Forest Therapy: Reconnection and Revitalization
Living in a fast-paced, production oriented culture does not promote the art of slowing down. We can choose that for ourselves, yet sometimes resourcing and reconnecting to our natural state of being is a process that needs support.
The natural world is a great teacher and having an adept guide to lead you towards your answers is an invitation to begin.
What is a forest therapy walk?
Forest Therapy is a facilitated sensory nature connection experience based upon the Japanese “shinrin-roku,” or forest bathing. The walk itself is not a hike, there is no destination. During the two-three hour experience, participants will be guided through a series of sensory-based activities called “invitations.”
Following each invitation is an opportunity for connection and sharing with other participants. The final invitation is a forest tea where we gather and drink either foraged or loose herbal tea.
What are the possible benefits of forest therapy ?
The walk is an opportunity to slow down, pay attention and engage with life. Some benefits include: reduced stress level, lower blood pressure, connection with your senses, and an opportunity to cultivate a relationship with the more-than-human world.
While anyone can connect with nature on their own terms, the benefit of having a guide to hold the safe and sacred space for you enriches the experience. The ultimate benefit of a forest therapy walk is to be fully present and to make connections with self, with others and with the world around.
As a trained ANFT guide, we are taught that “The forest is the therapist, the guide opens the door.” Through my own unique path, I endeavor to support children and adults of all ages to reconnect with their natural state of beingness.
What are the options for forest therapy ?
I offer various opportunities for walks: virtual via zoom, in-person private walks, group walks, special occasions, corporate events, 4 week series, and nature wellness and healing retreats.
“The sacred isn’t housed in a building or worn around your neck or something in the sky. The sacred is the here and now we reside in, all breathing the same air, all imbibing the same water and made of the same earth with ‘the life force’ flowing through all living things.”
Jaune Quick-to-See-Smith