'Taking In' The Forest

A Forest Therapy Immersion Walk Photo by Karen Joy

Certified Forest Therapy Guide Karen Joy- Photo by Karen Joy

Forest Therapy Walk Thursday August 3
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“Forest Therapy”, also known as Forest Bathing or Nature Immersion Therapy, is coming to Newaygo County on Thursday, August 3. This guided event will take place in a forested area between Croton and Newaygo from 1pm to about 4pm.

What is Forest Bathing? It is not an energetic hike and it is not a plant identification foray. It is based on a practice in Japan called “shinrin-yoku”. Shinrin means “forest” and yoku means “bath.” So shinrin-yoku means bathing in the forest atmosphere, or taking in the forest through our senses. 
Research shows what common sense, and personal experience, already tells us: being in nature is healthy. Walking, jogging, hiking, kayaking, fishing all have benefits from being in fresh air, away from our daily responsibilities and schedules.

Forest Bathing, however, provides another level of nature induced health. It helps us slow down 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 Immersion can be the prescription needed for us in these busy times. According to current research by the Kaiser Foundation and others, 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. Studies show 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 “killer 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 in 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 Walk will be led by Certified 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 shared experiences.

The Forest Therapy Walk is hosted by the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition (NCEC) and the West Michigan Burial Forest (MI Burial). NCEC’s mission is to be the Environmental Hub of Newaygo County and to protect our shared environment. MI Burial is working to establish a burial grounds sanctuary in Brooks Township, a place for eco-sustainable burials and green space for connecting more deeply with nature. 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 from Eventbrite by clicking here: Forest Therapy Walk Registration. Or you can email your interest to [email protected], or call 231-519-3419. Deadline for registration is Monday July 31. Discounts on the requested registration fee may be possible, contact to inquire. 

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