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 healing environment 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.  

Registration deadline is October 2.

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. In 2013 she became a facilitator for Life Skills International and teaches a psycho-educational course that assists women in deepening character and building healthy relationships. Her passion lies in helping others enrich and deepen relationships of all kinds, including relationship with the natural world. 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.  He also is a men’s facilitator for Life Skills International, a 6-month character building psycho-educational course. 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.”

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Cost

Adults - $15.00

Child - $15.00

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Category

Programs

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