Forest Bathing in Oregon
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It all starts with a simple, short walk....
Inspired by the Japanese tradition of Shinrin-Yoku, Forest Bathing fosters IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES in forests and other natural settings in order to improve one's overall health, well-being, and happiness. Typically under two miles long, these slow walks are fit for all ages and physical conditions. Pacific Pine Wellness offers walks in a variety of settings, from City Park Journeys to more distant Forest Escapes to suit your needs. They're simple and safe.
...And a deep, deep sensory experience
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Participants are guided to explore and connect with Nature through a series of simple, open invitations. Following a clearly-defined sequence, these invitations encourage relaxation, sensory awareness, and a deeper connection with the natural surroundings. Here's AN EXAMPLE: "Wander out and let your body guide you towards a tree that you are drawn to. Spend time with this being. Perhaps resting a shoulder against the trunk, or your back, or your forehead… or your heart. I wonder what it feels like to spend time like this together with a tree." I bet YOU wonder too now :)
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"The Guide opens the doors, the Forest is the therapist"
This is the motto of the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. An ANFT Certified Guide seeks to facilitate forest therapy walks as a RELATIONAL PRACTICE connecting people and the More-Than-Human World. This experience fosters a connection with the natural beings around you, leading to a deeper sense of belonging, appreciation, and respect for the Earth. As Mary Oliver beautifully said, "Attention is the beginning of devotion" (Upstreams)
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Gathering and sharing
HOSPITALITY is big thing in the Way of the Guide. Your Guide at Pacific Pine Wellness wants you to feel welcome, safe and seen. After each invitation, we spend a few minutes sharing our experience: "What are you noticing?" We listen to one another, without commenting. It's about receiving and being received. Sharing is always optional. At the end, we usually enjoy a cup of tea all together to integrate the experience and Mother Nature is of course invited!
Meet KATY
I am a nature lover and an avid hiker (but I won't make you walk 500 miles during Forest Bathing). I work as a translator and a copywriter, across continents and languages. I also teach Kundalini yoga and meditation at Lighthouse Yoga PDX, and I play the gong for sound healing. Many hats, one integrated life.
My first Forest Therapy walk was here, in Portland, at Leach Botanical Garden in 2021...
