Thales Case Study

Background:

Leading for Results is a Global leadership Programme which supports the next generation of Thales senior leaders. It has various themes each year and this year was all about harnessing the power of collective intelligence. One of the things discussed during the programme was the need to ensure that the group had strategies to help them maintain a Mindset of Growth: sometimes issues of the day can result in slipping into a survival mindset and the group explored ways in which they could return to “growth”. One of these strategies was the use of wellbeing initiatives such as mindfulness to re-centre themselves for their demanding roles. Having discussed this with Fiona, Thales felt that using Forest Bathing would be an interesting way to address this need. Mike wanted an immersive experience that would address the topics of wellbeing and resilience. One that would be truly felt and experienced and would leave the participants relaxed, calm and reflective.

What we did:

From its origins in Japan in the 1980s, Forest Bathing, or shinrin-yoku (“forest bathing” or “taking in the forest atmosphere”) this mindful and meditative experience has now become popular across the world. It’s a simple and gentle mindfulness-based practice which involves slowing down and connecting to nature with each of the senses. For this event our certified Forest Bathing Guides took 3 groups of 12 people into Ashdown Forest for a 2-hour immersive experience to facilitate this slowing down and turning into the woodland by offering up sensory based exercises designed to help people focus on the here and now - to stay present to what they are experiencing.

The sessions included an overview what Forest Bathing is and its benefits and began with a breathing exercise designed to allow us to fully arrive in our natural environment. We the took the groups through the woods whilst tuning in to what we could see, hear, feel and smell and invited them to be really curious about the experience of being in close contact with trees and this forest environment.

Whilst most of the session took place in silence there were opportunities where we invited the groups to say a few words about what they were noticing and experiencing. The session ended with a longer, immersive, guided relaxation where we made our selves comfortable on mats and blankets on the forest floor.

Forest bathing encourages slowing down and connecting with nature and research shows it to have many health benefits. A UK study in 2019 showed improvements in positive emotions, mood disturbance, rumination, nature connection and compassion. In addition, 57% of participants showed an increase in heart rate variability (people with high heart rate variability are usually less stressed and happier.)

The outcome and feedback:

Mike Davies, Learning Manager said: “The session itself was a fascinating insight, people were able to take time to really connect with nature, reflect on what had been a busy and productive week and focus on themselves. Yellow Tree Wellbeing are an inspiring bunch, easy to talk to and great at listening to what is needed. I had a vague idea of what I wanted, but the innovation to bring me Forest Bathing was all theirs. They support and challenge in equal measure and I won’t hesitate to talk with them again about any wellbeing needs.”

“Inspiring and energizing.” Laurence Cohen, Regional Sales Director, France and Iberia.

“I’ve done two mindfulness courses in the past. This experience was a real addition to what I’ve learned on being mindful. I really loved the layers of the forest bathing, experiencing the woods through all my senses.” Aran Homeijer, Programme Manager, Netherlands.