WHAT IS FOREST BATHING?

Forest bathing — inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku — is the practice of intentionally slowing down and immersing yourself in the atmosphere of nature.

Despite the name, there is no actual bathing involved.

And this isn't a hike.

We aren't focused on how far we can walk, how many steps we take, or reaching a particular destination.

Instead, we slow everything down.

We notice the movement of the trees.

The feeling of air against our skin.

The sounds we normally overlook.

The textures beneath our fingertips.

The scent of the earth.

The way sunlight moves through the leaves.

Forest bathing gives us an opportunity to step out of constant doing and return to something much simpler:

Being present.

One of the things I love most about forest bathing is that there is nothing you need to achieve.

You don't need to meditate perfectly.

You don't need to clear your mind.

You don't need to understand plants.

You don't need to be spiritual.

And you certainly don't need to be an experienced hiker.

I will offer gentle invitations throughout our time together, but they are exactly that — invitations.

You always have permission to participate in the way that feels right for you.

This experience belongs to you.

WHAT A FOREST BATHING EXPERIENCE MAY LOOK LIKE

We begin by arriving.

Not just physically arriving in the space — but allowing ourselves to mentally and emotionally arrive as well.

I'll gently guide you through grounding and sensory practices designed to help you transition out of the pace of everyday life and into the natural environment around you.

From there, we move slowly through a series of nature-based invitations.

You might be invited to:

• Notice movement, light, sound, texture, or scent

• Wander slowly without needing a destination

• Spend quiet time with a tree, plant, stone, water, or other element of nature

• Explore your surroundings through your senses

• Sit quietly and observe what is happening around you

• Practice mindful breathing or grounding

• Journal or reflect

• Notice what comes up emotionally without needing to change it

• Explore curiosity and play

• Share reflections when you feel called to

There may be moments of silence.

There may be conversation.

There may be laughter.

There may be emotion.

There may simply be stillness.

There is no particular experience you are supposed to have.

NATURE DOESN'T ASK YOU TO PERFORM

There is something incredibly freeing about being somewhere that doesn't require anything from you.

The trees don't care how productive you were today.

The river isn't asking whether you've accomplished enough.

The wind isn't interested in your résumé, your relationship status, your mistakes, your responsibilities, or whether you have your life figured out.

Nature simply meets you where you are.

And sometimes, when we spend enough time there, we begin to remember how to meet ourselves there too.

WHY FOREST BATHING?

Many of us spend our days moving from one responsibility to another.

Work.

Family.

Phones.

Notifications.

Schedules.

Conversations.

Decisions.

Expectations.

Even our attempts at self-care can become another thing we're trying to accomplish.

Forest bathing offers something different.

A deliberate slowing down.

Time in nature can create space for presence, reflection, sensory awareness, connection, creativity, and rest.

Your experience might leave you feeling more grounded.

You may notice clarity around something you've been carrying.

You may reconnect with a part of yourself that has been difficult to hear.

Or you may simply spend a beautiful morning outside noticing things you normally walk past.

All of those experiences are enough.

FOREST BATHING MAY BE FOR YOU IF...

You've been feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated.

You've been moving through life on autopilot.

You spend most of your time taking care of everyone else.

You feel disconnected from yourself.

You crave more time outdoors but aren't sure how to intentionally connect with nature.

You want to explore mindfulness without sitting inside trying to meditate.

You're navigating a transition or new season of life.

You're craving quiet.

You want a deeper relationship with the natural world.

You are curious about slowing down and experiencing nature differently.

Or maybe you can't explain why.

You just feel called outside.

That's enough too.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE "OUTDOORSY"

You don't have to hike mountains.

You don't have to camp.

You don't have to know the names of trees.

You don't need special spiritual beliefs.

And you don't need to be particularly comfortable with meditation.

Forest bathing is about relationship rather than expertise.

Your relationship with nature.

Your relationship with your senses.

And ultimately, your relationship with yourself.

WALK WITH BROOKE FOREST BATHING EXPERIENCES

Private Forest Bathing

A more intimate experience designed for you or a small private group.

Private experiences can be beautiful for:

• Personal reflection

• Life transitions

• Birthdays

• Mother-daughter experiences

• Friendship gatherings

• Couples

• Small groups

• Intentional time alone with guidance

• Reconnecting with yourself

Community Forest Bathing Walks

Slow down in community while still having space for your own individual experience.

Community walks offer an opportunity to connect with nature alongside others through guided sensory invitations, quiet exploration, reflection, and optional sharing.

Perfect for beginners.

Come alone or bring a friend.

Forest Bathing for Women's Circles & Groups

Forest bathing can also be incorporated into private women's circles, wellness gatherings, community events, and intentional group experiences.

Each experience can be thoughtfully adapted around the intention of your gathering while keeping nature at the center.

WHAT TO BRING

Comfort is more important than looking the part.

Depending on the location and season, you may want to bring:

• Comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather
• Closed-toe or comfortable walking shoes
• Water
• Sunscreen
• A hat or light layers
• A small journal if you enjoy writing
• Something to sit on if requested for your particular walk

Most importantly:

Bring yourself exactly as you are.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is forest bathing a hike?

Not really. Although we may walk for portions of the experience, forest bathing is intentionally slow. We may cover a surprisingly small distance because the purpose isn't exercise or reaching a destination.

Do I need experience with meditation?

Not at all. Forest bathing can actually be a beautiful alternative for people who find traditional seated meditation difficult.

Is forest bathing religious or spiritual?

No particular belief system is required. You are welcome to experience forest bathing purely as mindfulness and nature connection or allow the experience to hold spiritual meaning for you if that resonates.

Do I have to talk or share personal information?

No. Sharing is always optional. You are welcome to participate quietly.

Can beginners participate?

Absolutely. Forest bathing is naturally beginner-friendly because there is no skill you need to master.

How physically demanding is it?

Experiences are generally slow-paced rather than strenuous. The specific terrain and accessibility information will always be provided before each scheduled walk so you can decide whether that particular location is appropriate for you.

What happens if the weather changes?

Outdoor experiences are dependent on conditions. Participants will receive updates if weather or safety concerns require a change, reschedule, or cancellation.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO FAR TO COME BACK TO YOURSELF

Sometimes we spend years searching for clarity.

And sometimes what we really need is an hour beneath the trees.

A little less noise.

A little more noticing.

A little space between ourselves and everything demanding our attention.

Come walk slowly.

Come breathe.

Come notice.

Come exactly as you are.

Come walk with me.