Tell me more about forest bathing…
Forest bathing encourages you to slow down, unwind, and reconnect with nature by calming your mind and awakening your senses.
Join me, a certified forest therapy guide, for a peaceful two-hour walk through the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains in local parks, on forested land, or along the French Broad River. Through a series of guided invitations, you will have the chance to be present in the moment, deepen your bond with nature, and nurture your spirit.
Taking inspiration from shinrin-yoku, the Japanese practice of “bathing in the forest,” our time soaking in the healing of nature will leave you refreshed, present, and connected to all our earth has to offer.
What to bring
a bottle of water
bug spray or sunscreen (depending on time of year and personal needs)
outdoor and weather appropriate clothing
closed toe shoes
curiosity and receptivity
What are the benefits?
Although an ancient mindfulness practice, forest bathing has been recently recognized for its validated scientific benefits. Check out a scientific study review and more information regarding the power of this ancient art.
boost your immune system
lower blood pressure
help with depression
reduce tension and stress
improve concentration, creativity, and overall cognitive functioning
“Sleeping in the Forest” - Mary Oliver
I thought the earth
remembered me, she
took me back so tenderly, arranging
her dark skirts, her pockets
full of lichens and seeds. I slept
as never before, a stone
on the riverbed, nothing
between me and the white fire of the stars
but my thoughts, and they floated
light as moths among the branches
of the perfect trees. All night
I heard the small kingdoms breathing
around me, the insects, and the birds
who do their work in the darkness. All night
I rose and fell, as if in water, grappling
with a luminous doom. By morning
I had vanished at least a dozen times
into something better.
