"We often forget that we ARE nature; nature is not something separate from us. So when we say that we have lost our connection to nature, we've lost our connection to ourselves" -Andy Goldsworthy
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Forestbathing is:
- A guided sensory immersion in the ambience of the forest; re-establishing our connection and relationship with the more-than-human world
- Supporting the wellness and health of participants through guided immersive invitations in forests and other natural settings
- Guided sensory invitations that establish contact with the present moment and surroundings
- Differs from a typical nature walk or hike, where we might learn about the flora & fauna of the land
- this type of learning, while also beautiful, is a cognitive task; forestbathing is not a goal-oriented hike with an objective or naturalist/nature information tour
- Offered in small groups (minimum 2; max 6) and/or as an individual service to current SSY clients
- Approximately 2-2.5 hours; ends with tea ceremony
- Forest Therapy Guides acknowledge that the healing contract exists between the participant and the forest; guides are largely agenda-free and are there to provide invitations for the participant to connect/re-connection/remember their relationship with the more-than-human-world
- Not a replacement for medical or mental health supports; guides are not therapists in this role
- Sessions are offered under my Provisional Certification as a Forest Therapy Guide: training is through The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT)
- Articles on Forestbathing:
- Books on Forestbathing:
- Website on Health Benefits:
- Research on Phytoncides and Health Benefits:
- Effects of Forest Environment (Shinrin-Yoku/Forestbathing) on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention-the Establishment of Forest Medicine (see file below)
- Effect of Phytoncide from Trees on Human Natural Killer Cell (NK cell) Function
- Effect of Forestbathing on Human Immune Function
- Effects of Phytoncide on Immune Cells and Psychological Stress of Gynecological Cancer Survivors: Randomized Control Trial
- In conclusion, phytoncide fragrance reduces stress, increases the number of NK cells and their family even in a nonforest environment, and improves innate immunocytes in gynecological cancer survivors; parasympathetic nerve activity and cortisol hormones play critical roles in this process. That is, a phytoncide essential oil helps to stimulate changes in immunocytes' mobility by affecting the human nervous and endocrine systems, thereby providing relief for psychological stress among cancer survivors who previously had cancer cells.
| establishment_of_forest_medicine.pdf |
The next round of Guided Forestbathing sessions will be offered in October 2023!
Small groups (minimum of 2, max 6)
Dates & Times:
Check back soon for dates/times in October!
Locations:
Leelanau County
Session details and location provided 24 hours prior to session AND after registration forms are received
Registration closes 24 before walk start time
Locations may include any of the following:
-15 trails tended by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park Service**Park Pass Required
-26 trails/nature areas tended by Leelanau Conservancy
-Various sites tended by Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy
To register for a Guided Forestbathing Session, complete both steps to secure your spot:
Step 1: **Register here!**
Step 2: Complete the two Registration Forms below (must be received 24 hrs prior session in order to receive walk details and location)
Step 2: Complete the two Registration Forms below (must be received 24 hrs prior session in order to receive walk details and location)
| health_questionnaire_gfbs.docx |
| participation_waiver_gfbs_ssy_kr.docx |
All Forestbathing inquires: contact Kristen directly by clicking HERE!
"As the Forest heals the person, the person comes to be in relationship with the Forest and, rooted in that relationship, is likely to become a caretaker of forests and the land in general. This may also be described more simply as a process of remembering how to love. Perhaps more mystically, our Story is that the Forest enjoys, is encouraged by, and responds to the love it receives. At its deepest level, people and forests begin understanding their intimate connection to and sense of interbeing with each other." -ANFT Training Guide
