$25 Adult; $15 Youth
Sunday, Jan 29, 2023 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Meet at Patrick Ranch Museum (Map)
Mostly birding by car and/or easy walking
Forest Therapy is designed to support health and wellness through guided immersions in natural environments to promote the well-being of both people and the land. Inspired by Shinrin-yoku, the Japanese practice of Forest Bathing, Forest Therapy has been proven to enhance health, wellness, and happiness. Forest Therapy is an opportunity to slow down and experience the natural world through your senses. During your guided immersion, a certified guide will offer a series of invitations to deepen your sensory experience and assist you in finding your own authentic way of interacting with the land. There's no right or wrong way to do it; just come and be yourself. It's all welcome in the forest. Forest Therapy experiences finish up with tea made from wild-harvested forest herbs and snacks. Studies from around the world have shown that Forest Therapy can reduce cortisol and adrenaline levels. Enhance immune system function by increasing the production of natural killer cells. Improve respiratory and cardiovascular function. Decrease anxiety and depression. Improve mood, focus, academic performance, and creativity.
Josh became interested (more like obsessed) with wellness after nearly dying from Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever when he was 8. Today, Josh promotes physical activity as a Kinesiology Professor but is growing more interested in the need for mental wellness and rest. Josh loves how Nature isn't rushed and wants to experience and share more of that feeling. Josh is a Certified Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy.
Josh Trout's Events
: I have enjoyed being immersed in nature since childhood, and still feel that awe and wonder in natural environments. Forest Bathing (aka Forest Therapy) is a way to share not only that magic but also the health and wellness offered by being in nature. It is a gift to oneself and a practice that has called me again and again back to the source of all life. It can also awaken in us reciprocity, a "wild tending", and paying attention to nature to answer a call to care for and act on her behalf. What I love about Forest Therapy is its simplicity, and its ability to offer each individual the time and space to find their own way back to nature, honoring the inner and outer journey. I also enjoy offering Restorative Nature classes, and mini-Expressive Art with Nature Retreats.
Willow Dejesus's Events