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What is it?
Forest Therapy, also known as Shinrin-Yoku, meaning forest bathing in Japanese, is a therapeutic practice that guides people to an inner state of relaxation and restoration. Through a series of sensory oriented invitations, participants are brought into a present moment relationship with the forest to promote healing, relaxation, and overall well-being. It is a gentle, physically undemanding practice that takes place in an area of forest or along a forest trail. The practice supports the health of both humans and forests. The therapeutic benefits of this practice are primarily attributed to the interaction and relationship between the participant and the forest environment. The forest is the therapist. The guide helps open the door utilizing best practices to bring participants into this relationship.
What to expect?
A forest bathing session is typically 3 hrs long and consists of a series of invitations, sensory-based activities, that move in and out of group and personal time. These are intended to help individuals slow down, drop into their senses, explore, connect with their surroundings, and follow their curiosities.
The walk pulses between individual time exploring, and reconvening with the group in a sharing circle to share what they are noticing. Listening and being heard in this way helps to deepen and integrate participants’ experiences. The distance covered is minimal, as the focus is on fully being and experiencing “here” versus arriving “somewhere else”.
Forest therapy focuses on pleasurable experiences as a gateway into the relaxation of the body and a deepening of connection with the forest environment. The walk ends with the sharing of tea — incorporating local tea plants and the sharing of experiences.
It is typical for participants to feel relaxed after a forest therapy walk and many may have a profound experience, realization or have greater clarity about their lives.
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Who is this for?
Forest bathing is for everyone. You do not need to have a profound relationship to the natural world, meditate, or have specific scientific or naturalist knowledge to benefit from this practice. Further, nature enthusiasts will benefit deeply from this practice, as it presents a different way to observe and be in relationship with the natural world.
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The desire and inclination to be in nature is in the DNA of all humans — we are literally wired for this deep connection. We are part of the natural world in which we evolved, and we long for this return and reconnection, whether we consciously realize it or not.
What are the benefits?
PHYSICAL BENEFITS:
Reduces blood pressure and stress-related cortisol levels
Increases an ability to focus, even in children with ADHD
Boosts immune system functioning and increasing energy levels
Improves sleep quality
EMOTIONAL & SPIRITUAL BENEFITS:
Enhances creativity and innovation and connecting deeper to intuition
Improves mood and decreasing “rumination”
(the pattern of repetitively spinning thoughts and worries)
Bridges the separation between humans and nature and with the "more-than-human" world
Strengthens a sense of connection and relationship with other people, increases teamwork and pro-social action
How to work with me
I offer a range of forest therapy options including virtual that can be customized for your needs:
Private groups & one-on-one walks
Corporate team building
Partnerships with conservation areas, parks, private landowners, retreat organizers and special events
Community walks
Wellbeing local and virtual events
Public speaking, presentations & information sessions
"Monique provided an unforgettable experience with her forest walk. The forest walk was invigorating and peaceful; I was guided through the forest as she shared interesting facts. The walk was a great way to connect with nature and clear my mind as we walked deeper into the woods. She showed me how to appreciate the forest's beauty and stillness and observe how I felt in response. It was a wonderful opportunity to slow down and unplug from the world."
DAXA
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