Forest Bathing Walks
"You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves." -Mary Oliver
What is forest bathing?
In short, it's a mellow, sensory walk in the woods. The concept of "shinrin yoku"--roughly translated, to bathe in the forest--began in Japan in the 1980s, as a response to increasing stress and health problems in their rapidly-urbanizing population. Since then, the practice has spread all over the globe, and has been the subject of many scientific studies, which have documented the following benefits:
- Decreased stress, anxiety, and depression
- Lower heart rate and blood pressure
- Boosted immune system
- Improved mood and sleep
What to expect
On a walk, participants are led through a series of guided invitations that help them use their senses to explore the natural world around them. Walks generally last around 2 hours and cover less than 1 mile.
Certified Guide
I am certified as a Nature and Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT). ANFT takes inspiration from shinrin yoku as well as other nature immersion practices to create a unique, safe, and interactive experience that can fit into an otherwise busy life.
Reach out to schedule a walk for small or large groups!
"Spending time in nature helps you remember what is important, plants a seed for great reverence for the natural world, and grounds you in ways that benefit all other aspects of life. Casey is an intuitive and thoughtful guide with a wealth of knowledge about the area, plants, and ecosystem. She adjusted the walk to meet everyone's needs and her guidance was both insightful and powerful. Thank you!"
Gina, Forest bathing walk participant"It’s a chance to have a slow, quiet, observant, judgment-free walk in the woods, guided by a generous and friendly presence."
Daniel, Forest bathing walk participant"I would recommend this experience because it allows one to take time to pause and be present. Many times I think that I can do this by myself, but I don’t take the time to do so. Having a “formal” and structured experience makes it more likely that I will make this time for myself. The guided practices help provide structure for someone who may not be comfortable on their own."
Nell, Forest bathing walk participant