Forest Bathing, Stress Relief & Slowing Down | Caroline Rouine & Fiona O’Shea

WATCH THE FULL-LENGTH EPISODE HERE ON YOUTUBE! 

In this special on-location episode, I sit down at Dromoland Castle in Ireland with Caroline Rouine and Fiona O’Shea to talk about what it really means to live in harmony with nature.

Caroline shares how forest bathing and mindful connection to the senses can recalibrate your nervous system, lower stress, and help you feel deeply grounded in your body. Fiona reveals how Dromoland is leading the way in regenerative tourism -from zero-waste food programs to biodiversity preservation and renewable energy.

Together, we explore the intersection of sustainability, spirituality, and science - and how presence, language, and land can be powerful medicine for the modern world.

A few of my favorite things we cover in this episode: 

Caroline Rouine

• What forest bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) really means - and how slowing down in nature recalibrates the nervous system.
• The science behind “green time” vs. “screen time” and its impact on cortisol, anxiety, and immunity.
• How to connect with your senses to cultivate mindfulness and presence.
• The importance of slowing down in a culture obsessed with productivity.
• Caroline’s personal story - moving from Ireland to New York and back home during the pandemic to rediscover peace.
• Yoga as a tool for grounding, emotional regulation, and embodiment.
• Simple daily rituals to reconnect with nature (breathwork, mindful walking, sensory awareness).

Fiona O’Shea

• Growing up in County Kerry in a Gaelic-speaking community and her passion for preserving Irish heritage.
• Teaching guests simple Irish (Gaelic) words as part of cultural immersion at Dromoland.
• What regenerative tourism really means - moving beyond sustainability to restore and give back.
• Dromoland’s sustainability efforts:
• Geo-certified golf course with low pesticide use and water recycling.
• Solar energy and rainwater reuse systems across the property.
• No-mow biodiversity zones to protect pollinators and local flora.
• Food waste composting and circular economy partnerships with local farms.
• Local sourcing: 71% of suppliers are within 100 km of the property.
• Ireland’s leadership in sustainable hospitality and how guests can travel more consciously.
• How connecting to land and language deepens well-being.

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Happy listening and we hope you learned a little bit more on the art of being well!

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In Health,

Dr. Will Cole