WINTER SOLSTICE GUIDED FOREST BATHING WALK — December 17, 2022
WINTER SOLSTICE GUIDED FOREST BATHING WALK — December 17, 2022
(IN PERSON)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2022, 10:00AM - 12:30PM
Registration closes at 6:00pm the evening before the class. Be sure and reserve your spot!
LOCATION:
TREESONG
INSTRUCTOR:
JANENE RITCHIE
Mark the shortest day of the year, the return of light , and the renewing of the cycles of life with a Winter Solstice forest bathing walk.
Forest bathing, also referred to as forest therapy, is a research-based framework for supporting wellness through immersion in forests and other natural environments. Based on the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or "forest bathing," guided forest therapy walks allow us to spend time in nature in a way that many of us haven't in a very long time, if ever. By awakening our embodied senses, these walks invite healing interactions through deep nature connection and human connection.
Forest therapy walks are not hikes in the traditional sense. This walk is 2.5 hours long, covers a short distance, and follows a standard sequence. Each walk begins by intentionally awakening and orienting the senses to the present time and place, followed by a series of connective invitations — often influenced by the physical place and the beings that inhabit it — that allow us to enter liminal space, where connection with the natural world comes intuitively. After each invitation, the group comes together to share what they are noticing, a practice that encourages human connection and cultural repair — a way to bear witness to another's experience. The walk ends with a wild tea ceremony to incorporate the experience into our daily life.
What to bring: Water, weather-appropriate clothing (layers are very helpful!), a personal cup/mug for tea if desired, something small to sit on if desired (blanket, sit pad, or a camp chair that can be easily carried).
COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS: Starting March 15th, 2022, we are no longer requiring masks for instructors and participants at our outdoor programs. This may change depending on the state of the pandemic. As we have throughout the pandemic, we closely follow the specific guidance for our programs.
TUITION: $30 (plus processing fees)
SUPPORT NATURE CONNECTION: Please consider making an additional donation to help TreeSong, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Anything helps and we thank you in advance!
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has." — Margaret Mead
PROCESSING FEES ARE ONLY APPLIED TO TUITION AMOUNTS, NEVER TO DONATIONS.
Instructor bio:
Janene Ritchie trained as a certified Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Therapy in 2018. She founded Wildish Nature Connections shortly thereafter, which provides nature-based experiences that invite us to rest in our innate desire for connection. She has an extensive background in environmental and place-based education and is also the Executive Director of forest collaborative on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Southwest Washington, where she lives with her spouse, three human-children, and one fur-child.
Learn more by visiting Janene’s website.