Talk CIrcle

This month we meet from 6-8pm at IJAMS NATURE CENTER for a Forest Bathing experience guided by Sarah Schortz, a professionally trained guide.

When entering IJAMS, turn left into the side parking lot where I’ve reserved free parking for 25 cars, should we need that many. Sarah will meet us there & walk us to the Miller Building Pavilion where our session will begin. There will be restrooms.

Please dress comfortably for being in nature. Bring a blanket, small chair if you want one, water or other beverage & bug spray if necessary. We go rain or shine, so bring a raincoat if, necessary, to walk to the pavilion where we’ll sit under cover.

Below is info about Forest Bathing & its health benefits as well as info about Sarah.

Hope to see you there. It should be a lovely evening!
Namaste’
Joyce
What is forest bathing?
Forest Bathing is a way of meaningfully moving through and being with the forest (or any natural setting). When forest bathing, our intention is to slow down, to notice, to feel, to be.

The practice originated in Japan in the 1980’s and has spread around the world, where it is interpreted across time and place by those who add their own unique spin to the guiding of the practice.

Studies have shown that practicing forest bathing has measurable positive impacts on our wellbeing as humans.

Benefits of forest bathing:
Forest bathing can benefit our physiological wellbeing by improving sleep and energy, enhancing immunity, improving digestion and reducing inflammation and blood pressure.

Regarding mental wellbeing, forest bathing can help improve focus and memory, feed creativity, reduce anxiety and support relaxation.

Forest bathing supports emotional wellbeing by fostering a sense of connection to ourselves, nature, and our fellow forest bathers. Forest bathing helps us to feel more alive, more present and to tap into joy, awe and wholeness.

How is forest bathing different from a hike?
The “goal” of forest bathing is to slow down and be with nature. Typically only a short distance is travelled. The majority of the time is spent in a small area of the forest where you'll be guided to gather with the group and wander about to explore on your own with suggested optional prompts provided by your guide.

What to expect at a forest bathing program with Sarah Schortz:
Sarah Schortz guides participants through 2-hour workshops with the intention to help them slow down and find that quiet, grounded peacefulness within themselves and nature that is available to all of us. Sometimes we just need a little help finding it.

During the two-hour, immersive experience, you will be guided through a series of relaxing activities designed to help you slow down, and mindfully engage with and explore the natural world through your senses while you discover new ways of being in and with nature.

About Sarah:
I’ve been forest bathing my whole life, I just didn’t know there was a name for the peace and connection I felt when I wandered in forests and sat along shores.

Fueled by the desire to share the healing gifts of nature with others, I earned a masters degree in Recreation Therapy and formally trained as a Forest Bathing Guide with the Association of Nature + Forest Therapy (ANFT)