Discover the Healing Power of Forest Therapy
Forest Therapy is a gentle practice of mindful awareness and connection to nature that promotes mental and physical wellness. It is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, which translates as Forest Bathing (bathing the five senses).
The Forest Therapy walk is not a demanding physical exercise, covering approximately one kilometre in two-hours.
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To register for this walk, please email Dan at dan@foresttherapyniagara.ca or call and leave a message at (905) 894-2333.
Please dress for the weather and be prepared to sit, stand, lean or walk for the duration.
Registration for this session is limited to the first twelve registrants. All others will be kept on a waitlist and notified of future Forest Therapy Walks.
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The guide, Dan Silver, is a Forest Therapy Guide in Training, studying for certification with The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. Dan brings twenty-eight years of experience as a mental health clinician working in Niagara.
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Through a series of prompts, you will be invited to slow down, tune in to your senses, interact, observe and experience the restorative effects of nature. As a group we will debrief, share insights and learn from each other.
A forest therapy walk is a slow, mindful way of being in nature. It has similarities to Mindfulness Practice but there are many differences. We will practice using silence to enhance our observations of the surroundings and quiet ourselves from the overstimulation of modern society.
The Forest Guide will have a cell phone turned on in case of emergencies.
Research has shown that spending time in nature will benefit our health in many ways, including but not limited to:
Improving physical health
lowering blood pressure
strengthening the immune system
reducing pain
improving sleep
reducing depression and anxiety
decreasing stress
reducing feelings of anger and aggression
improving concentration and memory function