Nature Rx - Forest Bathing, Spring Series (Limit 10)

Enjoy monthly 90 min. Nature Rx sessions with a Certified Forest Therapy guide to discover the restorative practice of Forest Bathing which helps you soak in the sights, sounds, & scents of nature to slow the body, calm the mind, & open the heart.

Tuition $60.00

Forest Bathing

Forest Bathing, or Shinrin-Yoku, is the practice of spending time in nature and forested areas for the purpose of enhancing health, wellness, and happiness. There is a specific intention to connect with nature for healing by mindfully moving through the landscape in ways that cultivate presence, open all the senses, and create opportunities for mindfulness and nature communication. The focus is on the journey, not the destination, with guided walks of typically a mile or less, ranging in duration from two to four hours. Mindfulness is developed through an evolving series of suggested invitations. Each invitation is crafted to help participants slow down, open their senses, and deepen their connection with nature.

Benefits of Forest Bathing

Receive the physiological benefits that are generated from engaging in Shinrin-Yoku. These benefits have been found to last 7-30 days after a Shinrin-Yoku session when practiced regularly! Benefits include: Reduced blood pressure and heart rate * Reduced cortisol levels lower stress, risks for heart disease, anxiety, depression, weight problems, and impairment in memory and concentration * Improved immune system, including increased Natural Killer (NK) cells * Improved parasympathetic nerve activity leading to better sleep * Reduced sympathetic nerve activity * Reduced impacts of stressful events * Improved sense of well-being * Improved engagement and accessibility in physical activity * Improved attention and focus * Reduced anger and hostility

Forest Bathing for Health and Wellness

Forest Bathing is a regularly timed wellness vacation where stress and schedules are left behind and breath, stillness, joy, wonder, and self are re-discovered.

The Experience

Learn how to connect with nature and develop the wellness practice of mindfulness. The focus is on the journey, not the destination, with guided walks of typically a half mile or less. Mindfulness is developed through an evolving series of suggested invitations which develop ways to connect and use your senses to interact with the natural environment. Each invitation, sometimes done while walking, sometimes while sitting, is crafted to help participants slow down, open all of their senses, connect with the present moment and deepen their connection with nature. We move slowly and intentionally while enjoying the journey of each step as we engage with nature. Each session will end with an informal tea ceremony as a final means for nature connection.
Days and Times

Join your Certified Forest Therapy guide the first Friday of each month 6:00 -7:30 pm. We will meet at McDonald Farm at 10S404 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville, IL. Enjoy exploring, learning about, and connecting with natural areas and enjoy the seasonal beauty. This is a live in-person immersion, and in order to practice covid precautions, registration is limited to 10 participants. *** Spring Session: Friday, May 7 at 6:00 pm; Friday, June 4 at 6:00 pm
Need to Know

We will travel less than a mile at a slow pace on a gravel, grass and mulched trail. Dress appropriately for the weather. Cell phones and other electronic devices are requested to be left in your car, or turned to airplane mode. You are welcome to bring whatever will make your experience comfortable - a water bottle, insect repellent, hat, walking stick, umbrella, blanket, or other gear. A portable chair may be useful if standing for an hour or sitting on the ground is difficult. Your guide can assist with carrying your chair if needed. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking outside as weather permits.

Instructor - Guide

Nature Rx Guide

Jodi Trendler

Jodi Trendler is a co-founder of The Resiliency Institute. Jodi has worked to build community sustainability through several non-profit, community and municipal organizations over her career. She has advanced training in permaculture design and teaching as well as training with several veteran permaculture designers, and became a certified Forest Therapy Guide in 2015. Jodi uses this certification in combination with her training in psychology and stress management to help people develop mindfulness practices for resilient living. The Resiliency Institute’s nature connection programming is a foundational component to all programs. It is our philosophy that re-connecting people to nature is the necessary leverage point to ensure the success of all other resilience building programs. Jodi always welcomes the opportunity to share a walk in the woods or forest garden with everyone who will join her!

FAQ

Where are the sessions held?
We will watch the seasons change at McDonald Farm: 10S404 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville, IL 60565.
What should I bring for the walks?
You are welcome to bring whatever will make your experience comfortable - a water bottle, insect repellent, hat, walking stick, umbrella, blanket, or other gear. A portable chair may be useful if standing for an hour or sitting on the ground is difficult. Your guide can assist with carrying your chair if needed. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking outside as weather permits.
Do I need special gear to participate?
No special gear is required, and comfortable walking shoes should be adequate. A backpack that can be set on the ground is recommended if you bring several loose items.