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What is Forest Therapy?
The Practice of Forest Therapy is about spending time in a forest, an urban park, garden or a place of "comfort" to slow down, open all the senses, become fully present with ourselves and reconnect to nature. The walks are not intended to be hikes. They are rather, slow, mindful, and at times meandering walks to inspire curiosity, relaxation, health, and well-being. Walks are generally 2 hours and will also vary in length, depending on season and group size. Inspired by the Japanese Practice of Shinrin-Yoku which translates into English as Forest Bathing, there are many immune boosting benefits of being in nature and in the Forest.
How does Forest Therapy impact your health and well-being?
- Giving yourself permission to slow down the body and mind and have natural downtime
- Increases the parasympathetic nervous system by reducing stress, anxiety and burnout by lowering the stress hormone cortisol, blood pressure and heart rate. There is an increasing attention and growing body of research and scientific evidence to the nature-health connection.
- Improves mental clarity, mood, performance and creativity by promoting relaxation and decreasing mental fatigue
- Boosts immune system and resilience through the natural chemicals secreted by evergreen trees, known as phytoncides
The Forest is the Therapist. The Guide Opens the Door.
According to a recent report on The Healing Power of Nature, a collaboration between Nature Sacred and Dr. Eugenia South, a physician-scientist with expertise in the health benefits of nature, and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, approximately 80 percent of the US population live in urban areas. Many of us spend less time in nature compared to 25 or 50 years ago. Spending just 20-30 minutes a day in an green space can help you to reap the benefits of nature.
Come experience a walk. Your Conscious Footprint guides Forest Therapy walks for individuals, families, team/groups, corporations and organizations . We are fully certified as Forest Therapy Guides with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT).
Reconnect to nature is also about reconnecting to your inner stillness, your essence and your inner voice. We are all connected in community and in the larger ecosystem. Nature is medicine. Get grounded, and come back to your center.
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir