Rediscover the sweetness
of connection
“Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world.”
– John Muir
What is Forest Therapy?
Forest Therapy, inspired by Japan’s Shinrin Yoku, (translated as “forest bathing") is a slow wandering through the forest (or any natural setting- wild or urban) with no goal or destination. During a Forest Therapy experience the senses are engaged, including senses that we often overlook, like touch, the imaginal, and the openness of our hearts. While we wander with our senses awakened, we are also tending to our relationship with the more-than-human world. The relational and reciprocal nature of this practice creates endless opportunities for healing in tandem with the more-than-human world.
-
While people have been walking in contemplation through natural landscapes for ages, Forest Bathing is a formal practice that originated in Japan in the early 1980’s. In 1982 the Forest Agency of Japan named this practice Shinrin-yoku which means “soaking up the forest atmosphere” or “forest bathing.” Forest Bathing inspired the practice of Forest Therapy in the West and has been adopted by other cultures around the world. As of 2019 there have been over 800 forest therapy guides working in 48 countries.
-
• lowers blood pressure, pulse rate, and cortisol levels
• increases heart rate variability
• boosts immunity to cancer and other diseases by increasing natural killer cells (by way of exposure to phytoncides, compounds generated by plants and emitted into forest air)
• improves mood and a general sense of well-being
• has been shown to be effective in the adjunct treatment of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and loneliness
• has positive effects on attention restoration and cognitive performance
Why Forest Therapy?
Forest Therapy is my response to the disconnection, separation, and loneliness that I saw and experienced as a nurse and that I continue to bear witness to in these often difficult times. Forest Therapy embodies our capacity to connect, to heal, and to find a path forward. I believe that attention leads to love. And love inspires tenderness. Once we fall in love again with nature, we tend to it, we care for it, and we welcome its gifts into our hearts with gratitude. In the process, we begin to remember our place within the heart of the forest as well.
When we are awake in the forest, we remember that we are not separate from nature, and nature is not separate from us.
Offerings
Forest Therapy/Bathing
Couples Forest Therapy/Bathing
Organization/Corporate Forest Therapy/Bathing
Special Events and Workshops
“Attention is the beginning of devotion.”
– Mary Oliver
Let’s stay connected
Sign up to stay updated on offerings and upcoming walk information.