“Forest Bathing” is coming to Newaygo County on Thursday, August 3. Also known as Nature and Forest Immersion or Forest Therapy, this outdoor event will take place in a forested area between Croton and Newaygo from 1pm to about 4pm.
What is Forest Therapy? It might be easier to start with what it is not; it is not an energetic hike and it is not a plant identification foray. Based on a practice in Japan called “shinrin-yoku” where shinrin means “forest” and yoku means “bath”, it is an experience of bathing in the forest atmosphere, or taking in the forest through all our senses.
Recent research now proves what common sense, and personal experience, already tells us: being in nature is healthy. Walking, jogging, hiking, kayaking, fishing, all of these have benefits beyond the enjoyment of the activity. By just being in fresh air, away from our daily responsibilities and schedules, we become healthier.
Forest Bathing as a practice provides another level of nature induced health. It helps us slow our brain chatter, open our senses, and experience the forest in a quieter, more personal way. Through suggestions, or “invitations”, provided by a Certified Guide, one has the opportunity to access a deeper relaxed state, to notice nature’s details that we often pass by, and to blend into the green communities around us. Along the walk, one may be inspired to journal or draw their experience, share with others in the circle, or just listen and be.
Forest Therapy can be the prescription needed for us in these busy times. According to Nicholas Carr’s 2010 book “The Shallows”, the average American spends at least eight hours a day looking at electronic screens such as phones, tablets, and computers; and then tries to relax by watching TV. Research shows that these levels of digital focus only makes us crabbier, more aggressive, more narcissistic, more distracted, and more depressed. Other studies have shown a correlation between excessive screen time and insulin resistance, altered brain chemistry, and a drag on mental energy and development.
The kind of nature therapy that Forest Bathing provides has been shown to improve cognition, relieve anxiety and depression, boost empathy (caring about others), and lower blood pressure. It can even increase certain “natural killer cells” known as NK-cells in our immune system that fight infections and cancer.
But why should someone participate in a Forest Bath led by a Certified Guide? Like learning a new dance step or sport, having a teacher helps us learn the new tools needed in order to “take in” the Forest. Once we experience these unique ways of being the woods, we can carry those new skills with us and use them anytime we need a break from our everyday world. With time and repetition, we can reap the benefits of this free nature therapy: less anxiety, improved sleep, more creativity, and a better sense of balance in our life.
The August 3rd Forest Therapy Immersion Walk will be led by ANFT Certified Nature Therapy Guide Karen Joy, who founded Nature Therapy of Michiana (www.naturetherapymi.com ). The event will include a forest foraged tea time and a closing circle of sharing.
The Forest Immersion Walk is hosted by the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition and the West Michigan Burial Forest. Visit the host organizations: www.nc-ec.org and www.miburial.com . Follow both on Facebook and Instagram. Registration is required, and a fee of $30 per person is requested. Space is limited for this small group event, so register soon by emailing your interest to buzz@nc-ec.org , or calling 231-519-3419.
Deadline for registration is Monday July 31. Discounts on the requested registration fee may be possible, contact to inquire.
If you missed this event and would like to learn of other similar events we organize, please contact us.
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