What is Forest Bathing?

Forest bathing, or forest therapy was inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, which translates to ‘bathing in the essence of the forest’. In the early 1980s, the Japanese government began researching the health benefits of spending time in the forest. This gentle practice evolved as a result of this research.

Forest Bathing is not a hike or a walk in the woods, we move very slowly through nature, soaking it in with all of our senses. A series of simple, sensory-based activities (we call invitations) allow us to really sink in and connect to nature, opening us to receiving the healing medicine it offers. Mindfully moving through the landscape in ways that cultivate presence, opening all the senses, and communicating with the land. The walk ends with a tea ceremony featuring tea steeped from locally foraged plants. When you depart, you will likely have a new appreciation for our Boreal woodlands, and a practice you can readily apply in your daily life.

Spending time in woodland and natural areas for the purpose of enhancing our health, wellness, and happiness is a simple, yet often profound experience that helps restore us to our natural state of wellbeing. Come and see what medicine the forest holds for you!

Upcoming Walks

Dates:

Forest & Moon Bathing Walk (full moon)
 Saturday, May 18th, 2019
Time: 6:30pm to 9pm
Location: TBD
Investment: $28 (or PWYC)

Spaces must be reserved by email or Paypal booking, only those registered will receive email directions for meeting place and details.

Select Date

Wednesday, June 12th
Time: 6pm to 8:30pm
Location: MUN Botanical Gardens
Book thru MUN Botanical Gardens

Thursday, June 20th, 2019
Time: 6:30pm to 9pm
Location: Manuels River Interpretation Centre
Book thru Manuels River Interpretation Centre
(Call 834-2099 ext. 206 to reserve your spot)

Saturday, June 22, 2019
Time: 9am to 11:30am
Location: Manuels River Interpretation Centre
Book thru Manuels River Interpretation Centre
(Call 834-2099 ext. 206 to reserve your spot)

Wednesday, June 12th
Time: 6pm to 8:30pm
Location: MUN Botanical Gardens
Book thru Botanical Gardens

Thursday, July 11th, 2019
Time: 6pm to 8:30pm
Location: MUN Botanical Gardens
Book thru MUN Botanical Gardens

Tuesday, August 6th, 2019
Time: 9am to 11:30am
Location: MUN Botanical Gardens
Book thru MUN Botanical Gardens

Health Benefits & Research

• Boosted immune system functioning, with an increase in the count of the body's Natural Killer (NK) cells
• Reduced blood pressure
• Reduced stress
• Improved mood
• Increased ability to focus, even in children with ADHD
• Accelerated recovery from surgery or illness
• Increased energy level
• Improved sleep

Making Forest Bathing a regular practice, can have even more impact:
• Deeper and clearer intuition
• Increased flow of energy
• Increased capacity to communicate with the land and its species
• Increased flow of eros/life force
• Deepening of friendships
• Overall increase in sense of happiness

Visit the link below for research articles and videos to learn more.

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The Association

The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs is the most experienced global leader promoting the development and practice of Forest Therapy. Guide Training draws on the latest medical research, new developments in the field of nature connection, and ancient traditions of mindfulness and wellness promotion. Every guided walk is an act of power and beauty, cultivating deep connections with transformational impacts on people and nature.

In Forest Therapy, there is a clearly defined sequence of guided events that provides structure to the experience, while embracing the many opportunities for creativity and serendipity offered by the forest and the individual inspiration of each guide. This practice, developed under the leadership of M. Amos Clifford, founder, with contributions from many other guides, has become the most-widely used framework for Forest Therapy in the world; as of the end of 2018 we have trained over 700 guides who are guiding this practice in 46 countries.

Learn more