About Forest Bathing with Heather Lee Farrell

Experience Nature

Forest Bathing

What happens when you spend time in nature?
Incredible things…

You get a massive boost to your immune system. Inflammation is reduced. Mood and concentration is improved. Blood pressure is lowered

Forest Therapy. Forest Bathing. There are many names for the medicine of being with nature and in the forest. This practice of spending time in forested and natural areas enhances health, wellness, happiness, and connects with the earth.

The Forest is the therapist. The Guide Opens the Doors.

Forest Therapy is a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in forests and other natural environments. It is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, which translates to “forest bathing.” The practice follows the general principle that it is beneficial to spend time bathing in the atmosphere of the forest.

Forest Bathing is accessible to everyone.

In Forest Therapy, there is a sequence of guided events that provides structure to the experience while embracing the many opportunities for creativity and serendipity offered by the forest and your inspiration and that of your guide. Forest Therapy is a practice. It is open-ended; there is no prescription for what a person “should” experience or what benefits they “should” receive.

Forest Bathing looks beyond, to what happens when people remember that we are a part of nature, not separate from it

When Forest Bathing, you are guided into an inner state of relaxation, wellness, and sensory restoration. You participate in a series of sensory orientated and present moment-focused activities invitations that create connection and communication with nature. Forest Bathing, an Eco-therapeutic practice, can be integrated into any outdoor experience, from simply walking, sitting to outdoor adventures. Each practices in a way that works for them while being lead by their forest bathing guide.

Forest Bathing with Heather

I am a certified Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and offer uniquely crafted Forest Bathing sessions. Over the years, I have added options of a nature-based practice of Deep Relaxation Yoga Nidra to Forest Bathing practices in my The Forest Within: Nature Based Relaxation sessions. Then, to support you in self-guided practice, I created guided forest bathing programs that you can use anywhere.

In addition, I created Waking up to Wild: Forest Bathing Hiking Explorations which involve 2 to 4 hours of walking in wilderness areas through the lens of Forest Therapy. These are clearly differentiated from regular forest bathing sessions. With the Forest Bathing hiking, I have readapted Nature and Forest Therapy principles into Guided Hiking Excursions, where we walk with wellness! Also, I integrate Forest Bathing into Still with Wild with Nature Meditation events, Retreats, and Wilderness Excursions.

May The Forest Be With You,

“I have grown up in the mountains but stepping into the forest with Heather for her Forest Bathing session made it a brand-new experience. Her ability to slow down the experience and direct with various prompts made all my senses heighten and allowed me to connect with my surroundings in a new way. In doing so, I was able to center myself in a way that allowed for introspection and a deep sense of peace“