In this episode of the Yarra Libraries Podcast we’re continuing (with the help of some experts) to bring nature to you – perfect for when your ability to visit it is a little more restricted than usual.

Forest Therapy, or Shinrin-yoku, literally translates to “forest bathing”. This practice gained traction during the early 90s in Japan as the country looked for a solution to increases stress in the country. In this recording, Forest Therapists Susan Joachim ( Director of In My Nature and President of The International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance ) and Dr. Dieter Kotte (Secretary of The International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance) introduce you to Forest Therapy and its reported benefits. Together, we invite you to slow down and connect intimately with the world around you.

If you haven’t already, please prepare yourself for the session by finding a suitable spot where you can either be in or see nature without breaking restrictions. If restrictions don’t apply where you are, then read Susan’s advice on choosing an ideal sit spot at https://inmynature.life/ideal-sit-spot/

You can find the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA) at https://infta.net/

You can find their Australian accredited training provider, In My Nature, at https://inmynature.life/

Susan Joachim is the President of the INFTA headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. She is also a Certified Forest Therapy Guide and Mentor. Susan's affinity to the natural world began when she found herself on a work assignment in Rwanda tracking Mountain Gorillas! She spends most weekends leading bushwalks around Australia and New Zealand with her hiking club. Susan has committed herself to promote Forest Therapy globally as a preventative Public health practice by collaborating with government organizations, education and research institutes, allied health organizations and nature and Forest Therapy practitioners.

INFTA is the international peak body promoting the preventative public health practice of Forest Therapy. INFTA collaborates globally with a range of government agencies, research groups and public health stakeholders (especially in these times of pandemic) to promote the benefits of Forest Therapy to the wider community through its network of international advisors and certified Forest Therapy Guides. The organization collaborates with botanic gardens and local councils to reach a wider audience of people who are looking for ways to connect to nature as a means to alleviate the stresses of life coping with the pandemic. They hope that through this podcast, people will connect to nature (even in their own gardens), and notice the benefits of connection to nearby nature. They believe that Forest Therapy can play a role in alleviating the increasing mental health issues and lifestyle diseases faced in Australia - aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. They invite listeners to visit their website and social media pages for more information and daily inspiration.

Yarra Libraries Suggests

Into the forest : how trees can help you find health and happiness – Qing Li

Shinrin-yoku : the art and science of forest bathing – Qing Li

Shinrin-yoku : the Japanese way of forest bathing for health and relaxation - Yoshifumi Miyazaki

The healing magic of forest bathing : finding calm, creativity, and connection in the natural world – Julia Plevin