Zona Walks

Since early 2023, we're delighted to introduce Zona Walks at Highland.

Our Zona Walks is a wonderful fusion of a Shinrin-yoku/Forest Bathing experience and integrated Qigong, allowing you to rediscover a deep connection with nature.

Join us for a slow, mindful, guided walk along an easy trail. Immerse your mind in the present moment, cultivating a non-judgmental awareness. Evoke the Five Senses through a profound connection with nature. Forest Bathing has scientifically-backed benefits include lowered blood pressure and overall enhanced well-being. Zona Walks offer a chance to unwind, uplift your spirits, and take part in holistic and Eco-friendly pursuits.

Move with intention and breathe in harmony with Qigong, aligning yourself with the rhythm of nature itself. Qigong helps your energy flow smoothly, fostering balance, strength, and a sense of calm, of which are just a few of the positive benefits that arise from dedicating time to movement and reconnecting with nature through Zona activities.

Join us and embark on a Zona Walk, a gateway to unplugging, revitalizing, and nurturing your bond with the natural surrounding and your inner well-being.

Try a Zona Walk with us here at Highland - Poblacion Bilar Bohol

Or email us for more information

bilarhighland@gmail.com

Click the link to book a Zona session directly online through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.hk/e/zona-walk-nature-connection-shinrin-yoku-with-qigong-tickets-761926561857?aff=oddtdtcreator

News and Updates:

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Forest Bathing

Forest bathing, also known as "Shinrin-yoku" in Japanese where it originated in the 1980's as a response to urbanization and stress. It has since evolved into a global wellness practice, with scientific studies confirming its positive effects on health.

"Forest Bathing," it does not involve actually bathing in the traditional sense or getting naked in nature.  It's more about absorbing the atmosphere and calming effects of the forest rather than a literal bathing activity. The term "bathing" metaphorically implies absorbing the natural surroundings to benefit one's well-being.  The aim is to achieve a deep connection with nature and experience its therapeutic effects on physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Forest bathing is a sensory experience. It encourages you to slow down, engage your senses, and be fully present in the forest. You might listen to the rustling of leaves, explore the textures of the surrounding, inhale the earthy scent of the forest, and observe the dance of the breeze through the trees.

Guided forest bathing sessions involve gentle walks and guided activities designed to facilitate a deeper connection with nature. The practice encourages mindfulness, relaxation, and an overall sense of rejuvenation, making it an ideal way to counterbalance the stresses of modern life and to foster a greater appreciation for the natural world.

Forest bathing is a holistic approach to well-being, promoting mindfulness, relaxation, and a deeper connection with nature. It serves as a reminder of the profound impact that spending time in natural environments can have on our physical, mental, and emotional health.

Benefits Of Forest Bathing 

A Zona Walk has a number of benefits.  Some of the scientifically proven benefits of Forest Bathing activities include:

Boosted immune system function, with an increase in the body's count of NK cells - Improves antioxidants - Reduced blood pressure - Improves blood glucose levels - Reduced stress and cortisol levels - Improved state of mind, including reduces stress, anxiety, brain fatigue and lifestyle related illnesses - Increased ability to focus, even in children with ADHD - Strengths the nervous system - Accelerated recovery from surgery and illness - Increased energy level - Improved sleep

Reconnecting With Nature

It's more important than you think to rebuild our connection with nature and Highland is a great place to experience it.

Qigong

Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice dating back thousands of years, focused on cultivating and balancing the body's vital life energy, known as "Qi."

The term Qigong originates from two components: "Qi," commonly referring to vital or life energy, and "Gong," signifying craft or skill. In contrast to Tai Chi, traditionally a martial arts form, Qigong has historically been practiced to enhance physical, emotional, and mental vitality.

Qigong involves slow, flowing movements, deep breathing techniques, and unique forms of standing meditation, making it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. Regular Qigong practice is believed to promote overall well-being by reducing stress, improving flexibility, boosting the immune system, and enhancing mental clarity, among many other aspects.

Qigong emphasizes the connection between the mind and body, encouraging practitioners to be present and mindful during the exercises.  One of the primary goals of Qigong is to harmonize and enhance the flow of Qi within the body, leading to a balanced and vibrant state of health.

5 Reasons To Try Qigong

Qigong's gentle simple pace makes it a breeze to learn compared to yoga or Tai Chi. With no need to memorize long, complex sequences—just embrace the flow and enjoy the journey.

Qigong suppresses yoga in simplicity because you can enjoy its benefits without the hassle of awkward poses or engaging in floor positions, makes it a delightfully straightforward and enjoyable practice for people of all ages and abilities.

Qigong effortlessly fits into your day, requiring very little time, and the best part is you can do it anywhere—whether you're in your comfy PJs or barefoot. There is no need for a big space, special clothes or any equipment.

Start with the basics and then explore the many various forms of Qigong as a pathway to cultivate awareness and strengthen ever aspect of the mind and body connection. Starting with simpler practices to balance your energy, improve your healthy, and gradually increase the difficulty as you gain understanding, feel more able and centered, establishing a harmonious connection with nature and your well-being.

Qigong is a rewarding practice, delivering profoundly rapid personal improvements, whether in physical health and emotional well-being. It opens doors to new dimensions of energetic well-being, touching various aspects of your life.  The Qigong community is a wonderful welcoming place to join and be a part of. 

Benefits Of Qigong

Qigong promotes the movement of energy throughout the body, with the focus on gently opening and stretching the whole body. The gentle, mindful movements, makes it's suitable for anyone, regardless of age and ability.

Some of the physical benefits include:  Improves mind body coordination. Improves flexibility, balance and joint movement, increased energy levels, boosts the immune system. Lowers heart rate, improves cholesterol levels and decreases stroke risk. Builds bone density, reduces inflammation, offers arthritis relief. Improves digestion, strengths the respiratory system, circulation and more.

Some of the emotions and well being benefits include: Reduces stress, anger, anxiety and depression.  Improves posture and body awareness.  Enhances mental clarity and focus.  Quality of sleep improves. Promotes a general sense of harmony and inner peace with the cultivating deeper and more efficient breathing patterns.

Much research has been conducted on the slow, relaxing movements of Qigong, that lead to healing numerous illnesses, injuries and the promotion of overall well-being.