May The Forest Be With You! Forest Therapy at the Earthwalk Retreat!

Forest Therapy increases our intake of Vitamin N
for Modern Nature Deficit Disorder and Stress related illness.

Nature or Forest Immersion experiences are a form of recreational therapy that have a vast array of benefits for human health and wellbeing.

Also known as Shinrin Yoku, or “taking in the atmosphere of the forest”, this proves to be the perfect antidote for our stressful modern life styles.  30 years of research in Japan has shown the beneficial effects on all our modern stress indicators; high blood pressure, pulse rate, cortisol levels, immune system balance, creativity and mental focus are all benefited.  It is becoming a popular organizational luncheon workshop.  

There are many forms of recreation in the great outdoors.  What makes this practice unique and greatly beneficial is that it utilizes a particular form of awareness, specifically sensory awareness, which has atrophied in modern life but proves to be key in the improvements
to our health and well-being.  Sensory awareness practiced in a wild natural environment, creates a cascade of positive benefits, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

Being in the forest is a very healthy activity even when the goal is to hike or go fishing… not only because of the exercise, but because being in wild nature naturally calls us to our sensory awareness.  Learning to walk through the woods in a sensory state of awareness known as direct perception* greatly increases both the enjoyment factor and the benefits.  We discover a new state of being, more fully present to nature and ourselves, with an increased richness in experience, creativity and effortlessness which most people deeply enjoy.  This practice of direct sensory perception is the delivery mechanism for Vitamin N, our daily recommended dose of Nature,

To varying degrees, we are conditioned to live through our thoughts and concepts more than our sensory interface in this world.  The sensory world has gone into the background.  We give it only enough attention to navigate our course through time and space.  We do not stop and smell the roses for long. My invitation is to let this form of nature communion known as forest bathing bring you more  life and health.  May the Forest Be With You!