Forest Bathing Walk

Experience the healing and wellness benefits of shinrin-yoku, the practice of immersing yourself and engaging your senses in the restorative atmosphere of the forest and natural environments.

During this walk, you will be offered a series of guided, sensory invitations that will awaken your senses, cultivate relationships and healing interactions with the natural world. The walks will be slow, cover a short distance and include stops along the way. To finish, we will enjoy a tea ceremony and light snacks together. The walk will be held entirely outdoors on the Nature Museum grounds. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

Research has shown that 'bathing in the environment of the forest' has many positive health benefits. The process of re-remembering and re-knowing our bodily connection to nature can lead to reduced stress, a decrease in blood pressure, a reduction in anxiety & depression and an increased feeling of comfort and calm.

This event is appropriate for the whole family! Through connecting with nature, you can connect better with each other and share a sense of wonder.

MEET YOUR GUIDE: Jane Wandless

Jane is a Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT) and the owner of JEM Nature & Forest Therapy. She is also the Program Manager for The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI). Jane has a BS in Business Management from Towson University (Maryland) and enjoys camping and traveling to our state and national parks. She is passionate about the opportunity to build a place in communities for individuals to cultivate their relationships with the natural world through slow, sensory walks. Learn more @jemnaturewalks on Instagram.