Shinrin Yoku/Japanese Forest Bathing

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Event Summary

Immerse yourself in nature and experience the benefits of being fully present in the medicine of the forest. This gentle two hour forest therapy walk offers a rich experience in nature that can improve mood and provide relaxation. Certified guides from Forest Therapy Pathways, will guide you to use your senses to take in the restorative powers of nature.

Shinrin-yoku or forest bathing offers researched based health benefits such as lowered blood pressure, decreased anxiety, and improved cognitive functioning. Slow down and unplug with mindfulness based and nature connection invitations. Join us for this unique wellness activity to unwind and rejuvenate!  

Note: Please come prepared by wearing comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers. Bring a water bottle. You may find a small backpack useful. We will walk if there is light rain, so bring rain gear if showers are possible.  

Minimum age 12. Registration deadline is June 5.

Program Cancellation Policy:  If the program reservation is cancelled before the registration deadline the individual will be issued a full refund.   If the program reservation is cancelled after the registration deadline, the individual will be refunded payment only if the  assigned space is re-reserved by another person.  If assigned space is not re-reserved, no refund will be given. The program reservation fee may also be transferred to another program prior to the registration deadline providing the program is not full. 

Instructors:  Julie Breshears, B.S., has been a lover of the natural world since she was a young girl growing up on a farm in Iowa. Her inborn curiosity and appreciation of nature’s balm has drawn her to wild places throughout her life. She studied biology, chemistry and psychology while attending Graceland University and earned a bachelor’s degree in home economics education from Iowa State University in 1986. An educator at heart, she thrives on sharing knowledge that cultivates health and happiness. Julie has experience in a variety of educational settings including public school, higher education, adult education, cooperative extension service, day care, and home schooling.  In 2017, Julie completed her forest therapy guide certification with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs. She is also Wilderness First Aid certified. Currently she shares the delights of the natural world with others by leading forest therapy walks across Iowa with her husband, Joseph.

Joseph Breshears received his certification to become a forest therapy guide in 2017 from the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs and his Wilderness First Aid Certification in 2016. His passion is to enrich the lives of people through nature connection and human connection.  He holds a B.A, in psychology and is working towards a master's’ degree in mental health counseling. About himself Joseph says, “My life would have less meaning without a nature connection. As a boy I climbed trees and played outside all the time.  My family went camping most summers.  A nature connection helped me learn the life lessons of love, belonging, beauty, awe, wonder, and gratitude”.

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Cost

Adults - $15.00

Child - $15.00

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Category

Programs

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