Forest Bathing
Based on the Japanese practice called shinrin-yoku.
Slow down. Connect. Awaken.
Evidence-based research has proven what deep down we have known forever. Spending time in nature is good for your health—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
What is Forest Bathing?
Forest bathing, also called forest therapy, originated in Japan in the 1980s. While studying the declining health of the country’s population, researchers discovered the healing benefits of being in the forest and a national preventative healthcare program, called shinrin-yoku or “bathing in the atmosphere of the forest” was born.
Simply put, forest bathing is a mindful practice of immersing yourself in nature and focusing on your senses. Your mind quiets down, you become present, and your body connects to the experience of aliveness.
What you can expect…
During a forest bathing session, your forest therapy guide invites you into a series of carefully-crafted sensory experiences designed to bring you into the present moment and connect you with nature in a deeper way than ever before.
Unlike a hike, there is no destination, and unlike a naturalist walk , the knowledge you gain can not be measured by intellect.
Forest bathing sessions are slow paced, usually 1.5 to 2 hours in length, and the walking distance covered is less than a mile. At the conclusion of the session, you’ll leave feeling relaxed and restored.
Go on a mindful walk in nature.
Private Forest Bathing Session
Experience a guided forest bathing session designed solely for you. Quiet your mind and restore your relationship to yourself in a safe and supported environment. This 90-minute nature connection experience may be held at our Blue Ridge Mountain retreat space or in Davidson, North Carolina.
For individuals and couples: $100
Group Forest Bathing Session
Connect with your family or friends while you connect with nature in this fun 2-hour forest bathing session. This experience may be held at our Blue Ridge Mountain retreat space or in Davidson, North Carolina.
For groups of 3 people: $125
More than 3 people in your party? $25 per additional person
What people are saying…
“I’ve always been an outdoors person, but in the busy life I lead, I sometimes forget the beauty in nature and how much I enjoy and appreciate it. My walk with Julie was great. It was just one on one so it allowed me to explore a little more. It made me stop and think that I’m not getting out in nature as much as I want to. So now, 3 times a week, I take my dog walking trails in the woods and I just love it. It’s really worth your while to do this!”
“I had the opportunity to join Julie for one of her Forest Bathing excursions and I highly recommend it. I was getting over a cold and going on this walk made me feel 10x better. It truly is a healing experience. It’s so hard to take a minute to stop and smell the “trees” and this was exactly what I needed to get back in touch with my connection to nature. I saw a red cardinal while on my walk and I especially enjoyed the “gifts of nature” - there are so many.”
“Forest Bathing is a great experience for anyone who enjoys nature and is interested in slowing down time just a bit in an effort to connect with nature’s gifts and one’s self. I really enjoyed spending time in the forest, experiencing it in a way that I typically have not. I appreciated being encouraged to tune into all my senses and witness how they engage with the environment around me. I also enjoyed hearing about the experiences of those who accompanied me on the walk. This is something that I will definitely do again!”
“I recently joined Julie Sczerbinski on a Forest Bathing walk. What an amazing experience! Each part of the journey, Julie provides a prompt for you to take notice of colors, sounds, movement or the like. Each prompt built upon the previous prompt truly making you aware of the forest. Although I’ve always enjoyed walking in the woods, this walk felt totally meditative by inviting me to be present and aware. I am looking forward to future walks with Julie! ”
