Join tansy in the wild at a beautiful and exclusive hidden away location on the grounds of Hever castle to enjoy some grounding and deeply relaxing Forest bathing and qigong
A blissful 3-hour workshop that includes a 40-minute gentle Qigong session, suitable for all levels and complete beginners, followed by some deeply tranquil Forest Bathing. The morning finishes with herbal and wild teas, snacks and a closing gratitude circle.
Places are limited and cost £35pp inc food and beverage
A discount code is available for attendees for entry into Hever Castle if you wish to make a day of it and head there after the workshop. Great if you are coming with friends, family or partners.
I’m incredibly excited about combining these 2 passions to offer a beautiful morning that will leave you feeling deeply grounded, calm and at peace with yourself and the Nature around you.
Why Qigong and Forest Bathing?
I have an extensive background in dance and conscious movement and lived in China for a year where i studied Qigong, Tai Chi and Kung Fu. Dance and movement have always been a passion for mine, but up until now, I have not introduced them into my outdoor nature connection workshops.
WHAT IS QIGONG?
I recently completed a refresher course in Qigong and was once again reminded how wonderful it is to practice and how connected to Nature it is! Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice that incorporates simple mindful movement, breath and meditation. It is also traditionally practised outside in parks or woodlands and includes a vast amount of references to Nature and exercises that connect you to the energy of the Earth and Sky.
I actually cant believe it has taken me so long to introduce it into my workshops and retreats because it fits so well with Forest Bathing and can absolutely enhance the experience. We get deeply connected to our bodies in Qigong and then can connect more powerfully with Nature when we move onto Forest Bathing and connect with our senses to be present and bathe in the atmosphere of Nature.
You do not need experience in either Qigong or Forest Bathing, they are both simple and gentle practices and I guide you through the morning with ease and flow. You also don’t need a change of clothes and would only advise you are comfortable in what you wear and have comfortable shoes.
ABOUT FOREST BATHING
The name Forest Bathing is a translation of the Japanese term 'Shinrin Yoku' which literally means Forest Bath. the meaning of this is to bathe in the atmosphere of the Forest and does not refer to any physical kind of swimming or bathing.
The Japanese began Forest bathing back in the 80s and today there are Forest Bathing Guides all over the world guiding people back into Nature to find peace, deep relaxation, connection and meaning. The practice has now been subject to a vast amount of research and has been scientifically proven to be an effective support for mental health illness and physical/emotional health and wellbeing too.
WHAT TO EXPECT
We will begin with a 40 min gentle and simple Qigong session where I will guide you through a series of wrm up exercises and Qigong movements that will all be done in a standing position. Qigong is all about fluidity and flow and does not require a certain technique to practice. It is deeply relaxing and enjoyable and will create a wonderful connection to your body and the present moment.
In a forest bathing session, you will be invited to connect with Nature through a variety of simple exercises or reflections. This usually involves participants spending time quietly sitting or standing and observing the environment around them. As the guide, I share the principles and insights of the practice and invite you to try simple sensory exercises. The forest is very much the therapist and what people see, feel, and experience is unique to the individual. Some exercises are quiet and introspective whilst others are more fun and playful.
There are opportunities to share insights and observations but this is not expected or forced. I also hold a tea ceremony at the end with some healthy snacks.
Places are limited as group sizes are kept small. The space at Hever is very flat and the distance covered is short because the focus is on slowing down and paying attention. This makes it suitable for all ages and fitness levels. No previous experience in mindfulness, Qigong or forest bathing is required. All are welcome.
Please note the nearest toilets to the space are a 10 min walk away at the Golf Club.
VIEW FULL LIST OF FOREST BATHING FAQ'S
SCHEDULE
9:15am - Meet at parking location which is provided upon booking
9:30am - Workshop begins with welcome followed by Qigong session
10:30am - Forest Bathing session begins
12:00 - Tea & Snacks with Closing Circle and Reflections
12:30pm - Close
WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING
Sensible comfortable clothes and supportive shoes
Waterproof jacket advisable in case of light showers
Water to stay hydrated
I will provide some snacks but you are welcome to bring additional
I provide a waterproof sit mat
In every Forest Bathing workshop, I have held, I am always deeply grateful to see a look of peace and contentment on the faces of the participants as they leave the forest. In our fast-paced lives, we rarely get the chance to find this kind of tranquillity and connection and it can be a very moving and comforting experience.
BOOKING INFO
£35 PER PERSON INC REFRESHMENTS
You can book your place via the button below.
When you book you will receive a confirmation email with a link to a health and safety form. You will also receive a reminder email a few days before the event.
“I did not expect to have such a powerful experience with Forest Bathing. I enjoy being in Nature and well-being so was curious to try and it definitely delivered. I felt so incredibly calm and at peace. I completely lost track of time and got lost in the moment. Tansy was very friendly and professional and lead us on a magical journey. I will definitely be back!”
— Vanessa - Sevenoaks
About Tansy Jane Dowman
Tansy is a People Walker and Nature Connector. She believes deeply that connection to Mother Nature is a direct pathway of reconnection with your soul, your inner wild self and your true nature. As a certified Shinrin Yoku Guide and Natural Mindfulness Teacher, she is driven by a purpose to reignite our relationship with this majestic planet we inhabit. To return to our place of origin and discover a sense of belonging that is waiting for us when we are ready to acknowledge and embrace our deeper connection to the wild.
Also an outdoor empowerment coach for women, Tansy walks alongside her clients on their journey of personal evolution. Nature connection is at the core of her work, her passion, even her name which is a wildflower.
Tansy holds a variety of workshops, retreats and walks all centred around finding a connection to Nature and the self.
About Hever
This workshop will take place at a private woodland location on the grounds of Hever Castle so is not in the main grounds. This beautiful secluded spot has a wonderful wild feel to it with a base camp circle surrounded by woodland and we will have exclusive use of the space for the duration of the session.
Please note: This area is a separate private space away from the main grounds of Hever and the cost to attend this workshop does not include access into the main castle grounds. We will however send you a link when you book with the option to add the entrance fee so you can visit the Castle and main grounds afterwards if you wish.
Tickets
Places are limited and cost £35pp