I have finally completed all the behind-the-scenes work connected to this project, so here I am presenting to you my latest labor of love!
It is a downloadable e-book in PDF format where I have collected ALL the Shinrin-Yoku invitations I have been posting over the weeks during last spring and summer. If you have found this post but are not familiar with Shinrin-Yoku, you can find out more about it at this page, along with my personal experiences with the practice.
These invitations are simple, and are perfect for those who cannot join a guided Shinrin-Yoku walk, but still want to deepen their experience in nature through a self-guided walk. If and when possible, the optimal location for these invitations is a semi-wild nature environment, though a local park, garden, or simply by a tree in your backyard will do for every day.
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There is no pressure in Shinrin-Yoku, as the intent of the practice is to help you relax, decompress and ground you into yourself and the natural environment around you. And invitations are just that: invitations. You can accept them or decline them as feels best to you. You can also modify them to suit your comfort, location and the weather. The most important thing is that you are safe, comfortable and relaxed. If you should find yourself efforting, just let it go.
You can do these invitations alone, or with others. If you do them with others, I suggest that you do so in silence, so each person can fully benefit from their own experience. You can, if you like, share with each other at the end of each invitation, or a series. If you keep a journal, you might feel called to write down your impressions and thoughts afterwards. That is what we do during an actual Shinrin-Yoku walk. At the end of each invitation, we gather in a circle to share what we have experienced. It is called “council”. Each person has a chance to speak while receiving everyone else’s focused attention. This is a very rewarding part of the walks, and I would like to invite you to share your experiences, if you like, here in the comments. Know that comments are moderated for spam and negativity.
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Overall, my intention is to offer you something easy and beautiful that will make you feel better afterwards. It will be like joining me in a Shinrin-Yoku walk from wherever you are.
The e-book is offered FREE for you to download when you sign up to receive the Life Out Of Bounds newsletter. Your information will be kept absolutely safe and private, will not be shared with others, and will only be used for the purpose of sharing the latest LOOB news with you. Also, know that I will not be swamping you with e-mails. By clicking here you will be taken to the sign up form and start the process, which will complete with the download link to the e-book.
You will be able to either print the e-book, or save it on your iPad/tablet and/or iPhone/smartphone and carry it with you everywhere.
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I hope you will enjoy my little offering, and please feel free to share this page with family and friends you think might be interested.
See you in the forest!
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Thanks a lot for these invitations, Monica.
You are very welcome, Cvetka! 🙂
Thank you!
You are welcome, Jessica! 🙂
your e-book looks amazing!
Thank you, Minnie. I am happy you are enjoying it. 🙂
Hi,
I like to try this in the Norwegian woods.
Is that possible?
Best wishes
Anni
Hi Anni: I don’t see why not! Woods are woods everywhere. Just be sure you are safe (if you know the area you know what challenges there may be) and enjoy. Best wishes to you, too! Monica
I live in the forest. Yay! I love what you’re doing here. Thank you! Maddy
You are welcome, Maddy! And I can totally see you absorbing the energy of the forest already. xoxo
Your photos are gorgeous
Thank you, Aimie! xoxo
I’m already on your list, but can’t pass up this opportunity to deepen my experience of the forests here in Switzerland, Thanks for being you!
Oh, Chris, you are welcome! You could have just asked me and I would have e-mailed you a copy. xoxo
Are you in the Monterey Peninsula area? I was especially interested your articles
on Twiggery in Carmel and also Pacific Grove.
Have a great day 🙂
Hi Susan: Apologies for my delay in responding. I have had computer problems and, with one thing and another, my computer-less status stretched for weeks.
To answer your question: I was in Carmel for a while. Right now I am in Napa. But it’s not far. Any particular reason why you are asking? Let me know! xoxo M