Forest Therapy is a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in forests and other natural environments. In Japan it is called "shinrin yoku," which translates to "forest bathing." Studies have demonstrated a wide array of health benefits, especially in the cardiovascular and immune systems, and for stabilizing and improving mood and cognition.
In general terms it is described as a practice of making contact with nature and “taking in the atmosphere” of the forest. We’ll meet, and I’ll guide you through several invitations to awaken our senses and slow down, slower than you are used to going. We’ll notice what is in motion along the trail, we may sit with a certain tree for a bit. We will share our observations in council. We won’t walk very far, maybe a mile in the three hours that we are out. Forest Bathing is a gentle restorative and meditative way of being in nature. In the end we’ll share a foraged tea.
Susan Bickford, a lifetime Maine resident, received her Forest Therapy Guide certification from the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and has been guiding walks since 2017. www.midcoastmaineforesttherapy.com. Bickford is also an artist, receiving her MFA from Maine College of Art in 2001 and her BFA from Rhode Island School of Design in 1986. Bickford has been combining forest therapy and art for years crafting collaborative events in nature, you can see her work at www.susanbickfordinteractive.com and www.stillnesskitchen.com.
The Forest Bathing program is one of three independent offerings as part of Wellness Weekend at Midcoast Conservancy’s award-winning Hidden Valley Nature Center - learn more here. Registration is required.