“The mind is like water. When it’s turbulent, it’s difficult to see. When it’s calm, everything becomes clear.” – Prasad Mahes
About this event:
Join us for a unique, immersive, slow paced, mindful journey where we will settle into the natural landscape and awaken our senses. This Forest Bathing experience will take place while on your stand-up paddleboard or in your kayak.
Your investment will include being guided on a gentle paddle as you move with the waters of Lake Natoma. During this 3 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 pretty astounding. Scientists have found that Forest Bathing can lower your heart rate and blood pressure, decrease stress levels, elevate your mood, increase working memory and even bolster your immune system.
Water is a fundamental requirement for all life, a source of great beauty and healing. Water carries the essence of love and peace.
***This is an easy paddle and beginners are welcome to attend.***
Please be sure that your watercraft is in good condition and reliable.
Fill your lungs with refreshing forest air from the seat of your watercraft. Shinrin-yoku means “Forest Bathing” and is the modern Japanese concept of refreshing and recharging by spending time in the forest. This tour combines Forest Bathing with paddling as you move through “The Jungle” of Lake Natoma. Quietly watch for wildlife, become immersed with the sounds and textures as you find rhythm with the water.
Your Guide:
It’s me! I’m Monica, your certified Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and I’m excited to guide you on this slow and gentle Forest Bathing paddle. There is something extra magical about Forest Bathing on the water; feeling the motion of the water and naturally syncing into the rhythm, watching the light reflect upon the water, and hearing the sounds of the water as it laps against the shoreline. Talk about a sensory journey and being present. It gives me all the feels.
Note that the sun will rise at 5:43am (event starts at 6:00am). This means that we will head out on the water just after the the sun has awoken.
Click here for additional information on what Forest Bathing is:
Forest bathing is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku – taking in the forest atmosphere. As a growing global wellness movement, it is backed by nearly 40 years of scientific research on the holistic benefits of immersing yourself in nature. These benefits include reduced stress and blood pressure, increased creativity and focus, improved mood and sleep, and a boost to immune functions.
Upon registration, participants will receive location details.
Parking: It is $10.00 unless you have a State Park Pass.
I have one extra paddleboad available for an additional fee of $10.00.
*Note the time of this event does not include getting paddleboards/kayaks down to the dock and loading them off the dock. 6:00am-9:00am is the duration of the actual Forest Bathing experience.