It’s International Forest Bathing Weekend!
Welcome the Harvest Moon on this special DONATION BASED Full Moon Forest Bathing experience for ages 12+. We will begin before sunset, enjoy the changing light and continue until just after the moon rises.
During this 2 hour experience we will leave our stresses behind and connect with the abundance of the natural world. You will be offered a series of sensory-opening “invitations” designed to help you connect with the More-Than-Human World in your own authentic way. When Forest Bathing, you will be invited to move slowly, wander, pause, observe and reflect. The emphasis is on unplugging, calming the mind and engaging with the natural world. Physical and psychological benefits of Forest Bathing are astounding. Scientists have found that Forest Bathing can lower your heart rate and blood pressure, decrease stress levels, elevate your mood, increase working memory, creativity and even bolster your immune system.
Experience this landscape as you feel into the More-Than-Human World as it shifts from day to twilight. Appreciate the golden sun upon your skin and hear the sounds of the vernal pool grassland critters. What will you notice?
Through a series of carefully crafted gentle invitations, participants are encouraged to slow down and experience the natural world through their senses.
A Forest Bathing walk is about connecting deeply with the More-Than-Human World and ultimately connecting with the deeper place within.
Forest therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing. In Japanese, “shinrin” means forest and “yoku” means bath, or immersing oneself in the forest and soaking in the atmosphere through the senses, according to Dr. Qing Li, who is the president of the Japanese Society of Forest Medicine and one of Japan’s leading forest bathing researchers.
The positive impact of spending time in nature has been studied worldwide and over decades. Research shows that people who practice Forest Bathing experience relief from anxiety and depression, a deeper sense of mental relaxation, have better sleep, and an increased feeling of gratitude and overall sense of well-being. Forest Bathing also lowers blood pressure and heart rate, elevates NK cancer fighting cells in the body and strengthens the immune system.
Monica Mendoza is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy guides and programs (ANFT). Monica’s first visit to this landscape was 11+ years ago when Monica’s oldest daughter had a field trip here. After that moment it became a favorite place of hers and lucky for her, both of her younger daughters’ had field trips here as well. She has spent countless hours experiencing the various seasons of the vernal pools and the grasslands transition. Monica’s passion is bringing people of all ages into a place of stillness, where connection with the natural world can be made from that deeper place.
This is a donation based event. You can either Venmo Monica at the event or provide cash.
Due to this being a highly sensitive habitat, the exact location will only be provided to those that register for the event. It is CLOSE to, but NOT located at the Mather Golf Course.