Once a month during the cooler months (October - March), we come together to "bathe" in the healing vibrations of earth as a personal and community wellness practice.  In the same way that one would attend a yoga class, Forest Bathing is a practice for those who want to re-orient their nervous system to nature's pace and strengthen their connection to the "felt presence" of the living earth. This is not exercise, it is simply being in nature and cultivating connection through our senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. The practice of Forest Bathing is like a bridge. By opening our senses, it bridges the gap between us and the natural world.

According to Ontario psychologist Elizabeth Nisbet, "people may avoid nearby nature because a chronic disconnection from nature causes them to underestimate its hedonic benefits." Ultimately, we don't experience natural environments enough to realize just how restorative it is to our wellbeing nor are we fully aware of the research that confirms they make us healthier, happier, more creative, and empathetic.

esearch today confirms the profoundly healing and restorative effects of nature on our mind and body.  Studies reveal that:

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1. Being in nature lowers your blood pressure and improves heart health

2. Being in nature helps reduce stress, anxiety and depression

3. Nature heals and restores our brain

4. Nature helps strengthen immunity

5. Nature helps prevent onset of diabetics and obesity

6. Nature inspires awe can heal PTSD and other mental health issues

7. Nature helps quicker recovery from psychological stress

8. Being in nature helps reduce inflammation

Indoors, we tend to use only two senses, our eyes and our ears. Outside is where all of our multi-sensory capacities awaken as we smell the flowers, taste the fresh air, notice at the changing colors of the trees, hear the birds singing and feel the breeze on our skin. Eco-mindfulness will support you in developing your curiosity, expand your senses and explore your interconnectedness with your living environment.