【開催報告】2026.5.4 GotoForest!〜Let’s walk together in foret around the world〜
2026年のGotoForest!は、日本を含む世界13カ国45地域にて、森と触れ合うさまざまなイベントが開催されました。
GotoForest!初の世界開催！1,143名が森と触れ合う1日
GotoForest!が始まってから6年目となる2026年。
今年は初めて海外へも参加を呼びかけ、日本を含む13カ国45地域で開催されました。参加者数は合計1,143名。GotoForest!をきっかけに、多くの方々がそれぞれの地域の森に足を運び、自然との触れ合いを楽しむ一日となりました。
5月の日本は、新緑が美しいグリーンシーズン。一方、世界に目を向けると、まだ寒さの残る森や、地域ごとに異なる風景・気候・文化があり、それぞれの土地ならではの多様な森の姿を見ることができました。
GotoForest!は、多くの方を森へといざなうだけでなく、主催者同士が交流し、それぞれの想いや活動を共有することで、森を通じて世界がつながることを大切にしています。初めての世界開催となった今年は、言葉や文化の違いに戸惑う場面もありました。しかし、森を大切に思う気持ちは国境を越えて共通しており、森への愛情や情熱が自然と伝わり合うことで、各地の主催者同士の交流も大いに盛り上がりました。本イベントの企画・運営を支えてくださったボランティアスタッフの皆様に、心より感謝申し上げます。
GotoForest!2026のテーマは、"対話 ― Dialogue ―"
GotoForest!2026では、「対話 ― Dialogue ―」をテーマに、各地域の主催者が、それぞれの土地や森に合わせてプログラムを企画しました。対話とは、言葉を交わすことだけではありません。森の中で自分自身と向き合う時間、木々や風、自然との対話、初めて出会う参加者同士の交流、そして世界各地で同じ想いを持って森へ向かう仲間たちとのつながりなど、森を通じてさまざまな対話が生まれる一日となりました。
国や文化、地域が異なっていても、自然を大切に思う気持ちは共通しており、各地から寄せられた写真やメッセージからも、その想いが伝わってきました。GotoForest!2026は、多くの方にとって、森とのつながり、人とのつながり、そして自然の中で過ごす時間の豊かさを改めて感じる機会となりました。
GotoForest!で生まれたご縁を大切に、それぞれが地域の森を大切にしながら、豊かなつながりをこれからも広げていきます。
来年のGotoForest!への参加・開催にご興味のある方は、以下のフォームよりお申し込みください。
各地域より開催の報告
1. 🇯🇵北海道 弟子屈町
冬に逆戻りしたかのような冷たい雨が降る朝。阿寒摩周国立公園内のアカエゾマツの森は、静謐な空間でした。針葉樹の香りをたっぷり吸い込みながら、落ち葉が積もったふかふかの散策路を踏みながら、樹齢約200年の木々の間を約2時間歩きました。やっぱり森はいい！
2. 🇯🇵北海道 津別町
ノンノの森のプログラムは『森のカトラリー作り』。
ガイドと一緒に森を散策。スプーン＆フォークの「柄」になる木や枝を見つけ、自分の手に馴染む形に削り出して…自分だけのカトラリーが完成。
森から拾ってきた木や枝・削り屑の焚火で焼いたホットサンドでランチ。
作りたての「森のカトラリー」を使っていただきました♪
3. 🇯🇵山形県 朝日町
山形県朝日町では、33人がフィールドビンゴと森の宝探しを楽しみました！
付近でクマが出没したというアクシデントもありましたが、イベント内容を変更し安全対策を実施したうえで開催しました。
大人も小人も森の恵みに触れ、豊かな時間を過ごすことができました。
森に感謝！
4. 🇯🇵新潟県 村上市
悪天候のため東屋で火おこし、薪割り、ねじねじパン焼き、木片を使ったペンダント作りを楽しんだ。晴れ間には天蓋高原周辺の森へ移動し、熊対策として大声やクマよけホーンを使った。サルの気配を感じる豊かな森で、子どもたちは葉っぱ拾いやアカハライモリ採りに夢中になり、大人も自然の魅力を感じる貴重な体験となった。
5. 🇯🇵群馬県 吾妻郡 嬬恋村
雨予報の中、前日の雨も上がり奇跡の晴天。今回は東京から食物栄養科の大学生サークルの皆さんをお招きし、地域との交流を図るプログラムのひとつとして、森林浴×薬膳茶のイベントを開催しました。Goto Forestのイベントから新たな地域活性プロジェクトがスタートしました。
6. 🇯🇵長野県 安曇野市
前日までのお天気と安全面を考慮して、会場を安曇野市烏川渓谷緑地へ移して森林浴を実施しました。天気予報とにらめっこしていたのがウソのように晴天の森になり、雨上がりで眩しいくらいの緑の中でゆったりと過ごしました。五感を十分に使い、存分に森を浴びることができました。
7. 🇯🇵東京都 八王子市
心配していた雨風が当日の朝にはピタリと止み絶好の森林浴日和。青空に新緑が映える中を5つのチームに分かれ、長沼公園5つのコースをゆったり100分堪能しました。“対話”をテーマに、自分自身との対話、木々との対話、参加者との対話を楽しみ、最後に世界が同時に森と触れ合うこの日に感謝を想い喜びを分かち合いました。
8. 🇯🇵神奈川県 相模原市
車いすやベビーカーの方、他県からや外国籍の方など194名の参加がありました。爽やかな新緑の森で、9つのコンテンツ、5つの飲食店、ミニライブなど、大人も子どもも思い思いに森を楽しみました。森に包まれ、焚き火を囲み、知らない人とゆるくつながる…皆さん良い表情で、森の寛容さや心地良さを感じていただけたようです。
9. 🇯🇵神奈川県 鎌倉市
「Dialog」をテーマとしたGotoForest2026。前日の嵐が嘘のように陽光が輝く中、五感が研ぎ澄まされる最幸の時間となりました。保存運動で守られた広町緑地への感謝と共に、森林浴と茶道家・麗子氏による森野点で心身が清められ、わたしたちの横を駆け抜ける狸と一体化する奇跡も。森を通じ自分や仲間や自然、そして世界と響き合う、正に地球からの贈り物のひとときでした。あリがとうございました。
10. 🇯🇵岐阜県 白川村
天気は快晴とまではいかなかったものの、日帰りでお越しの方も含め、総勢8名にてピッツア作りを実施しました。ピッツアにはこの時期にしか採れない、旬の山菜を森の中へインタープリターのガイドのもと採ってきた後、自然學校自慢のお手製窯で焼き上げました。春の香り満載の彩り豊かなピッツアとなりました。
11. 🇯🇵岐阜県 高山市
雨で森には入れなかった一日。それでも、木の香りに包まれて、湧き水のお茶やヨガ、木工体験や木のおもちゃに子どもも大人も笑顔に。対話の時間も生まれ、森を感じるあたたかなひとときとなりました。
12. 🇯🇵静岡県 富士宮市
朝方まで豪雨で開催が心配でしたが、現地7時くらいに雨が止み、無事に開催しました。
東京からご家族連れで、県内からもご家族連れの参加者があり、小学生向けの森ワークから始め、森の宝物探しとゆったりまったりする時間を取り、新緑を愛ながら、鳥の🐦⬛さえずりに癒される一日となりました。
13. 🇯🇵静岡県 浜松市
静岡県立森林公園にて開催しました。 参加者はガイド入れて6人。気功の準備運動から入り、自己紹介、気功呼吸法、気の交流、樹木との交流瞑想、後半は芝生の上を裸足になって歩きました。少し足は濡れましたが、皆さん気にする事なく楽しみました。輪になって音とボイスを使っての瞑想、トーキングスティックを行いました。皆さん、深く森を感じたようで、良い森林浴ワーク、セラピーになりました。感謝。
14. 🇯🇵滋賀県 高島市
今年は標高550メートルのビラデスト今津で開催しました。広葉樹林と針葉樹林が広がる豊かな森の中、平池ではカエルの合唱が響き、空にはさまざまな鳥たちのさえずりが聞こえました。風のやさしいそよぎを感じながら、ゆったりとした時間の中で、クロモジ茶も味わい、心身ともにゆったりと過ごしました。今年もありがとう。
15. 🇯🇵和歌山県 田辺市
紀州備長炭発祥の地である和歌山県田辺市秋津川にある「道の駅 紀州備長炭記念公園」にある「備長癒しの森」にて開催したGo to Forest
フィールドビンゴや木漏れ日キャッチをしながら子供たちと一緒に森の中を散策しました。
森での新しい発見、感じたものが子供達にとっていい思い出となってまた森へ行きたいと思うきっかけになってくれたらいいなと思った１日でした！
16. 🇯🇵鳥取県 西伯郡大山町
時折ふる雨の中、ネイチャーガイドの案内でとっておきの森歩きへ。道中動植物、環境、歴史に触れながら、霧に包まれた神秘的な最終目的地に到着しました。その場で森や自分自身と静かに対話する豊かな時間を過ごし、普段味わえない「雨の森」ならではの奥深い魅力を満喫する特別な体験となりました！
17. 🇯🇵島根県 飯南町
【雨天予報のため開催中止】 森でティータイム（くろもじの枝でつまようじづくり等）、ハンモック体験を実施予定でしたが、強風・雨天予報のため開催を中止したしました。
18. 🇯🇵広島県 江田島市
広島から船で約30分の江田島市、エストニア人の森＆サウナ拠点で、贈ろう森プロジェクトとして開催。
森の整備、森林浴、草木を摘み各自ウィヒタづくり、エストニア式サウナで今の自分と向き合うととのいタイム。
森と人、人と世界がゆるやかにつながる一日。
それぞれの「これから」にやさしく根づいていきますように。
19. 🇯🇵愛媛県 松野町
愛媛県松野町の森で身も心もリフレッシュしました！木漏れ日キャッチや目かくしイモ虫、アーシングなど五感を使って新緑の森を満喫。何と幻のギンリョウソウにも出会えました！
20. 🇯🇵福岡県 糟屋郡宇美町
知る人ぞ知る穴場、四王寺県民の森・鮎帰りの滝コース。ガイドがいなければたどり着けないこの場所で、カラフルなトンボやカツラの甘い香りに癒され、晴れ間が差し込むごとに深まる緑のグラデーションに息をのみました。メタセコイアの下で森ぼっこ。「一人じゃこんな景色は見れない」と感動の声が上がりました。
21. 🇯🇵福岡県 添田町
1500年の歴史を持つ修験の山、英彦山で初めての開催でした。キラキラと輝く新緑や、樹齢数百年の巨木に触れ合いながら、木漏れ日やそよ風、鳥たちの声に耳を傾ける時間を過ごしました。参道をゆっくり歩き、英彦山神宮にも参拝しました。
親子での参加もあり、子どもたちは自然の中でのびのびと過ごし、大人たちは森の空気や風、音に意識を向けながら、それぞれが「いま、この瞬間」を感じ、自然とつながるひとときとなりました。
22. 🇯🇵長崎県 西海市
前日は大雨でしたが、見事晴れてくれました！長崎は初参加。初のイベントで緊張しました。１人で少し淋しかったですが、たどたどしい説明もやさしく聞いてくれました。陽射しが出た時は、木漏れ日キャッチで盛り上がり、何ヶ所かで土の匂いをかいだりしました。『森ぼっこ』後、お茶の時間はたくさんおしゃべりもできました。新緑の季節を感じながら無事に終了できました。
23. 🇯🇵熊本県 阿蘇市
🌳Goto Forest 2026 開催報告🌳
5月4日みどりの日、阿蘇大観の森にて「Goto Forest 2026」を開催しました。
森の香りや風、草原、雄大な景色に包まれながら、自然や自分自身との対話、そして仲間との対話を深める、かけがえのない時間となりました。ご参加くださった皆さま、本当にありがとうございました✨
24. 🇯🇵熊本県 山鹿市
5世代にわたり受け継がれたゆうきの森で開催。森おさんぽ、シダまみれ講座、森カフェ、森の精霊人形劇と“森だくさん”な一日。小さな冒険者から大人まで65名が新緑の魔法に包まれ、かけがえのない森時間となりました。
25. 🇯🇵宮崎県 綾町
前日の雨も上がり、強風ながら絶好の紅茶作り日和となりました。
今年は茶葉の育ちが良く、土塁に登りお茶摘みを満喫。摘み取りに夢中になったため、森の散歩はショートコースとなりましたが、巨木との触れ合いも楽しみました。
色や香りの変化に歓声が上がった一日。また来年お会いしましょう。
26. 🇯🇵鹿児島県 さつま町町
ずっとお天気が心配で、公園内の屋内スペースも一応お借りして当日を迎えました。前日の大雨の影響でのキャンセルもありましたが、当日は気持ちのいいお天気に恵まれて、予定通りヨガやハンモックチェアトークで森林を満喫することが出来ました。
みなさん、とにかくゆるんでて笑顔で、素敵な一日になりました🥰
27. 🇯🇵鹿児島県 西之表市（種子島）
鹿児島県西之表市（種子島）で初開催となったGotoForest。最初に会場の森とご縁の深い湊のエビスにお参りしてから、ヘゴ自生群落へ。ここはヤクタネゴヨウの大木もあり、種子島ならではの自然の中での森林浴でした。
ランチは、国上奥神社のアコウの大木の前で、島の恵みいっぱいのお弁当をいただきました。種子島を存分に浴びる時間になりました。
（安全面を考慮し、当初予定していた森から会場を変更しました）
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.
