From the Forest •yoga•forest bathing•cake / Lochwinnoch

Whenever I feel disconnected from myself, I often find myself after spending intentional time in nature.

Step into the trees & reconnect with nature in From the Forest, a monthly outdoor sanctuary designed to help you slow down, breathe deep, & find quiet grounding in the woods.

The Experience

Gathering & The Tree Ogham

We begin our time together by gathering in Castle Semple Car park enjoying the loch views, pulling a card from the Woodland Wardens deck, to set an intention for the day. As we take a gentle 20-minute walk up to our secluded spot, we’ll get acquainted & introduce the theme of the month, which is rooted in the ancient Celtic Tree Ogham (the tree birth calendar). Don’t worry if you’ve came alone or with a group, you are welcome here.

Yoga & Hammock Rest

Once we arrive at our private clearing, you’ll roll out your yoga mat & assemble your personal tree hammock. We will move through a gentle, grounding yoga practice ~ which can be adapted to a standing flow if the Scottish weather has made the ground too damp.
The yoga, will be a balanced gentle stretch & energising flow, with breathwork suitable for all, incorporating grounding practices, that will also energise.

I will then guide us through forest bathing practices. Nature inspired meditations inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku.

Shinrin-Yoku & Sound-Bathed Savasana

While cocooned in your hammock, you will be guided through Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) ~ a series of mindful, simple practices designed to awaken your senses, quiet mental chatter, & deepen your connection to yourself & the nature around you.

During your hammock Savasana, you'll be immersed in a gentle soundscape as I play a range of Koshi chimes & earthy seed shakers to soothe your nervous system. No prior experience is needed. A blanket is a good idea for the hammocks as they are not insulated. Trust me when I say, there is nothing like sipping tea, feeling held by the hammock & the support of nature from the trees.

Tea, Treats & Community

To close our practice, you’ll enjoy a warm cup of herbal or fruit tea paired with a nostalgic woodland treat: hot custard served over home baked school cake! Enjoy free time to chat with a like-minded community, explore the clearing (don’t forget to touch grass & tickle that moss!) Or simply stay supported in your hammock. Please bring a mug for tea & a spoon for ‘Hot Custard in the Woods’.

Important Details & What to Know

• Warmth & Layers: The hammocks are uninsulated, so please wear plenty of warm layers, that you can comfortable remove for the yoga & pop back on. Bring a blanket while lying inside.
• Midge Protection: Smidge and citronella incense will be provided to keep our moody Scottish midges at bay!
• A yoga mat.

• Shoes / boots that you feel comfortable walking in, some of the paths in Lochwinnoch can be muddy.
• Hammock Safety: The hammocks safely support a weight limit of 17 stone (~108 kg).Please be aware you are responsible for your safety in the hammocks provided. I’ll help with the knots & I plan on investing on carabiners for speed, when funds allow! ‘Stephanie Leske Yoga’ is not responsible for any injuries caused during these events in the hammocks inclusive.
• Tea (in Tina Tea-urner) will be on offer during the event. Please bring a mug for tea & some water to stay hydrated! Please bring a spoon for the hot custard in the woods, bowls are provided. Usually school cake is made gluten free but please let me know of any food allergies beforehand as soon as possible when booking).

• Walking & Timing: This event includes a 20-minute walk up to our spot & a 20-minute walk back down to the car park. Please note that the end time listed on the booking system is when our session in the woods concludes, so please allow an extra 20 minutes to walk back down afterward.

If you've been wanting to get back into nature, try something new, or meet your new group of pals that want to frolic in the forest with you & ID mushrooms with. Or intrigued by the many physical & mental health benefits of forest bathing & yoga then book your hammock & return to your true nature with me!

I can't wait to meet you, & hold space while you switch off from the noise of the world, long enough to hear your own heart for a bit.

Leské~name meaning is Polish Slavic for those who dwelled in the forest. Hence the name of these sessions! Any questions, send me a message!