• Rest assured that you don't have to wear a bathing suit and you don't necessarily have to get wet.  "Forest Bathing," or as I like to call it, "A Mindful Saunter," is a practice that helps connect with the natural world, including trees, rocks, creeks, and other beings we may encounter along the way. The practice was inspired by the Japanese practice of "shinrin-yoku"--so named in the 1980s.  I say "named" in the 1980s, but we as homo sapiens have always been connected with and part of the beings in this universe. As Rumi said, "You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop."

 

• During the 1980s in Japan, stress-related deaths became so common that a new term, Karōshi, was coined to describe it. The shift towards a technology-based society where people worked long hours indoors without any connection to nature was identified as the primary cause. The Japanese Ministry of Health conducted studies on the effects of nature on stress and found that spending time in forests reduces pulse rates, decreases cortisol levels, increases cancer-killing cells, and helps regulate blood pressure. This practice, known as forest bathing, has now spread to the US and other parts of the world.

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                                                                                   What to Expect?

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• During our time together we will embark on a slow and mindful journey, taking in our surroundings through a series of "invitations."   These invitations are simply suggestions, and there is no right or wrong way to approach them. You are free to modify or adapt them in whatever safe and comfortable way that feels right to you.  We may begin with some body movement and breathing practices to awaken senses and prepare ourselves for the journey ahead. After each invitation, we'll come back together and everyone will have an opportunity to share their experience with the group in whatever way feels right, including silence.

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• We can also tailor your saunter--for example, if you yearn to connect with the fire element, we can experience flint & steel fire birthing, or perhaps you'd like to get your body moving with some yoga.  We can discuss the wide range of options.​​​ Each saunter is unique and will be shaped by they natural world around us. 

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• The saunter is not a hike, so the distance we cover may be very short. . .but generally, we'll cover about a mile.  I'll provide specific information about the place before we meet up and let you know what you might want to wear to feel comfortable and safe. Please let me know ahead of time if you have any mobility requirements.

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• The average time spent or our saunter is about 2 hours. But of course this can (and does) vary.  ​

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• There is typically a fee to participate in a forest saunter and this will vary depending on the location and length of the saunter.

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• You will be asked to sign a liability waiver before participating in any Wild Heart Yoga and Forest Bathing ©2023 experience

 

Ready to embark on this transformative journey?

Contact us at: Alex@wildheartforest.com 

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We look forward to meeting you and guiding you on your mindful saunter.