Den Wald vor lauter Bäumen sehen: A Textual Analysis of Forest Bathing Practices in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW)
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2025-07-03
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en
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Abstract
In recent years, forests have become a setting for Shinrin-Yoku, also known as forest bathing, a practice that focuses on mindful immersion in nature. The practice originated in Japan, however, it has gained popularity in Western countries in recent years. Several researchers have investigated the effects of forest bathing on health and mental state, however, little is known regarding the discourse on forest bathing. The present study aimed to fill this gap in the literature by conducting a discourse analysis of 13 websites offering forest bathing in North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany). The central question of this research was to find out how businesses that offer forest bathing in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) construct the practice in their official online discourse. To answer this question, a textual analysis examining the representation of the forest and the self was conducted. The analysis shows that the forest is presented as a safe space and a contrast to modern life. It appears as a space for healing, health, silence, connection and finding meaning. Additionally, it is also depicted as a place to slow down, feel good and as a place that is our home, a natural habitat and a place for childhood. Furthermore, the websites construct the self as stressed, alienated, longing, and overstimulated, who can rediscover its inner balance, mindfulness and identity by reconnecting with nature. Further research could look into the visual representation of forest bathing programmes. In addition, a comparison with other federal states in Germany or international contexts could provide new insights.
Keywords: Forest bathing, Shinrin Yoku, North Rhine-Westphalia, Discourse analysis, Websites
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