Forest Therapy: Mindfulness in Nature
renew - connect - relax - heal
Forest Therapy Walks
Forest Therapy is a mindful, healing and connective practice inspired by the Japanese practice of “Shinrin-Yoku” which translates into “forest bathing”.
Spending time in nature not only strengthens human immune response and reduces stress, but also make us more creative, mindful, and content in our lives. The beauty of Forest Therapy is that it connects humans and nature, so that both benefit from a renewed relationship.
Everyone can benefit from Forest Therapy Walks such as, but not limited to, people recovering from illness, youth, active military, veterans, people coping from loss, students, professionals, parents, people looking to better their mental health, first responders and seniors. Anyone who is looking to de-stress, slow down, heal and connect with nature.
Cataraqui Conservation Forest Therapy Walks - What We Offer
Due to COVID-19 restrictions all walks are being offered remotely (online)
While being out in a forest in person with our guide is ideal, under the current stay-at-home orders and lock down we can bring this experience to your home. It is amazing how restorative a remotely guided Forest Therapy Experience can be. You do not always need a forest to reconnect with yourself, others and more than human beings. A remotely guided Forest Therapy Experience is an opportunity to slow down and get out of your head and into your body and senses. The experience can take place either indoors beside a window, near your plants, or outside in your backyard (or a combination of both). You do not have to go far to have a big journey.
Private Group
We offer sessions for groups with a minimum of five people and a maximum of 15. Cost is $10 per person. Please contact sluxfordoddie@crca.ca to book your walk.
We can accommodate smaller groups (two to four people) for a minimum fee of $50.
Public Sessions
Don’t have enough people for a private group booking or looking to find out what Forest Therapy is all about? Try one of our scheduled public sessions. Cost is $10 per person.
Upcoming Sessions:
February 19
February 22
Frontline Workers & First Responders
There is little doubt that the current pandemic has created a significant amount of stress, uncertainty, trepidation, and anxiety throughout our communities. But the emotional and psychological toll is amplified for the valiant and dedicated emergency first responders and frontline workers who have worked tirelessly to keep our essential services going during the current and previous lockdowns. With that in mind, as a profound way to express our gratitude and to help these wonderful people mitigate some of the stress they are experiencing, Cataraqui Conservation is offering sessions in our remotely (virtual) guided versions of our lauded and successful Forest Therapy Program free of charge.
Upcoming sessions: February 18 and February 23
Our Guide
Our Forest Therapy walks will be guided by the CRCA’s Senior Conservation Educator, Stana Luxford Oddie who is accredited by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Program. She has decades of experience connecting people of all ages to nature.
TESTIMONIALS
“Stana has a beautiful leadership quality. I would recommend attending this workshop if you are looking to slow down, connect with other like-minded individuals and nature”
“Taking time out of a very busy day was challenging. However, it was such an amazing experience to simply be present. I noticed dew sparkling on a leaf for the first time since I was a child. I left feeling calm, aware and grateful for being alive.” – Peelu Hira
Photo Credits: Ben Page (waterfall), M. Amos Clifford (group, public, retreat), Amie Pilgrim (private), Ben Porchuk (Stana)