Forest Bathing

Community and Individual Nature Immersion

Welcome (back) to
The More Than Human World.

We have, for better and for worse, been co-evolving with nature for hundreds of thousands of years. Somewhere along the way, many of us humans separated from the natural environment: it was us versus nature as opposed to us as nature, and all of its pieces. We lost our place in the great spectrum of a More Than Human World, and have been trying to find our way back ever since.

When we greet the forest and accept the invitation to commune, we place ourselves back into that co-evolution, and remember our internal source of self-regulation, aptitude for connection, and overall well-being.

This was such a magical experience. I've always felt better when I'm in the forest, but Jolene guided us through such an intentional journey and I've never felt more connected to the earth and more at ease with my place in the universe. The prompts were perfectly articulated and open enough to interpret in our own way. At one point I found that this practice unlocked some trapped tears that I've been unable to access. The ending tea ritual was the cherry on top and integrated everything we experienced. I can't wait for the next one!

-Emma P

What Is Forest Bathing

What is Forest Bathing?

Connection and contemplation of nature and its living beings is a long held practice in many cultures, but this more formalised approach, born in Japan, has spread across the world as a practice to access and embody the physiological and psychological benefits of spending time in nature.

Forest bathing was developed in Japan in the 1980's as a way to balance contemporary life and reconnecting with the natural world. Called shinrin-yoku, it translates literally to "immersing oneself in the forest atmosphere” or simply Forest Bathing.

The Forest Bathing practice is a slow, intentional, and attentive wander through a natural area. Each experience is approximately 2.5 hours and traverses only about a ½ mile. It is a deeply restorative practice combining elements of mindfulness, somatic awareness and re-awakened relationship to the More Than Human World.

More Than a Walk In the Woods

Forest bathing is a unique experience of the present moment. Through sensory invitations, we transcend what we think we know and move into a space of curious somatic exploration of the here and now.

As your guide, I work in partnership with the forest. So in this context of “Forest Therapy”, the forest becomes your therapist - I am there to open the door. I approach each walk with a spirit of acceptance, there are no expectations and there is no right or wrong way to enter into a relationship with the More Than Human World. Because the forest is different every time and you are different every time - one walk may lead to profound realisations, another can be deeply relaxing and restorative.

There are so many benefits to Forest Bathing, including but not limited to:

reductions in stress
strengthened immune response
decreased blood pressure
increased creativity
regenerated senses and somatic awareness

And that also includes the opportunity for a nourished connection with both people and the More Than Human World to broaden our perspective, and enhance our feeling of well-being and presence.

All is welcome, and you are welcome.

Upcoming Sessions

Join me in the Forest

Sun, May 05
Salmon Creek/Harmony Community Forest
Sunday Forest Bathing
May 05, 2024, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM PDT
Salmon Creek/Harmony Community Forest, 1935 Bohemian Hwy, Occidental, CA 95465, USA
Join us for a 2.5-hour guided invitation into the More than Human World
Reserve Your Spot
Mon, May 20
Pomo Canyon Campground
Monday Forest Bathing
May 20, 2024, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM PDT
Pomo Canyon Campground, Highway 1, Duncans Mills, CA 95430, USA
Join us for a 2.5-hour guided invitation into the More than Human World
Reserve Your Spot
Sun, Jun 23
Salmon Creek/Harmony Community Forest
Sunday Forest Bathing
Jun 23, 2024, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM PDT
Salmon Creek/Harmony Community Forest, 1935 Bohemian Hwy, Occidental, CA 95465, USA
Join us for a 2.5-hour guided invitation into the More than Human World
Reserve Your Spot
Sun, Jul 07
Salmon Creek/Harmony Community Forest
Sunday Forest Bathing
Jul 07, 2024, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM PDT
Salmon Creek/Harmony Community Forest, 1935 Bohemian Hwy, Occidental, CA 95465, USA
Join us for a 2.5-hour guided invitation into the More than Human World
Reserve Your Spot
Mon, Jul 22
Pomo Canyon Campground
Monday Forest Bathing
Jul 22, 2024, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM PDT
Pomo Canyon Campground, Highway 1, Duncans Mills, CA 95430, USA
Join us for a 2.5-hour guided invitation into the More than Human World
Reserve Your Spot