Join us for a 2-hour Forest Bathing experience and reconnect with nature. Slow down, breathe deeply, and immerse yourself in the forest. Guided by a certified forest therapist, you’ll explore mindful walking, sensory activities, and reflective moments. We will move through a series of invitations, which are simple, sensory practices that encourage the senses to come forward, as the thinking mind settles. Everything is optional and you are encouraged to follow the wisdom of your own body, heart, mind, and spirit.🌳
BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Forest Bathing Walks are vital for creating safe, nurturing spaces where participants can connect with nature and each other without the pressures of navigating dominant culture. Historically, BIPOC communities have been excluded from outdoor spaces, facing barriers and discrimination that limit access to nature. Affinity spaces like these walks provide a restorative environment where shared experiences and cultural understanding are honored. By fostering a sense of belonging, these walks help to heal collective wounds, reclaim our relationship with the land, and empower participants to find peace and connection in nature.✨
What is Forest Bathing?
Forest Bathing is Forest Therapy, or Shinrin-yoku, a Japanese practice that has garnered attention for its ability to immerse people into their natural environment. It helps people take a deep breath and rediscover our true essence, to remember our purpose and how we can serve the world. By immersing ourselves in nature and engaging our senses, we can reap the many benefits of forest therapy such as improved immune function, cardiovascular and respiratory health, and reduced stress and depression. However, these benefits are simply a byproduct of the deeper healing that occurs when we re-establish a connection with the natural world around us.🌿
About Bird Alliance of Oregon
Bird Alliance of Oregon’s passionate and growing community has loved and advocated for Oregon’s wildlife and wild places for more than 100 years. With the help of our vast network of advocates, nature enthusiasts, and partners, we inspire and connect people to nature through a variety of programs that are grounded in science and learning. Bird Alliance of Oregon’s 172-acre Wildlife Sanctuary is nestled against Forest Park just ten minutes from downtown Portland. The free-to-the-public sanctuary is family friendly, has more than four miles of forested hiking trails, and is a safe-haven for native flora and fauna.🐦