My Forest Therapy Journey

Back in January, I enrolled to become a certified Forest Therapy guide by The ANFT. I already have a certification in Ecotherapy, but being a Forest Therapy Guide has taught me more than I could ever imagine. These past 6 months have been full of growth and confirmation that this is the right path for me.

What is Forest Therapy?

Forest Therapy is a practice that supports health and wellness through guided immersion in forests and other environments to promote the well-being of both people and the land. It is inspired by Shinrin-yoku, the Japanese practice of “Forest Bathing.” In Forest Bathing, people spend time in forested areas to enhance health, wellness, and happiness.

In Forest Therapy, people are guided through a clearly defined sequence of invitations to slow down, allow the senses to open, and experience the environment to deepen the reciprocal relationship between participants and the forest. This supports the wholeness and well-being of both. These Slow Walks in the Forest are typically one- to two kilometers long and fit for all ages and physical conditions.

Invitations are open-ended. There is no expectation for what participants should experience or receive. Rather, participants spend time in silence, listening and feeling with a quiet and accepting presence. They become reconnected with their senses and their innate creative potential is tapped, which allows the imagination to awaken.

During these 6 months, I strengthened my relationship with nature, slowed down, conquered fears, and took care of myself. I feel my health has improve, and I’m just getting started. The must important thing, my relationship with nature is on a beautiful journey and I invite you to go with me.

I made a video of a recompilation of these past six months, a beautiful visual poem of all that nature gifted me.

I truly believe in the wanders of this medicine and I’m honored to go deeper in its teachings as many of my ancestors did.