Forest Bathing Connection Experience Series

Make time for yourself, for this special opportunity to reawaken your senses, improve your wellbeing and nurture your bond with the natural world.   Forest Bathing (or Shinrin-yoku) is a gentle and relaxing practice with numerous physical, mental and emotional benefits including reduced stress levels, improved mood, and improved immune function.  Led by a certified Nature Therapy Guide, the sessions will consist of activities (invitations) that support participants to slow down and shift their attention from their busy minds to direct sensory experience, from thinking and doing to feeling, sensing and being.  More than a leisurely walk in the woods, this is a purposeful and intentional way of deepening our connection with the natural world.   Each session in this series will focus on a different theme of nature connection and build on each other for greatest benefit; however, any session can be taken on its own.  These sessions provide introductions to each theme and take home activities will be offered to continue deepening the relationship.

*All Sessions held in Bechtel Park, Waterloo.

Register for all 7 Sessions:

7 Week Program, Every 2 weeks

Dates:

OR Register for Individual Sessions:

Session 1 - Introduction to the forest; setting the foundation for connection and healthy relationship

Session 2 – Connecting with the elements; the foundations of Life

Session 3 – Connecting with the plants; beauty and abundance

Session 4 – Connecting with the animals; our wild kin

Session 5 – Connecting with the directions; sensing where we are, sensing where we are going

Session 6 – Connecting with our selves; embodiment, self-care and nourishment

Session 7 – Celebration and gratitude; recognition, honouring and giving back

What to bring?

Dress for the weather conditions, so you can be comfortable. We tend to move slowly and stop periodically, so we don’t generate a lot of extra heat through movement. In cool or cold weather wear extra layers to stay warm. If it might rain, bring a raincoat, rain pants, or even an umbrella if that will help you be more comfortable.

Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes (or boots in wet or cool/cold weather).

Consider bringing a light backpack to carry extra layers, water bottle and bug/tick spray.