The beginning of a new year often arrives with anticipation for new targets, new strategies, and expectations to move forward quickly. Yet many individuals and teams step into January still carrying the weight of the year before. There is a vital need in pausing first, before moving on. To zoom out and experience one’s current cognitive and emotional state from a different angle.
Forest Bathing, also known as Shinrin-Yoku, offers a gentle space for this pause. It is a thought practice of slowing down in nature, allowing the forest to support reflection, awareness, and reconnection. For corporate teams, it is not about performance or productivity for the day, but about creating the conditions for clarity, resilience, and meaningful connection to emerge over time.
As a half-day experience, this process begins quietly at a mini-waterfall at Amara Sanctuary Resort. The essence of this segment is to notice the sound of flowing water and the surrounding greenery. How this helps is by naturally inviting participants to be fully present in cognition, emotion, action and physiology. An introduction to Forest Bathing sets the intention for the session, reminding participants that there is no need to rush or achieve.
A guided mindfulness process follows, helping participants reconnect with their breath, senses, and inner state. This moment of stillness creates a transition from the pace of work into a more reflective way of being.
From there, the group transitions together along the Mt Imbiah Nature Trail. Simple experiential activities and guided reflections are woven into the walk, offering opportunities for self-discovery, quiet observation, and gentle sharing. Nature becomes a common ground where roles soften, conversations deepen, and individuals can simply be present with themselves and one another.
Anchored by FOCUS Adventure’s R.E.S.T. framework—Reflection, Exposure, Self-discovery, and Transformation, Forest Bathing supports participants in noticing what they carry, recognising inner strengths, and considering healthier ways of moving forward. Often, the most meaningful insights arise not from doing more, but from allowing space for awareness to unfold.
Programme Principles R.E.S.T
R – reflection on the process
E – exposure to nature and the unknown
S – self-discovery to tap into inner strength
T – transform to healthier coping strategies
From a HR and L&D’s perspective, Forest Bathing offers something simple yet meaningful: a shared experience that centres wellbeing, trust, and human connection. It is an opportunity to begin the year together in groundedness , attentiveness, and openness to what lies ahead.
An Invitation to the Team
If your organisation is seeking a quieter, more intentional way to begin the year, we invite you to explore Forest Bathing with us.
Come as you are. Walk together. Slow down.
And allow space for reflection, connection, and renewal to unfold naturally.
