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

This practice was established in the 1980s in Japan as a direct response to declining health in the population. The healing energies of the natural world have been known for centuries. Forest bathing is a simple yet powerful way for us to remember, and tap into these healing powers that are readily available to all of us.

The positive impact of spending time in nature has been studied worldwide for decades. Research shows that people who practice Forest Bathing experience relief from anxiety and depression, a deeper sense of mental relaxation, better sleep, and an increased feeling of gratitude and overall sense of well-being. Forest Bathing also lowers blood pressure and heart rate, elevates NK cancer-fighting cells in the body, and it strengthens the immune system.

During this Forest Bathing walk, I will offer a set of carefully crafted invitations to encourage slowing down and experiencing the more-than-human world in a variety of possible new ways and through our senses. We will be covering less than a mile of distance and we will mostly be in silence. There will be brief periods of sharing and a tea ceremony towards the end with time for reflection and discussion.

You won’t need to bring much for our time together and you can keep your lunch, camera, and binoculars in your car.

Weather conditions can change quickly in the park and you want to be able to stay warm and dry during our times of stillness in the forest. You can carry a light pack with warm layers as well as a snack to enjoy towards the end of our time together. You can also bring a light stool or small mat to sit on the forest floor more comfortably.

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

To learn more about Joey’s work please visit her website: exploreinnature.com

Photo Credit: Joey Heusler

Details

-Location: We will be meeting at the Muddy Hollow Trailhead

– 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

You can bring a small stool or mat to sit on the forest floor more comfortably

Day Pack

After Class Lunch (leave in car to be eaten after class, or plan for offsite lunch afterward)

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.

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Interested in becoming a PRNSA Field Institute volunteer facilitator, or are you an outdoor educator or artist who would like to teach a PRNSA Field Institute class? Send an Email!

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

COVID-19 Field Institute Guidelines

Please 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 symptoms, know that you have had a close exposure, or are suffering from any flu-like or respiratory illness

· Contact the Field Institute if you will not be able to attend due to COVID. You may be eligible to receive a full or partial refund

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

· Masks are optional at your discretion

· Please bring your own food and water

All guidelines are subject to change pursuant to State or County Health order updates.

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