Ginkgo Forest Bath
Slow Down, Regulate, and Renew with Shinrin-yoku
Ginkgo Forest Bathing is a guided Shinrin-yoku experience designed to bring together people from diverse backgrounds and reconnect urban life with the intelligence of nature.
Facilitated by Diğdem Girici, founder of Ginkgo Wellness Studio, this experience opens a space beyond speed, noise, and constant stimulation - a space to slow down, regulate the nervous system, and gently return to the body through nature.
This is not a hike or a fitness activity.
It is an invitation to be, rather than to do.
Why Forest Bathing for Urban Life?
City life often disconnects us from natural rhythms. Continuous stimulation, mental load, and fast-paced environments can distance us from the body, the senses, and the present moment.
Ginkgo Forest Bathing is designed to:
slow down the nervous system
restore sensory awareness
support emotional and mental reset
rebuild the connection between humans and nature
It is a shared yet inward journey where people from different paths meet in presence rather than roles.
What Is Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)?
Forest bathing, known in Japan as Shinrin-yoku, is the practice of consciously and slowly immersing oneself in nature.
Rather than walking for distance or speed, the focus is on:
sensory awareness
slowing the nervous system
reconnecting with the present moment
Scientific research shows that Shinrin-yoku can support stress reduction, mental clarity, and overall wellbeing.
What to Expect?
Gentle movement and embodied play
Guided mindful walking in nature
Sensory Shinrin-yoku meditation
Silence, integration, and rest
Participants are invited to move at their own pace.
Program Flow
14:00 – 14:15 Opening & Orientation
14:15 – 15:00 Movement & Play
15:00 – 15:30 Mindful Walk in Nature
15:30 – 16:00 Sensory Shinrin-yoku Meditation
16:00 – 16:30 Gentle Return, Closing & Integration
This experience is designed in alignment with the recommended 2–3 hour deep immersion period of Shinrin-yoku.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Location: Atatürk Urban Forest
Duration: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
Facilitator: Diğdem Girici
Who is this experience for?
Anyone who wishes to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience presence regardless of profession, background, or prior experience.
Is this physically demanding?
No. This is not a fitness activity. The pace is slow and accessible to all levels.
Do I need prior meditation experience?
Not at all. The experience is fully guided and beginner-friendly.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, weather-appropriate footwear, and water. No special equipment is required.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Forest bathing is an invitation to reconnect with nature as it is - changing, alive, and unpredictable. Rather than seeking perfect conditions, part of the practice is learning to stay present with shifting environments.
With appropriate preparation and safety considerations, the experience continues in most weather conditions, supporting resilience, adaptability, and a deeper relationship with the natural world. Participants will be informed in advance if any special preparation is needed.
Is this a form of therapy?
No. While forest bathing has supportive and regulating effects, it is not a replacement for medical or psychological treatment.