious redwoods and support the group with a heartwarming tea ceremony demonstration rooted in the spirit of Shinrin-Yoku and dialogue. Jackie from Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs and her son Chris also joined us, adding to the sense of community and connection throughout the day. Through my nonprofit, Somatic Ecotherapy, we are working to bring certified forest therapy experiences into our local parks as accessible public health and wellbeing resources. In partnership with Colorado State University, we also launched a new research project collecting data to help support the growing field of forest therapy and future funding opportunities. Throughout the walk, huge gusts of wind arose at uncanny and meaningful moments—almost like messages moving through the forest. It was such an honor to be part of something that Nagisa and Sumie have so clearly poured their hearts into. Within the theme of dialogue came beautiful discussions around collaboration versus the old paradigm of competition. Many attendees already held a deep love for this land, allowing the group to drop quickly into presence, resulting in touching shares, meaningful conversations, and new connections.
Deep appreciation as well to Michele and Cristina from the San Mateo County Parks Foundation, whose support and care helped make this gathering possible, and to San Mateo County Parks for allowing us to gather together in the beauty of Huddart Park.
I left with deep gratitude and look forward to next year, as well as visiting Yoku and Akiko in Japan to be guided in Nagano.
34. 🇨🇱Concepción City, Biobío, Chile
We had a wonderful Forest Bathing experience; there were 15 of us in total. We enjoyed a beautiful sunny day following some rain; the humidity and the presence of mushrooms stood out, and the wind played a major role, the participants even likened its sound to the sound of ocean waves.
It was an experience that fostered relaxation, connection with the senses, gratitude, and a sense of wonder. We shared our feelings and reflections on nature; the activity reminded us that we are nature and that we can connect with it everywhere.
35. 🇨🇱Ciudad de Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile
Among the trees that gifted us their beautiful autumn colors, the pleasant warmth of the sun, the gentle murmur of the water, and the birdsong, we enjoyed our shinrin-yoku experience in Santiago, Chile. The participants enjoyed a slow, silent walk, deeply connected to nature. In profound presence and awakening our senses, we conversed with the trees, the river, the stones, the flowers, and the birds.
Some walked barefoot, feeling the earth beneath their feet, while others chose to immerse their hands and feet in the river water and feel its temperature.
Without a doubt, this GotoForest celebration was an unforgettable experience. That brilliant green, tinged with yellows, browns, and reddish hues of autumn, still lingers in our minds.
Walking together as one beating heart and sharing this same love for forests with so many people across five continents was simply a gift: a Forest Hug!
36. 🇨🇴Colombia
We experienced a very intimate and special Forest Bathing retreat at Cerro Zapotecas, Puebla, Mexico, to celebrate the international event GotoForest and World Nature Day, together with Japan and other countries from around the world.
The participants felt a need to reconnect with nature. We shared a moment to awaken our senses, capture the scents of our surroundings, create something in collaboration with nature, and experience the world with our eyes closed.
The retreat concluded with a very special tea ceremony under a huge pine tree, followed by a healthy snack and an infusion of thyme harvested in the area.
The participants and the guide will never forget this experience.
37. 🇨🇴El Rosal municipality - Subachoque municipality aadn Japan Center (Bogotá, DC)
Participating in Go to Forest 2026 for the first time was very exciting. It was an opportunity to highlight urban plants and trees and make them a true part of our communities, as well, as enjoy cloud forest. The El Bosque y La Niebla Foundation supported events in the Subachoque town square, at the La Ilusión nature reserve, and at the Japan Center in Bogotá, Colombia.
We will continue supporting this movement in 2027 throughout Colombia! We are very grateful to be able to share the May 4th message beyond the borders of Japan this weeks.
38. 🇿🇦Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Our GoToForest 2026 event took place on 3 May 2026 in the beautiful Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Fourteen enthusiastic foresters and nature lovers joined the experience. Autumn is a particularly special time in the Midlands, with cool mornings and magnificent sunshine throughout the day. Participants were captivated by the changing landscape in Autumn, as the leaves and grass transitioned from vibrant green to rich autumn hues. These seasonal changes became a meaningful point of reflection and conversation during the walk. The river was flowing strongly, offering a soothing natural soundtrack. The calming sounds of the water added another layer to the immersive experience in nature. The walk was thoroughly enjoyed by all, with participants discovering new perspectives about both nature and themselves. With participant ages ranging from 23 to 71, it was wonderful to see how easily everyone connected with and benefited from the green social prescribing sessions.
39. 🇳🇬Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
The Goto Forest event at Royal Woodland Park was a memorable experience for the participants and organizers. Parents and children were very excited to be hosted in the forest environment. The participants received free drinks, tea and coffee while snacks and barbeque were served.
The forest bath's benefits barners were posted on the walls and everyone took time to read it. We played low music and a few games. Parents chatted and exchanges phone contacts while the children played Scrabble games.
The adventure was a great experience and the event was finally disrupted by heavy wind and rain. There was no time to take the group picture with the Goto Forest pose. Our apologies.
When we contacted the participants on phone to thank them, they promised to participate in the next year event.
Goto Forest Festival is a welcome event in Nigeria..
40. 🇹🇭Bangkok, Thailand
Participants gathered at Benjakitti Park for a gentle GotoForest experience in association with the Future with Forest Association. Inspired by this year’s theme, “connecting with the world through the forest,” the session explored nature through a slow-paced Pattern Hunt focused on radials, spirals, and spheres found throughout the landscape.
The gathering alternated between quiet observation, reflective pauses, and small-group dialogue, encouraging participants to notice how patterns in nature relate to balance, relationship, and daily life. The atmosphere was calm, welcoming, and beginner-friendly, offering a simple introduction to forest bathing with elements of Jin Nua’s Nature’s Mirror approach.
41. 🇸🇬Singapore
From 2 to 4 May, the GOTOForest Singapore gathering brought together 67 participants — including trained forest therapy guides, their families, and friends — for a quiet, meaningful celebration of the forest. Held across nine sessions at different green spaces, the event welcomed the community to step into nature together.
Volunteer guides led each session with gentle presence. These gatherings were simple invitations to slow down, walk mindfully, and be with the trees. Participants wandered along forested trails, shared quiet moments of reflection, and gathered in sharing circles to connect with one another and the living world around them.
Over three days, the forest welcomed everyone who came. There was no rush, no agenda. Just people showing up, breathing deeply, and holding space together. The forest, as always, gave more than it received.
42. 🇳🇱Maarn, Utrecht, Netherlands
We had a beautiful Forest Bathing/Forest Therapy session together. The more-than-human world was very welcoming and supportive with sunshine, soft breeze, the beautiful spring colors and for some participants, meaningful encounters with trees and animals. Sharing tea together and knowing that there are other groups worldwide warmed my heart!
43. 🇪🇪Tartu County, Estonia
The forest bathing event in Estonia took place on May 3rd as part of the global initiative GotoForest! 2026. Inspired by children’s natural way of being in the forest — open, curious, and playful — the experience invited everyone to follow their lead and rediscover a more natural connection with the forest.
Upon entering the warm, inviting woodland, faces softened and attention gently shifted to the present moment. The forest became a space for exploration and play: listening to subtle sounds, watching clouds drift above, building small shelters, tasting wood sorrel, digging in the soil, and climbing. Through these simple activities, senses awakened and curiosity guided the experience.
The atmosphere was both joyful and deeply calming. We felt held by the forest and wished to stay longer, resting on soft moss and listening to birdsong.
The event ended with a shared picnic and reflections, celebrating simple moments of connection, presence, and rediscovery.
44. 🇵🇱Warsaw Forest, Poland
During this event, we spent time with students from the SGGW University of Life Sciences in Warsaw, taking a short break from daily studies to relax and reconnect with nature. Together, we explored a nearby forest, observing boar tracks, examining tree trunks, branches, and buds, and learning more about the surrounding ecosystem through direct experience.
To deepen our connection with the forest, we also played several interactive games designed to strengthen awareness of both the environment and ourselves. One activity involved guiding a blindfolded partner through the forest to a specific tree. The blindfolded participant explored the tree by touch, paying attention to its bark, shape, and surrounding atmosphere, before being guided back to the starting point. After removing the blindfold, the challenge was to identify the same tree again. The exercise encouraged trust between partners while heightening the senses and awareness of the natural surroundings.
In addition to these activities, simply walking through the green and peaceful forest environment helped participants relax and step away from the stress of university life. Spending time in nature created a calm atmosphere and reminded us how beneficial forests can be for both physical and mental well-being.
Although it was a simple tour, everyone left the forest feeling refreshed, calmer, and with clearer thoughts.
45. 🇩🇪Leipzig, Germany
The Deep Listening session took place under beautiful spring weather, with temperatures around 25°C—an ideal setting for a shared outdoor experience. We began with a tuning meditation using the voice, allowing participants to arrive, ground themselves, and connect through sound. This was followed by the Extreme Slow Walk, where movement and listening merged into a heightened awareness of the present moment. We closed the session again with a tuning meditation, creating a sense of resonance and completion.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Participants reported a deepened awareness of their physical and mental states, feeling more connected to themselves, to nature, and to simply being alive in the moment. One participant described the experience as “dream-like,” perceiving colors and sensations with unusual vividness.
It was truly refreshing to meet new people, share this experience together, and enjoy the natural surroundings. I would love to host this event regularly and sincerely thank the organizing team for this wonderful opportunity.
46. 🇩🇪Eimsbüttel, Hamburg, Germanz
In the heart of Hamburg, on a warm day after a gentle morning rain, we gathered in the forest for a mindful forest bathing experience centered around dialogue, presence, and connection.
We began with an introduction to the origins of forest bathing and slowly opened our senses to the forest through listening, breathing, touch, scent, and movement. Participants explored different textures barefoot, observed the subtle movements of nature, and connected deeply with the sounds and atmosphere of the forest.
Through nonverbal activities, including creating mandalas in pairs and embodying different living beings from the forest, we explored how true dialogue goes beyond words. The experience invited us to listen deeply, step into the perspective of others, and communicate through presence, silence, and creativity.
We closed with a moment of integration with mint tea ceremony, symbolizing the opening of the throat chakra and authentic communication.
