Opplev ro, balanse og nærvær med sansevandring – en guidet pause i naturen som gir deg ny energi og klarhet. Hvordan ville det føles å bare være her og nå?
A break for body and soul
Do you feel like you're always running but never getting there?
Sensory walking, also known as forest bathing, can be a path to inner balance and deeper presence. Many people have found that this practice helps them reduce stress, increase their mental clarity, and feel a stronger connection to nature.
As if stress creeps into every break, and you never get to breathe freely?
How would it feel to give yourself a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life?
Maybe you miss finding peace, feeling joy in the present, and relaxing from everything that's bothering you?
What is sensory hiking/forest bathing?
Sensory walking is a slow and sensual experience in nature, where we open ourselves to our surroundings and promote health and well-being.
Forest bathing originated in Japan and is called Shinrin-Yoku, which means "bathing in the forest atmosphere" - not with water, but with our senses.
Imagine walking slowly between tall trees, smelling the scent of damp moss, hearing the wind whispering between the branches.
Through gentle movements and guided exercises, we are given the opportunity to open up to the healing power of nature. Perhaps you close your eyes to listen to the sounds of the forest, feel the wind on your skin, or focus on the scent of the trees around you. This helps you create a deeper connection with nature.
Typically, a sensory walk lasts 2-3 hours, where an experienced guide leads various exercises that help participants open their senses. This can include mindful breathing, walking slowly with full attention, feeling textures in nature or listening to birdsong and the movement of the wind. We also gather in a circle to share reflections, and often the walk ends with a tea ceremony, sometimes around a fire pan, where the tea is made from local plants.
When was the last time you really took the time to listen to the wind or smell the scents of the forest?
Historical background
Although forest bathing was formalized in Japan in the 1980s, the practice has deep roots in Japanese culture. Forests have always held a special place in Japanese history, and both Shinto and Buddhist traditions consider forests to be sacred spaces.
Have you ever thought about how nature has been a source of peace and reflection throughout the ages?
Sensory walk vs regular forest walk
Norwegians love walks in the woods and fields. We know that nature is good for both body and mind. Yet there is a significant difference between a regular forest walk and a sensory walk: the pace, focus and intention.
When we go for a walk, we often have a goal in mind – exercise, recreation, perhaps listening to music or talking about everyday tasks. Sensory walking is about letting go of external distractions and being fully present in the moment. We move slowly, observing, smelling, listening and feeling the nature around us. This creates a deeper sense of calm and well-being.
Have you ever noticed how your pace and focus change when you go on a regular walk versus a sensory walk?
Scientific findings
Research has shown that forest bathing can boost the immune system by increasing the activity of natural killer cells (NK cells), which play an important role in the body's defense against infections and cancer. A study from Japan found that the effects of forest bathing can last for several days after the experience.
Can you recognize the feeling of renewed energy or calm after spending some time in nature?
Why use a guide?
Letting go of everyday stress can be challenging on your own. A guide helps you find peace and gives you tools to ground yourself in the moment. Through simple exercises, you are guided into a state of mindful presence, while also receiving support to face any emotions that arise.
Have you ever tried to calm down, but found that your thoughts continue to race?
Health benefits of sensory walking
Research shows that spending time in nature in a calm and mindful way has a number of health benefits.
- Strengthened immune system: Increased number of NK cells, the body's natural defense.
- Lower stress levels: Reduced production of the stress hormone cortisol
- Smoother blood pressure: Helps the body maintain a stable heart rate.
- Improved sleep quality: Strengthens the body's natural circadian rhythm
- Better mood and increased creativity: Nature stimulates the brain in a positive way.
- Better concentration and problem-solving skills: Gives the mind space to sort thoughts.
- Faster recovery after illness or surgery: The healing power of nature contributes to faster recovery.
- Increased energy and general well-being: A natural break that gives you a boost.
What could you have gained from spending more time in nature in this way?
The global spread of sensory migration
Originally from Japan, forest bathing has gained international recognition and is now practiced worldwide as a method of improving mental and physical health.
Did you know that forest bathing is practiced in an increasing number of countries, and that healthcare professionals recommend it as a natural method for stress reduction?
My own experience with sensory walking
Sensory walking is a practice that I use to find peace and to walk within myself. It gives me a deep sense of renewal, and I often say that I feel like I am born again every time. This is not just a method to relax, but a lifestyle that helps me maintain balance in a hectic everyday life. Sensory walking is an important part of my mental and physical preparation for, among other things, the Bachata World Championships, and a way I replenish energy, clarity and a deeper connection with myself.
How do you find your inner peace in a busy everyday life?
Give yourself a break.
A sensory walk is more than a walk in the forest – it is an invitation to slow down, find balance and make space for yourself. Are you curious about how a sensory walk can affect you? It is an opportunity to rediscover the calming power of nature and give yourself a valuable break from the digital and hectic everyday life. How about taking some time for yourself this week and experiencing the tranquility of nature in a new way? Give yourself this opportunity to unwind and restore your energy – nature is waiting for you.
Are you ready to give yourself this break?
When you calm down and listen, the forest will
whisper their secrets to you.
