Comments from forest therapy participants (March 11, 2022)

[ne-] Cafe and Forest Therapy Collaboration] Forest therapy with [ne-] Plant-based Cafe & Act

This forest therapy is a collaboration with [ne-] Plant-based Cafe & Act, which opened near the Yakushima Nature Museum.

Eight people participated in the forest therapy program in the 7000-year-old forest near the cafe, and enjoyed delicious lunch boxes from [ne-] Cafe!

Even so, the participants creating their artwork were just too adorable. It made me happy to see that there are so many wonderful, childlike adults here on Yakushima.

We're planning to do this collaboration again in April, so if you're interested, be sure to check it out!

It felt like I was looking at a forest, but there was so much I couldn't see. After spending some quiet time in the forest, it felt as though the vegetation had increased, and I felt more clearly than ever that all the living things there are connected.

The final artwork sharing session showed us that each person has their own unique way of expression and sensibility. It was also striking that after the first breathing exercise with the tree, everyone became quiet and few words were spoken.

(Female in her 30s)

- Humans have a strong ability to feel. I realized that in our everyday lives, thinking tends to take priority and we don't really use our ability to feel or our senses.
– I reaffirmed the importance of breathing.
- By opening your senses, the world you see changes (it feels more vivid). You get intuitive inspiration that is different from your usual thought patterns.
– I enjoyed spending time relaxing in the hammock.
- I felt that the balance of relaxation was important. I often overwork my body and my mind can remain tense, so I felt that this was a very effective way to relax myself. It has made me more aware of self-healthcare.
– It was great to be able to walk through the forest with other people and hear the insights of others.

The most memorable experience was when I was breathing with the trees. I felt a sense of unity with the trees and the earth, and I felt very secure. I felt like I was tuning into my center, and I was amazed at how quickly I could do it.

(Male in his 30s)