FAQs
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Forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) is a mindfulness practice of immersive, intentional time in nature. It is not hiking or exercise, but rather a guided sensory experience—noticing light through leaves, listening to birdsong, feeling textures, breathing forest air. Research shows forest bathing reduces stress hormones, lowers blood pressure, and increases overall well-being.
Research & Readings:
Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness, Dr. Qing Li
“More Than a Walk in the Woods: Why Japan Prescribes Forest Bathing,” Alex Miller
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When humans spend time in the forest, we are immersed in organic compounds called phytoncides. These molecules make up the forest’s “immune system,” so to speak. Phytoncides help protect trees from disease and pests. And when we “bathe” in them, they actually boost our own immune systems while helping to lower stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
In addition, the practice of walking slowly or simply sitting in nature, while also noticing what we are sensing, acts as a powerful meditation for the mind, body, and spirit. After a couple hours of forest bathing, most people report feeling calmer, less anxious, more hopeful, and even inspired.
Furthermore, the practice of forest bathing often happens in small groups, where we have opportunities to share what we’re experiencing. This helps to foster shared connections and community—with one another and with nature itself.
Research & Readings: -
No, I’m an educator and trained nature therapy guide. This means I can help you understand how and why nature-based practices work therapeutically, and then help you connect with nature (the real therapist in this situation) through different meditative, creative, and/or educational experiences.
My specialty is in education, but I have trained with licensed therapists through the Center for Nature Informed Therapy and Association of Nature & Forest Therapy to facilitate therapeutic practices like forest bathing.
Learn more on the About page.
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Forest bathing sessions are simple and require little preparation. Here are a few simple tips:
Dress for the weather (layers may be appropriate).
Wear flat shoes for easy walking (closed-toed are usually best).
Feel free to bring a water bottle, snack, sit mat, or blanket for your own comfort. And consider bringing along a journal for post-session reflections.
If you’re concerned about bugs, spray down beforehand and/or wear long pants and socks to avoid ticks.
Otherwise, that’s about it! This is not a workout or a hike, so no special clothing or equipment is necessary.
Once our group has gathered, we will alternate between slowly wandering through the landscape and coming together in a circle to share what we’ve noticed. (Note: All invitations in a forest bathing session are optional, including the sharing portion. Every invitation or prompt is yours to do with what you’d like in the moment.)
Research & Readings:
“The science of forest bathing: 5 ways it can boost health and lower stress,” Marielle Segarra, LifeKit, NPR
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Foxfire Folkworks offers a variety of nature-based creative and educational workshops, such as plant-based cooking, writing, and wildcrafting classes.
These events are focused on helping participants connect with their senses, their creativity, the “More Than Human World,” and others in community. Events can be customized for groups, and offerings change slightly with the seasons of the year.
Learn more on the Services page.
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Forest bathing events for the public are priced between $25 and $35 per person for a 2-3 hour session. Educational workshops are priced between $45 and $65 per person for a 2-3 hour class and include the cost of materials (when applicable).
Custom events for groups are priced individually based on your group size, location, and the content of the event.
Inquire about pricing through the Contact page.