Hammocks

Hammocks

If I was designing rooms for therapy, every single one would have a hammock in it.

Everyone with a nervous system (that's all of us) should have a Brazilian-style hammock (in Portguguese this is called a rede, (a net). Unlike American-style hammocks, the Brazilian hammock has no cross-piece so it wraps around you, providing touch compression across your body. This combination of full-body compression and rocking is one of the most primarily settling experiences for a mammalian nervous system, mimicking the rocking we received (hopefully) as a baby. This is one of those investments, like barefoot shoes, that will pay dividends for your wellbeing in multiples very quickly if you use it.

Additionally, these are very portable, so you can stow them and take them with you into the forest for your forest bathing session (wink).

When you are in your hammock, to really make good use of it as a restorative practice, deeply attend to the sensation of being held, and allow yourself to feel and receive the sensation of being rocked and fully supported.

You can find this style of hammock in sporting goods stores where it will be labelled as a 'travel hammock' or some such thing. These will generally be made from a compressible synthetic material. You can also find these on the internet by searching for 'brazilian-style hammock' or 'rede'. These will generally be made of cotton, and are heavier and more substantial.

Learn these simple hammock-tying knots from Denis Bailey so you can mount and unmount it with facility.