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Choosing What Feels Right for You

I get it. Life is structured, scheduled, and packed with responsibilities. When you finally carve out time to slow down, the last thing you want is another decision to make. But if you’ve been thinking about trying forest bathing, you might be wondering whether you should go with a guide or explore on your own.

There’s no right or wrong answer. It all depends on what you need most right now.

Maybe you’d love the gentle structure of a guided session, where someone else leads the way so you don’t have to think, just be. Or maybe you’re craving solitude, the chance to move at your own pace, and let your instincts take over.

Whichever path you take, I want you to feel confident in your choice. Let’s explore the benefits of both approaches so you can decide what feels right for you.

If this kind of mindful decision-making feels supportive, you might enjoy The Creative Shift, my weekly newsletter for women in STEM. It offers reflections and calming practices to help you reconnect with yourself. Sign up here to start receiving it.

Guided Forest Bathing: Support and Structure

Guided forest bathing means joining a session led by a trained facilitator. If the idea of someone gently guiding your experience sounds comforting, this could be a great fit.

Why You Might Prefer a Guided Experience

• You’re new to forest bathing. A guide can introduce you to simple practices without you having to figure it out on your own.
• You feel overwhelmed by choices. Having a structured session removes decision fatigue.
• You enjoy shared experiences. Connecting with a small group can add a layer of support and reflection.
• You want deeper insight. Guides offer thoughtful prompts and invitations that help you engage more fully.

Try this thought exercise: If you had a free afternoon in nature, would you feel more relaxed knowing someone else was leading the way?

If that sounds like a relief, a guided session might be just what you need.

Self-Guided Forest Bathing: Freedom and Intuition

If you love the idea of walking into the forest alone and letting curiosity lead you, a self-guided experience might feel more natural.

Why You Might Prefer a Self-Guided Experience

• You need solitude. Time alone in nature can be a powerful way to reset.
• You want to follow your own rhythm. No schedule, no agenda, just you and the forest.
• You’ve done guided sessions before. You feel confident enough to take what you’ve learned and make it your own.
• You’re craving quiet introspection. Sometimes, the best conversations happen when it’s just you and nature.

Try this thought exercise: Do you feel most at peace when you can move at your own pace, without following someone else’s structure?

If that sounds like you, a self-guided session might be exactly what you need.

Still Not Sure? Try Both

There’s no rule that says you have to choose just one approach. Many people alternate between the two depending on what they need in the moment.

How to Blend Guided and Self-Guided Forest Bathing

• Start with a guided session to learn the basics.
• Use those practices during your self-guided walks.
• Return to guided experiences when you need fresh inspiration or deeper reflection.

Some days, structure feels supportive. Other days, freedom feels expansive. The best approach is the one that honours where you are right now.

Creative Activity: Forest Experience Reflection Map

This exercise will help you clarify which approach resonates with you the most.

What You’ll Need

• A blank sheet of paper
• A pen or pencil

Instructions

1. Draw a line down the centre of the page. On one side, write Guided, and on the other, write Self-Guided.
2. Under each heading, jot down any thoughts or feelings that come up when you imagine yourself in that type of experience.
3. Look at what you wrote. What side feels more right for you today?

Reflection Prompt: What did you notice as you reflected on both options? Which one aligns with your current needs?

If you’d like more short, supportive practices like this one, the 5-Day Creative Reset Challenge is a great place to start. Each day offers a simple prompt to help you slow down, reconnect, and feel more grounded. Join the free challenge here.

The Emotional Benefits of Each Approach

Both guided and self-guided experiences offer unique emotional support, depending on what you need most.

A Guided Session Might Feel Grounding If:

• You’re feeling emotionally overwhelmed and need someone else to hold the space.
• You’re struggling to slow down and would benefit from structured pauses.
• You want to process emotions in a supportive, intentional way.

A Self-Guided Session Might Feel Freeing If:

• You want uninterrupted time for your thoughts.
• You need to move at your own pace without external expectations.
• You feel comfortable holding space for your own emotions.

There’s no better way, only the way that supports you best in this moment.

Your Next Steps: Let Your Needs Lead the Way

Before your next nature experience, take a moment to check in with yourself.

Ask Yourself:

• Do I crave structure or freedom today?
• Would I feel more supported with guidance or more comfortable alone?
• Am I open to trying something new?

Trust your instincts. And remember, you can always change your mind.

Final Thoughts: Forest Bathing, Your Way

Forest bathing isn’t about following rules. It’s about feeling connected.

Some days, that might mean joining a guided session where someone else takes the lead. Other days, it might mean wandering alone, with no agenda but your own breath and footsteps.

Whatever you choose, know that you’re allowed to take what you need. The forest will always meet you where you are.

Want more simple ways to reconnect with yourself through creativity and mindfulness? Sign up for my newsletter, The Creative Shift, and get weekly inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.

You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just take the next step, and let nature do the rest.

CREATIVE SHIFT