Forest Bathing Walk

Class date / time: Sunday, May 9, 2021 - 10:30am to 1:30pm

Instructor: Joey Heusler

Fee: $50

Non-Member Fee: $60

Forest bathing is a guided nature meditation, a slow meander in the forest. Slow down and experience the natural world through your sense.

Through a series of carefully crafted gentle invitations participants are encouraged to slow down and experience the natural world through their senses.

A Forest Bathing walk is about connecting deeply with the more than human world and ultimately connecting with the deeper place within.

Finding respite and connection with nature are an antidote to the feelings of despair, disconnect and loneliness many of us experience during this time of pandemic and natural disasters.

Forest therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing. Shinrin-Yoku can be loosely translated to “taking in the medicine of the forest.”

Forest Bathing was established as a practice in Japan in the 1980's as a direct response to declining forests and declining health in the population.

The positive impact of spending time in nature has been studied world wide and over decades. Research shows that people who practice Forest Bathing experience relief from anxiety and depression, a deeper sense of mental relaxation, have better sleep and an increased feeling of gratitude and overall sense of well-being.

Joey Heusler is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide with the Association for Nature and Forest Therapy guides and programs (ANFT). Joey’s passion is bringing people of all ages into a place of stillness, where connection with the natural world can be made from that deeper place. She guides Forest Bathing walks in Marin County and beyond.

Get details on the Point Reyes National Seashore Association class page.