Guided Nature Therapy Walk

Have you ever wished that you could spend less time “in your head”, and instead enjoy that feeling when one or more of your senses comes alive in a positive, relaxing natural setting? Do you want to be more productive in your daily life? Would you prefer to get better sleep and be less stressed? If your answer is yes to any of those things, or you just enjoy being out in Nature, then a forest therapy walk is exactly what you need!

Forest therapy originated with the Japanese practice of shin rin yoku, which translates as “forest bathing”. Forest therapy is not a hike, nor is it focused on arriving at any particular destination. It is not a contest, so it’s not about how fast you walk or how far you go. Forest therapy involves immersing yourself in Nature through a nice, leisurely walk that offers a very particular guided experience. You will be invited to disconnect from the stress and fast pace of your work and daily life, and instead reconnect with your senses in a way that provides both mental and physical benefits. Through a series of guided invitations, you will be offered the perfect opportunity to slow down and explore the space around you, getting to know the natural beings who are sharing that space with you.

Some of the many known benefits of forest therapy are: decreased stress, decreased anxiety and depression; improved concentration, better sleep, and overall feelings of well-being. Forest therapy has also been proven to improve cardiovascular and metabolic health, lower blood pressure, and boost the immune system. All this from spending a beautiful day out in Nature with your own personal guide!

Our walk will conclude with a special tea ceremony. All supplies will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own drink or snack to enjoy during the tea ceremony as well. * Please let us know about any food allergies you may have.

Guide: Deborah Skorupski, Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide, Owner of Florida Nature & Forest Therapy LLC

Join Ginny Shaddock, IAYT Yoga Therapist and MFA in Creative Writing (and owner of Heartwood) for a workshop on personal writing for deeper awareness and journaling techniques. Ginny’s “Yoga on the Page” workshops have been taught at Heartwood, local colleges and in writing communities and were a favorite before covid paused our writing series. We are delighted to be offering once again the opportunity to learn about journaling with the intentions and integrity of yoga’s teachings fueling our exploration. Come enjoy the introduction of various creative exercises and novel approaches to journaling to unleash blocked energy and uncover new personal insights. Students will be provided notes and in addition to lecture and learning about journaling, we will be writing and sharing. Students go home with notes, a gift journal, and plenty of inspiration.