Reconnect with nature to improve your health and emotional well-being!
Most people love being in nature but in recent decades, more and more people are spending less time outdoors. In Japan in the 1980’s, physician’s noticed a significant increase in the population experiencing stress related illnesses like, high blood pressure, anxiety and depression. Research determined that it was likely due to the shift from agricultural type work to tech and factory jobs taking people indoors and away from nature.
Shinrin-yoku was born! Translating to “forest-bathing” or “taking in the forest atmosphere.” Studies show that even though spending time in nature is beneficial, spending time in nature mindfully is even more beneficial!
Health benefits include:
Lowers heart rate and blood pressure
Lowers stress related hormones like cortisol and adrenaline
Increases parasympathetic nervous system activity of “rest and digest”
Enhances immune system functioning and anti-cancer protein production
Decreases blood glucose levels
Reduces inflammation
Improves your cardiovascular health and decreases your risk of heart disease and stroke
Improves your respiratory health and lung function.
Many of these effects can be attributed to inhaling “phytoncides”, which are the natural oils emitted by trees. Inhaling phytoncides increase your immune function by boosting natural killer T cells in the body.
Each session or walk will last around 2 hours. The walk’s will be on mostly level ground and very short distance. The goal is to be still and hone in on our senses while in the forest atmosphere. Each walk will begin with a brief history of forest bathing, an introduction to the concept of reciprocity, and a guided sensory awareness meditation experience. After that you will be given 3 different invitations to connect with nature. We will end with a closing ceremony and sharing. As always, I like to have lots of extra little surprises to add to the experience!
CHILDREN are permitted but MUST be able to sit still and be quiet for the first hour and 45 minutes of the walk. If your child is being disruptive to the group, you may be asked to step away until they can rejoin the group quietly. I will have regular scheduled sessions that are specifically designed for children throughout the summer that incorporate more of a scavenger hunt type session which will be tons of fun!
We will have the walks in light rain but not heavy rain or storms. You will be informed at least 2 hours prior of any cancellations along with a reschedule date. If you can’t make the new date, I will refund your money to you.
Please read over the consent form prior to booking.
All walks at Miami Whitewater will gather in the parking lot of the Timberlakes trail. I will provide various types of seating and bug spray. Please be on time.