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PROGRAMME



Join us on a holistic well-being programme in and with nature!



The theme and core of the week is SELF-CARE designed around intensive nature immersions:


Shinrin-Yoku in Switzerland where we mostly go to forest places and Shizen-Yoku in Portugal where you will experience a mix of nature settings including the ocean.


The week is complemented by a daily Meditation & Yoga practice, workshops and plenty of lazing time.





SHINRIN - YOKU



translates to Forest Bathing or taking in the forest atmosphere with our senses. It is a Japanese practice which is proven to reduce stress hormone production, improve feelings of happiness and free up creativity, as well as lower heart rate and blood pressure, boost the immune system and accelerate recovery from illness.



SHIZEN - YOKU



Translates to Nature Bathing or Taking in the atmosphere of nature with our senses. Whilst Shinrin-Yoku is mostly taking place in the surrounding of the forest, during Shizen-Yoku we will explore various nature settings, including the ocean Along the portuguese coastline.



SHINRIN-YOKU
The Art and Science of Forest Bathing



Scientific evidence and traditional wisdom have shown that engaging with nature significantly improves our mental and physical well-being and consciousness. In a world, which is more and more disconnected from nature, we invite you to join us for a week's programme reconnecting with the beauty of our natural habitat.


The programme's focus is Shinrin-Yoku or 'Forest Bathing'. It was developed in Japan in the 1980s and has become a cornerstone of preventative medicine and healing in Japan.


Shinrin-Yoku is the practice of wandering through the nature of our forests with its trees, bushes, grasses, its scents and sounds whilst activating the senses.


The scientifically proven health benefits are lower blood pressure, lower stress levels, stronger immune system, an overall increase in the sense of happiness, flow of energy and much more.


And the best thing is that it is free and very easy to incorporate into your daily life!





SHINRIN-YOKU



We take you on easy walks through the forest and other nature settings with guided activities to help open the senses (hearing, feeling, smelling, seeing, tasting). Those daily walks are guided by a Shinrin-Yoku Guide with more intensive days (3-4 hours) and some lighter days (1-2 hours). Only during extreme weather conditions, such as lightning or storm, an alternative programme is provided.


Shinrin-Yoku is suitable for any level of fitness but surefootedness is required.​​



YOGA & MEDITATION



Yoga and meditation are known for their health benefits (improving flexibility & balance, leaving us with a sharper mind and more resilience to stress). There are numerous practices but we introduce you to the ones you can easily practice on your own when returning home.


We start the day with a guided meditation before breakfast and round it off with a Yoga session before dinner. You can find yoga mats and equipment on site.



FREE TIME & WORKSHOPS



In addition to our daily practices you can join 2 workshops (CH): an introduction to (self-) hypnosis with Romain, during which you learn to communicate effectively with your unconscious mind to facilitate personal change. By the end of the week we invite you to join an interactive debate on transformation & change where we also discuss how to transform learned practices into our every-day life.

During your free time you are invited to be actively lazy at the lodge. If you prefer to remain active, there is so much to explore!

  • sleeping outside under a million stars
  • hiking
  • making a camp-fire


BALANCED FOOD



We believe a balanced diet to be one of the best ways to contribute to a healthier lifestyle. Additionally, it can be a sustainable and delicious way of eating. We source our produce locally as much as possible and try to eat what is in the season.

  • we mostly provide plant-based meals but also eat animal products, just very little
  • we cook with fresh ingredients trying to avoid unnecessary food additives
  • we invite you to an alcohol-free week with alternative ways to toast and celebrate
  • ​hand picked mushrooms or herbs will be a staple in our kitchen

Our chef will share with you simple tricks and recipes, which you can easily adopt when returning home.




COMMUNITY



At SAANENWALD we try to foster diversity and consider the exchange of people of all kind of different backgrounds and ages enriching.
The programme is suitable for anyone, really. Solo travellers, friends, outdoor enthusiasts or city people. If you just need a break from everything, or are curious about the health benefits of Shinrin-Yoku, or if you seriously need to recover from a stressful past or disease - we are open to everyone and also offer an open ear at any time.

We believe in flourishing group dynamics and though many activities will be altogether, there will be plenty of 'lazing time' when you can relax or just read a book.

Reconnecting with nature and people means to disconnect sometimes. We ask you to leave your mobile devices in your rooms during the duration of the programme.


SAANENWALD is from 18 years onwards.



THE LODGES



We will stay at the Saanewald Lodge for the programme in Switzerland and at a countryside lodge for the programme in Portugal.

SAANENWALD stands for tranquility, value of time, reconnection with nature and the possibility to share all this with a group of like-minded people in a natural and simple surrounding.


You will make your own bed every morning and sometimes we set the dining table together. Fancy chopping wood or build a bench for the campfire? We got the tools, so just ask for it.

​

There is one general cleaning of your room in the middle of the week. Towel or linen replacement is available upon request for symbolic fee.



“A surprising, unexpected week; extremely beneficial life experience you cannot miss.”



Andre (57)

Commodity and Financial Sector, Switzerland


TESTIMONIALS

A TYPICAL DAY AT SAANENWALD



Although we like structure, our programme remains flexible so we can plan according to the weather and group's interest as well. Below you will find a typical day at SAANENWALD:



07.00 - 07.30 Morning meditation

07.30 - 08.30 Breakfast

09.00 - 12.00 Shinrin-Yoku

13.00 - 14.00 Lunch


free time or join the workshops


18.00 - 19.00 Yoga

19.30 - 21.00 Dinner

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WHY NATURE MAKES US HAPPIER.



© Friends of Saanenwald 2022



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