Many of us don’t need scientific research to verify that being in nature usually makes us feel good. When we watch clouds move across a blue sky, when we wonder at the stars and moon at night, many of us feel connected to a sense of being that’s greater than ourselves.
The practice of Forest Bathing honors this connection and builds upon it. As a certified Association of Nature and Forest Therapy guide, I help facilitate your relationship with nature in unique forest bathing experiences that take place at various natural locations throughout central New York, including my rural property in Cazenovia.
The region is on the ancestral lands of the Haudenosaunee.
What is Forest Bathing?
Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is the simple, yet profound practice of immersing yourself in nature through the senses. Rather than hiking or exercising, it’s about slowing down—breathing in the scent of pine, feeling the texture of bark, listening to birdsong, and noticing the play of light through the trees. Spending time in nature in this way fosters resilience—physcially, emotionally and mentally. And this experience invites a deeper sense of connection—to the natural world, to the present moment, and to yourself.
The Science
Forest bathing can be considered a holistic approach to wellness. Research shows that it improves mood, lowers stress hormones, reduces blood glucose levels, helps lower blood pressure and boosts the immune system. Specific to immunity, forest bathing increases the numbers of a special kind of white blood cell—called Natural Killer cells—that are designed to prevent disease1. And these health benefits outlast the amount of time spent in nature. Brain benefits? Take a look at Marc Berman’s research on how being in nature restores attention: Nature and the Mind: The Science of How Nature Improves Cognitive, Physical, and Social Well-Being.
Why a Guide?
ANFT forest therapy guides are trained in specific methods to help participants connect to nature in ways that allow you to be present in the moment and experience the more-than-human-world in innovative ways. Being guided on a forest bathing walk frees you up to let go of your thinking mind and the need to manage or analyze your experience (ways our brains tend to overthink and "over-do" in everyday life), so that you can settle into being right here and have your inner forest connect with the forest around you.
Note: Forest bathing is not psychotherapy. In forest bathing experiences, the forest is the therapist, and I am your guide.
1Li Q. Effects of forest environment (Shinrin-yoku/Forest bathing) on health promotion and disease prevention—the Establishment of “Forest Medicine”. Environ Health Prev Med. 2022;27:43. doi: 10.1265/ehpm.22-00160. PMID: 36328581; PMCID: PMC9665958. Also see: researchgate.net
“You are the dreams of the forest. The dreams imagined you and manifested you. You are the dreams of the rivers, the mountains and of the sun. You are the dream of the prairies, the grasses, the birds and the animals. The only thing left up to you is your connection to them. ”
– Tiokasin Ghosthorse, Cheyenne River Lakota Nation of South Dakota, from the documentary film Eternal Song
Events
All events take place at locations around the Central New York-area, ranging from Syracuse to Cazenovia. Specific locations will be advertised when events are announced.
Let’s Play Forest Bathing
Let’s play with Mother Earth! Calling all adults who want a date with their inner child. This session will include playful engagement with nature, designed to help lighten your adult load and bring on a sense of magic and freedom you had as a child. It will be a gift to you and to Mother…
Inspire Forest Bathing
Forest bathing at its essence. A time to slow down and be with nature, just as you are, and just as nature is. Our time together will include guided invitations that encourage you to engage in a sensory way with the more-than-human-world. Starting in early spring, walks will take place the last Saturday of each…
Individual forest bathing (single session)
Looking to have a more personal experience? This session is just for you. I’ll be your guide and help you navigate your connection with Mother Earth. Reminder: Forest bathing is not psychotherapy. In forest bathing experiences, the forest is the therapist, and I am your guide.
Individual forest bathing (package of 4 sessions)
Looking to have a more personal experience? This session is just for you. I’ll be your guide and help you navigate your connection with Mother Earth. Reminder: Forest bathing is not psychotherapy. In forest bathing experiences, the forest is the therapist, and I am your guide.
Date Night Forest Bathing
Connect with nature with your significant other.