What is Forest Therapy?

Forest therapy, also known as forest bathing or shinrin-yoku, is a research-backed, sensory-based practice that invites us to slow down and reconnect—with ourselves, with the land, and with the present moment. Rooted in ancient traditions and supported by modern science, forest therapy emphasizes mindful, intentional time in nature—not for exercise or education, but for restoration, reflection, and relational healing.

Guided by a certified forest therapy guide, participants are gently invited to tune in to their senses, notice the subtle rhythms of the natural world, and explore their own internal landscapes in response. The practice nurtures personal well-being, deepens our sense of connection to the more-than-human world, and helps cultivate presence, resilience, and reciprocity in our relationship with nature.

How do you do it?

A forest bathing walk is a slow, intentional, and restorative experience. Led by a certified guide, each walk begins with a grounding welcome and orientation to the land, followed by a series of carefully crafted sensory invitations. These might include silent wandering, deep listening, or simple practices like noticing the way sunlight filters through leaves or the texture of bark beneath your fingers.

The pace is gentle, with time built in for both solo reflection and shared community presence. There’s no rush, no required outcome—only the invitation to return to your senses, your breath, and your place in the natural world. Walks typically last 1.5 to 3 hours and are accessible to most fitness levels.

What are the benefits?

Forest therapy supports healing and wellness on multiple levels:

  • Reduces stress and anxiety

  • Improves mood and emotional resilience

  • Supports immune function and reduces inflammation

  • Enhances cognitive clarity and sleep quality

  • Promotes mindfulness and body awareness

  • Strengthens our sense of belonging—to self, to others, and to the Earth

But perhaps most importantly, forest therapy helps us remember what modern life often asks us to forget: that we are not separate from nature—we are part of it. With each step, we practice slowing down, listening deeply, and reawakening the inner compass that helps guide us toward healing, connection, and meaning.