Forest Bathing Walk

Forest Bathing Walk

July 18, 2021
Forest bathing is a guided nature meditation, a slow meander in the forest. Slow down to experience the natural world through your senses.

Through a series of carefully crafted gentle invitations participants are encouraged to slow down and experience the natural world through their senses.

A Forest Bathing walk is about connecting deeply with the more than human world and ultimately connecting with the deeper place within.

Finding respite and connection with nature are an antidote to the feelings of despair, disconnect and loneliness many of us experience during this time of pandemic and natural disasters.

Forest therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing. Shinrin-Yoku can be loosely translated to “taking in the medicine of the forest.”

Forest Bathing was established as a practice in Japan in the 1980’s as a direct response to declining forests and declining health in the population.

The positive impact of spending time in nature has been studied world wide and over decades. Research shows that people who practice Forest Bathing experience relief from anxiety and depression, a deeper sense of mental relaxation, have better sleep and an increased feeling of gratitude and overall sense of well-being.

Joey Heusler is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide with the Association for Nature and Forest Therapy guides and programs (ANFT).
Joey’s passion is bringing people of all ages into a place of stillness, where connection with the natural world can be made from that deeper place.
She guides Forest Bathing walks in Marin County and beyond.

Details:

– We will be meeting at the Muddy Hollow Trail Parking Lot and experiencing the Muddy Hollow and Bayview trails

– Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in

– Refunds available for all classes 7 days in advance of the start date, after 7 days and before 2 days, participants can credit their class for a future date. All requests before 48 hours in advance will be declined. For COVID cancellation policy, see below.

– Please follow the parking instructions for the facility used that day

– Please provide an email you check regularly for updates and reminders about your class

– Registration is required online prior to the event in order to maintain class sizes

– Sales end 48 hours before the start date.

– Waitlists are available when the class sells out

What to Bring:

Towel or light chair to sit more comfortably on the forest floor

Thermos of plain hot water and small cup for tea

Day Pack

Warm Variable Weather Clothing

Hiking Shoes

Water Bottle

Notebook and Pen/Field Journal

Eventbrite Confirmation Email

About the PRNSA Field Institute:

The PRNSA Field Institute offers hands-on environmental education classes throughout the year that foster enjoyment of Point Reyes National Seashore. Our classes are led by expert instructors, who take you out of your everyday life and into the natural world. We host a variety of classes about the arts and sciences and have something for everyone. You can reach the Field Institute at (415) 663-1200 x304 or by email at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

Interested in becoming a member of PRNSA? Click Here!

Interested in becoming a PRNSA Field Institute facilitator? Want to take classes for FREE while helping out a great cause? Give us a call!

Are you an outdoor educator or artist who would like to teach a PRNSA Field Institute class? Shoot us an Email!

For any questions, please email us at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

COVID-19 Field Institute Guidelines

In accordance with Marin County and CDC guidelines for public health, we will require all participants to respect the following COVID-19 procedures:

• Perform a health self-check before coming to class using the CDC Symptoms of Coronavirus as a guide

• Do not attend class if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, suspect you have been exposed to the virus, or are suffering from any other flu-like or respiratory illness.

• Participants exhibiting signs of respiratory illness may be asked to leave class

During class all participants will be required to do the following

• We recommend that all participants continue to wear masks at this time, however, in accordance with CDC guidelines, exceptions can be made for fully vaccinated individuals if desired.

Fully vaccinated individuals may remove masks for outdoor classes if they continue to maintain a 6’ distance from other participants.

• Unvaccinated individuals are required to wear a face covering unless farther than 6’ from other participants in an outdoor class.

• Continue to maintain a 6 foot physical distance from other participants not belonging to your household

• Bring your own food and water

• Current group sizes are still limited, there will be no physical contact or sharing of food and drink, and no shared physical equipment or materials unless they are sanitized before and after use, and used by only one person for the duration of class

NOTE: Refund policy exceptions will be made for participants cancelling last minute due to COVID-19 infection or symptoms. Please contact us in this case.

Thank you for your continuing cooperation in following these guidelines to help keep everyone safe.