Thank you so much for dropping by!

I would like to invite you to reconnect with nature. Not to just be in nature, like going for a hike or walking the dog, but to really connect with your natural environment.

To bathe your senses; your sight, your hearing, the sense of smell, taste and touch, in the atmosphere of the forest.

Spend some quality time just being... just noticing... just pressing pause for a moment.

You might be amazed at what effect that can have. 

So, welcome to my website, my name is Janice Butler and Kokoro Grove was set up as a company to help people do exactly this... to press pause on their busy lives and reconnect with nature. 

You might have heard of Kokoro - for some it might just mean noodles!

Kokoro is actually a Japanese phrase that translates into something like heart, mind and soul. But it appears to mean so much more than that. It is a multi-faceted word which also encompasses the elements that make each of us unique, capturing the fundamental richness of our lives, our knowledge and all those experiences that make each of us who we are today. 

Forest Bathing gives you an opportunity to see your own beautiful self to find your kokoro, and reflect upon your unique experiences, whilst offering nature as a welcoming, supportive harbour for you to rest, rejuvenate and find some inner peace. 

Does your heart, mind and soul feel somewhat jaded today? Let's see what we can do about that...

So, what can Forest Bathing do for you?

Nature is amazing.

I mean truly amazing!

It is thought that because we evolved within nature's environment, and that relatively quickly we took to living in houses, working with and depending increasingly more on buildings and machines, we have closed ourselves off from nature, and have essentially turned away from our roots.

Whilst modern living has its benefits, our minds and bodies are struggling to keep up.

We need nature to rebalance, to dilute the stress that comes with all these fast paced evolutionary changes.

It is often said when people step back into nature and take a moment to slow down, nature can feel like coming home.  

Exposure to nature can realign our energies.

Reconnecting with nature helps us connect with ourselves and others. 

Our blood pressure improves.

Our stress and anxiety levels reduce, which improves our chances to prevent burn out.

Our immunity is given a little boost, which leads to fewer days off sick.

Our heart health improves.

We sleep better. Which is just... better!! But sleep also gives our bodies time to repair themselves.

With a better quality of rest and a feel-good dose of nature,

we are better equipped to lift depression, increase our concentration, focus more easily, and think more clearly.

Not bad for a stroll in the woods is it!

Finding Your Way

Shinrin Yoku is like a bridge. By opening our senses, it bridges the gap between us and the natural world.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Dr Qing Li

The whole idea of Forest Bathing is to enliven your senses, slow down, be quiet, and notice. Nature has a way of encouraging reflection and from that we can discover ourselves. It is a simple way to connect, to create that bridge and relax the mind and body and heal the soul. You don't need to go with anyone, you can forest bathe on your own in any safe area of nature, which can have a profound effect. You can even forest bathe at home, but a guide can take that to another level.

With a guide, you don't need to think, you don't need to worry about getting lost, and in a small group of like-minded people where you can share a collective wisdom, you can feel safe and supported.

As my website grows, I hope to show you how you can practise Forest Bathing both on your own and in a group.

I invite you to drop in when the need arises and maybe try some of the amazing suggestions I have in store for you, or book on to a walk with me, and experience what wonderful nature spots North Hampshire has to offer.

Upcoming dates can be found under 'Events' on the 'book today' page! 

Taking care of yourself

Forest Bathing is an excellent tool to have at your disposal for mind and body wellness, especially now, as we become more aware that we should regard our mental health with as much attention and respect as our physical health.

Our mental and physical health are very closely linked, with one benefitting the other, and both requiring a lot of time and devotion to recovery when things go wrong.

Prevention is far better than cure! 

As more and more research reveals the many benefits of this gentle practise, it is fast becoming respected by both medical and counselling sectors, with various countries across the world advocating time in nature to be intrinsic to one's health and wellbeing; just as the UK's directive is to eating your five a day!

But, whilst forest bathing can provide an important element for obtaining balance and harmony and retaining a healthy mind and body, it shouldn't replace any medical advice or counselling therapy. Although, for those that are in treatment or recovery, forest bathing may well be a worthwhile addition, at the discretion of your professional carer.    

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