Forest Bathing | A Mindful Nature Experience

Slow down, awaken your senses and reconnect with nature through a guided Forest Bathing experience rooted in mindfulness and presence. Here is your invitation to slow down and connect with nature; our first and still greatest teacher of all, through Forest Bathing. What is Forest Bathing, known as Shinrin-yoku in Japan, you ask? It’s a gentle walk-through nature; a mindful practice of immersing yourself in nature by slowing down, opening your senses and connecting with the sounds, smells, sights, touch and even taste that nature provides through sensory based invitations your guide will provide. It’s a holistic approach to reduce stress, improve mood and enhance overall health for your mind, body and soul. Backed by decades of research, it has been proven to be very beneficial to all. And no soap required! What Forest Bathing is not. It’s not a hike for physical fitness; it’s not a nature identification walk. Its purpose is a slow, mindful walk to awaken your senses and experience the holistic benefits that nature can offer us. There is no right or wrong way to do it. Each of you will experience in your own way. What to Expect Before we begin our walk there will be a brief introduction of what Forest bathing is, it’s benefits and why it came to be. Following that, we will start with some breathing and grounding techniques to bring us into the present moment and our surroundings; calming our busy minds and body for the adventure ahead. After that, we begin our journey; a slow walk through the forest, usually covering no more than a half mile, with invitations or prompts your guide will provide for you to explore all of our five sense – sound, smell, touch, sight and taste. Once the invitation is given there will be time to wander, pause, feel, and reflect upon your experience at that moment; with time at the end of each invitation for anyone to share your experience if you so desire. At the end of our time together, and in the spirit of Shinrin-yoku, we will share in a tea ceremony to thank the forest for their offerings to us today. Location Red Oak Nature Center We will meet at the entrance of the park, at the info sign right as you enter the park.