Open To Ideas Workshop: Forest Bathing in Lesnes Abbey Woods
Saturday 7th November 2026 , 11:00am to 1:00pm
Join artist, qualified Shinrin Yoku leader and certified meditation teacher Chris Brock for the second Open To Ideas workshop: an immersive forest bathing experience in Lesnes Abbey Woods.
Join Chris Brock for an immersive forest bathing experience in Lesnes Abbey Woods.
Forest bathing (shinrin‑yoku) translates to “taking in the forest atmosphere.” It will not involve actual bathing. The practice of forest bathing is slow and intentional, and emphasises sensory engagement through noticing sounds, textures, scents, and light in the forest.
The classic image of a forest is a collection of trees. But in Shinrin Yoku (literally: forest bathing) we are encouraged to see the entire forest as a single and complex organism, one that we become part of when we enter into it. Upon joining the forest we can embrace a sense of reciprocity that is beneficial for both the forest, and for us – in mind, body, and spirit. The more we slip into stillness and quiet within the woodland setting, the more the forest will rise to meet us.
This Shinrin Yoku workshop will explore the scientific, biological relationship between humans and trees, the spiritual ideas of Shinto that bring a forest to life, mindfulness practices and forest “invitations”, and how we can nurture our own forest bathing practice at home.
As a group, you will learn about the benefits of forest bathing, walking in the woods, and meditation.
Healthy snacks will be provided.
Please meet the workshop facilitator and the rest of the group outside Abbey Wood train station (on the first floor by the bus stop). what3words: ///played.blitz.lock
Open To Ideas Workshop: Forest Bathing in Lesnes Abbey Woods
More from us…
Open to Ideas
Embrace mindfulness, awareness, and be present with one of our six sessions promoting wellbeing in Thamesmead
More about Chris Brock
Chris Brock is a qualified Shinrin Yoku leader, certified meditation teacher, and author of three books exploring mindfulness, human experience, and our place in the universe. He is inspired by Japanese haiku, the ideas of Mu, Ma, and Mujō, and the philosophy of “mono no aware” – that beauty is found in the passing of things, not the clinging on to them.
More about Open To Ideas Programme
Open To Ideas is a programme to help encourage ways to live a more fulfilled life: focusing on wellbeing and connection. The aim of the programme is to provide a safe and inclusive space for people to feel at ease discussing a range of topics and fully embracing mindful activities.
We recommend participants attend all or as many sessions as they can, to benefit from the holistic nature of experiencing multiple ways of practicing mindfulness, awareness and being present.
Six sessions to run October 2026 – January 2027.
Transport Information
Tube Station: Abbey Wood (National Rail, Elizabeth Line).
Bus: 117, 229, 401, 472, 601, 301, 602, 669, N1
Please note parking is not available. There is a Bike shed on site.
Access Information
This workshop will take place outdoors in Lesnes Abbey Woods, with moderate walking required.
For full access information and queries, please email pandp@bowarts.com.
