Public Forest Bathing Walk

This Forest Bathing walk consists of a series of invitations following the Global Institute of Forest Therapy (GIFT) standard flow model with a “breathing” in and out of group and personal time. The group or community aspect primarily consists of sharing circles that support deepening and integration of the individual experience.

Exchange: $50 per person, payable by e-transfer to bmsanger@gmail.com or in cash on the day of. 

After registering here, I will send you a link to the waiver document.

During our 3 hour walk we will cover approximately 1Km of trail. The pace is very slow to allow for mindful observation and deep presence.

Forest therapy focuses on pleasurable experiences as a gateway into relaxation of the body, regulation of the nervous system, and a deepening of connection with the natural environment. It is typical for participants to feel relaxed and have greater clarity about their lives during and after a forest therapy session.

Health Benefits: Spending time in forests has been proven to have many health benefits. These are mainly due to Phytoncides which are compounds produced by trees which protect them from infection, infestation, and decay. Not too surprisingly, breathing forest air rich in these compounds also has incredible health benefits to us as humans such as:

1. Increased immune response
2. Anti-inflammatory/anti-oxidizing
3. Lowered nervous system activity
4. Lowered cortisol levels
5. Mood enhancement
6. Improved sleep
7. More stable blood sugar levels

Spending intentional time in nature during guided Forest Therapy sessions may increase the effectiveness of these natural processes and also creates further opportunities for even deeper emotional and cultural healing benefits.

Weather and other conditions:

The weather fluctuates rapidly during this time of year, and forests tend to have microclimates. During our walk, we will be going at an overall slower pace; sometimes moving, sometimes being still, either standing or sitting. Dress warmer than you think you need to, you can always remove a layer if needed. If the elements bring any potentially dangerous conditions, such as high winds, heavy rain, or electrical activity, for our safety we will attempt to relocate the experience, cancel and/or postpone the walk.

Clothing and other items:

Please bring whatever you need to feel comfortable and prepared to spend a few hours outdoors in any potential weather conditions including rain and cool temperatures (check the weather before heading out.) Wear good footwear (hiking boots / running shoes / blundstones), wear a warm jacket and several layers underneath, bring a hat, water bottle... We also recommend bringing a rain jacket just in case. A “sit upon” of some sort is also a common item to bring on a Forest Therapy walk if the ground is wet and/or you would like a barrier between you and the Earth while sitting. We recommend bringing a backpack to store your extra layers, water bottle, and items in.