Join us for a 2 hour Forest Bathing experience and reconnect with nature. Slow down, breathe deeply, and connect to the Land. 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 Smith and Bybee Wetlands
Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area is a public park and nature reserve between the Columbia Slough and the Columbia River in Portland, Oregon. At about 2,000 acres (810 ha), it is one of the largest urban freshwater wetlands in the United States. Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife including beaver, bald eagles and western painted turtles. 🌱