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Sessions & Retreats

What is
Forest Bathing

What to expect

Forest bathing originated in Japan in the 1980s during their economic growth. The work stress impacted people's physical and mental health. The government decided to take care of it by providing a stress reduction intervention in the forest. Shinrin Yoku translated means forest bathing and with forest bathing means the act to immerse oneself in the forest. There was a change in the overall well-being of the Japanese workforce. Since then more and more science and research results are emerging about the relationship of people with nature and the many benefits when people connect with nature. We are part of the Ecosytem, and together we can heal. 

Forest Bathing

Before you book a Forest Bathing session in St. Paul or Roseville, MN area it will be important for you to know what to expect. Forest bathing is mindfulness in nature.  Your guide invites you to sequenced nature-based activities which activate all your senses. Through this embodied experience you can feel more alive, come into the present moment with ease, and it reduces your cortisol level in the body.

I will work with you to find a matching location near you. You start with an Intro session and then you can talk after the session to your guide if you like to continue with an individualized plan and/or group geared to your specific needs. Sessions can be anywhere from 1-3 hrs depending what you booked for. We will meet in city, regional or county parks. All sessions will take place year round outside unless the weather is unsafe (lightning, heavy winds, storm warning, hail). Appropriate clothing and dressing according to the weather will be an important part in order to have a good experience on your forest bathing walk. You will get information by email for each session preparing you for the walk. with location, weather forecast and what to bring. We will be monitoring the weather, and ask you to use protection like sunscreen, insect repellent, hats, proper clothing and shoes to help you to have a safe experience. 

There are no prerequisites for physical health apart from being able to walk. Depending on your mobility, impairment and/or physical health condition the choice of park, terrain, and path is adjusted. We cover around 1-2 miles in a session.

Forest bathing is preventive care and does not address or replace mental health or other medical care service needs. But it can complement a holistic treatment plan. 

For nature-based therapy sessions, please check out nature-based therapy and also check out animal-assisted therapy options.

My Services

Land Acknowledgement

I recognize my Swiss Identity shaped me in how I understand cultures. Working in America brought me in touch with the hurtful reality many people suffered through Europeans coming to this land and claiming it. When working in America I acknowledge that the land in St. Paul and Roseville area where I do my work on, was stolen from the Indigenous People who lived here already long before European explorers believed to have discovered new land, settlers came and colonies were build. In a treaty in 1851 the US government took the land from the Dakotas. I therefore want to recognize on my walks the land we get to stand on with gratitude and understanding that this is stolen land and belongs to the Dakota people. Learn more about the Land we are on on Native Governance Center.

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