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 are improved. Blood pressure is lowered. Creative processes are enhanced, and much more.
Forest Bathing, Forest Therapy, and Relational Forest Therapy are some of the many names for the medicine and relationship of being with nature and in the forest. This practice of spending time in forested and natural areas enhances health, wellness, and happiness. We also learn from and communicate and connect with the earth and other-than-human beings. As we immerse in this expanded community and web of interbeing, we experience the world and ourselves with greater freedom, rejuvenation, and restoration.
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 of spending time bathing in the atmosphere of the forest.
Forest Bathing is accessible to everyone.
In Forest Therapy, I guide a sequence of practice invitations that offer participants the full health impacts of forest medicine, providing support in slowing down, awakening senses, and reconnecting with the more-than-human world of nature. This practice is culturally adaptable and inclusive, so it works for everyone, offering a wellness experience that is good for the body, mind, and spirit.
Forest Bathing looks beyond, to what happens when people remember that we are a part of nature, not separate from it
It is important to know that although I guide you in your Forest Therapy invitations, it is a practice—your practice. It is open-ended; there is no prescription for what a person “should” experience or what benefits they “should” receive. Everyone practices in a way that works for them while being supported by their forest bathing guide.
If you are interested in the many, many pieces of research and science behind the benefits of Forest Therapy and Forest Bathing, CLICK HERE.
Forest Bathing with Heather
I studied and trained with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, the most experienced global leader in Forest Therapy Guide Training. Through ANFT, I am trained in Forest Bathing, Forest therapy, and a method that takes these practices one step further: Relational Forest Therapy. It is a heart-based approach focused on rebuilding relationships with the More-Than-Human World as a foundation for healing people and the planet.
Over the years, I created uniquely crafted Forest Bathing sessions and experiences:
- A nature-based practice of Deep Relaxation Yoga Nidra to offer sensory restoration and relaxation.
- Yoga, Embodied Movement, and Breath integrated with forest bathing and nature, Yoga of Trees and The Forest Within: Movement and Breath in Nature.
- Self-guided practices in Forest Therapy and Forest Bathing programs that you can use anywhere.
- 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.
- Forest Bathing wellness is integrated into Still with Wild with Nature Meditation events, Retreats, and Wilderness Excursions.
- And, of course, Relational Forest Bathing and Nature Therapy sessions that are accessible, inspiring awe and wonder.
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“
GH
