Workshops
How to build a relationship with nature and care for mental health through forest bathing?
Forest bathing — Shinrin-yoku — is a practice rooted in Japanese tradition that encourages slowing down, opening the senses, and reconnecting with nature in a mindful, healing way.
This workshop aims to introduce participants to the key principles of forest bathing; it combines guide-led sensory exercises with group reflection and practical techniques that can easily be incorporated into daily life.
During the session, we will explore how consciously spending time in nature and amidst greenery can reduce stress, lower cortisol levels, improve mood, and foster an enduring sense of belonging to the natural world. Through a series of gentle invitations to engage, we will seek to read the language of nature and build a deeper, reciprocal relationship with the natural environment.
Forest bathing is a practice that participants can continue after the workshop concludes, helping them build a connection with nature in their own local surroundings. Whether you are just beginning your journey with forest bathing or are already familiar with its benefits, this workshop offers a safe and supportive space to deepen your relationship with nature and yourself. No prior experience is required—all that is needed is an open mind and a willingness to slow down and immerse yourself in the natural world.
Recommended accessories for participants: comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for the weather, a sweatshirt or something to sit on, water.
How can algae affect our health?
Algae and cyanobacteria are among the most important biological components of aquatic ecosystems. These photosynthetic micro- and macro-organisms produce oxygen and organic matter, forming the base of the food chain. They play many positive roles — from water self-purification and element cycling to serving as bioindicators of pollution. Yet their excessive growth (blooms) can also lead to fish kills and eutrophication.
Algae are far from indifferent to humans. Rich in fats, sugars, minerals, and bioactive compounds, they have found applications across the food, cosmetics, and medicine industries — including aesthetic medicine and environmental protection.
During this hands-on workshop, we will learn to identify microalgae and cyanobacteria characteristic of Polish fresh waters using laboratory microscopes. We will also explore how humans have harnessed algae — with a special focus on their beneficial effects on our health and appearance. As a curiosity, we will also get to know marine macroalgae and their uses.
