Forest Bathing Walk
Offered to Friends of Connetquot by Linda Lombardo
Sunday, September 22, 2024 - 10:30am
Mindfulness Month September
What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the transformative power of being fully present in the moment. Allowing yourself to delve into a state of calm and focused awareness. Disconnecting from the digital world and engaging in the sense of interconnectedness with the world around you. Mindfulness Day is an emerging event, celebrated on 12 September to raise awareness about the value and benefits of mindfulness. Please join Friends of Connetquot on September 22 for Forest Bathing.
What is Forest Bathing?
Forest bathing is the practice of immersing yourself in nature in a mindful way, using your senses to derive a whole range of benefits for your physical, mental, emotional, and social health. Based on the Japanese tradition of Shinrin-Yoku, a wellness practice developed in the 1980s, forest bathing walks inspire mindful connections with the natural elements of the woods for a range of healthful benefits.
Forest bathing in nature allows the stressed portions of your brain to relax. Positive hormones are released in the body. You feel less sad, angry and anxious. It helps to avoid stress and burnout, and aids in fighting depression and anxiety. A forest bath is known to boost immunity and leads to lesser days of illness as well as faster recovery from injury or surgery. Nature has a positive effect on our mind as well as body. It improves heart and lung health, and is known to increases focus, concentration and memory.
We’ll slow down, wander and notice what most of the world simply walks past; the beauty of nature in any season. We’ll do some grounding, connect with the trees and water, and may even create some nature art together. These walks are always slow and easy-going, not a hike; not a tour of plants. Walks always end with a ceremonial tea; something that could have been foraged in the forest. According to Linda, “Take this time to be present, lower any stress you may be experiencing, and naturally boost your immune system.”
Dress for outdoor weather. Closed shoes and long pants are recommended. Organic bug spray only, please.
For more information on Forest Bathing visit Linda’s website www.wildheartnatureconnection.com
Seasonal parking rates apply. Donations for this event can be submitted along with the registration form.