Forest Bathing Walk
Class date / time: Sun, January 23, 2022
10:30 AM – 1:30 PM PST
Instructor: Joey Heusler
Fee: $50
Non-Member Fee: $60
A Forest Bathing walk is a guided slow meander intended to allow for a deep and meaningful connection with the natural world.
About this event
Forest Bathing is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, which can be loosely translated to “taking in the medicine of the forest” .
This practice was established in the 1980's in Japan as a direct response to declining health in the population. The healing energies of the natural world have been known about for centuries. Forest bathing is a simple yet powerful way for us to remember, and to tap into these healing powers that are readily available to all of us.
The positive impact of spending time in nature has been studied worldwide 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. Forest Bathing also lowers blood pressure and heart rate, elevates NK cancer fighting cells in the body and strengthens the immune system.
During this Forest Bathing walk I will offer a set of carefully crafted invitations to encourage slowing down and experiencing the more than human world in a variety of possibly new ways, and through our senses. We will be covering less than a mile of distance and we will mostly be in silence. There will be brief periods of sharing and a tea ceremony towards the end with time for reflection and discussion.
We will meet at the Muddy Hollow Road trailhead off Limantour Road.
You won’t need to bring much for our time together and you can keep your lunch, camera and binoculars in your car.
Weather conditions can change quickly in the park and you want to be able to stay warm and dry during our times of stillness in the forest. You can carry a light pack with warm layers as well as a snack to enjoy towards the end of our time together. You can also bring a light stool or small mat to sit on the forest floor more comfortably.
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: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/forest-bathing-walk-tickets-205329304477