Forest Bathing & Forest
Therapy Walks
The practice of forest therapy, also known as forest bathing, originated in Japan in the 1980’s, where is it is known as shinrin-yoku. It has now become popular worldwide.
Millions of people in Japan practice forest bathing each year, at designated forest therapy bases.
As your forest therapy guide, I will introduce you to the forests of Maine in a whole new way - through a series of movement and mindfulness invitations designed to facilitate calm, connection, and refreshment.
Join me in the forest for an upcoming walk and see what forest bathing can do for you!
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forest therapy walks
daily, thurs-sun @ 10am
Connect, reflect, and refresh the body and mind in this guided 2-hr session in a beautiful local forest.
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forest bathing (shinrin-yoku)
daily, thurs-sun @ 2pm
Explore forest bathing in this guided 2-hr immersion designed to refresh and rejuvenate the senses.
Meet Your Guide
Hi - I’m Blainor. As your forest therapy guide, I will take you on a forest experience that brings you a deeper connection with nature and improved wellbeing. Our forests are full of beauty, presence, and connection, and they are waiting for you. I can’t wait to take you through the forests I love, and introduce you to the art of shinrin-yoku.
What is Forest Bathing?
Forest Bathing is simple, yet the rewards are many.
Forest bathing means spending time in the forest with special attention to the senses - noticing the colors, textures, shapes, scents, and sounds that fill our world.
Forest bathing helps us relax, reduce stress, think more clearly, improve mood, develop patience, boost immunity, and restore energy and vitality.
There is a great deal of research happening on forest therapy. Studies have shown that forest therapy has the ability to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and to improve mood, sleep, and well-being.
What is Forest Therapy?
The terms forest therapy and forest bathing are interchangeable. However, I see forest bathing as a more sensory experience bringing relaxation and rejuvenation, while forest therapy as a means for people to explore milestones or challenges such as grief, change.
I am not a therapist or a doctor, and can not counsel you on psychological or physical matters. However, I can help you connect with the forest in a way that encourages mental and physical wellbeing.
Why Should I Do Forest Bathing or Forest Therapy?
My forest walks are so much more than a walk in the woods.
Each walk is tailored to the number of people in the group, the location, the weather, and other factors.
Forest therapy develops our natural connection with nature, and promotes mental and physical wellbeing. Forest therapy allows us to explore the forest, strengthen social connections, develop awareness of the senses, and build motor skills, persistence, creativity, and self-reliance. Also, it’s fun.
How does Forest Therapy help people and forests?:
Forest therapy inspires connection with nature, caring for the Earth, and a heightened sense of interconnection between people and forests.
“I enjoyed the small group and the fact that everyone that was there participated and was so expressive and open about what the experience was for them.”
“It felt good to be part of a group who are interested in forest therapy and nature appreciation. I very much enjoyed that we did some things together and also had periods of solo exploration--a nice mix.”
“I think that it opened my mind to all that you can perceive on a hike if you open your senses, mind and heart.”
What forest bathers are saying:
I noticed that I had a different feeling than usual, when I went to work afterward. More calm, tuned into a longer, smoother sense of time. It lasted throughout a good part of the day!”
“I liked the number of stages that were planned which seemed perfect as a first outing.”
“I really enjoyed discussing our observations afterward. Very insightful and fostered a deeper sense of connection with the woods and with each other!”
“A moment to slow down the heart and mind. We did so much but didn't have to travel very far.”
“Very relaxing and also energizing. Gave me a chance to slow down and use my senses.”
“I experienced a deepening of connection with others (humans).”
“I have never thought of practicing group meditation/mindfulness while in the deep woods before. I usually meditate by myself in a quiet spot.”
“I really liked the meditation part and would love it if that part were a bit longer. The tea was a grounding way to "come back", and I appreciated the brief chat at the end, sort of integrating our experiences.
“I really enjoyed discussing our observations afterward. Very insightful and fostered a deeper sense of connection with the woods and with each other!”
The time gave me time to be introspective and think about how much I value and strive for alone/quiet time. This helped me to understand why cross-country skiing in the woods and walking solo in the woods refuel and give me such peace of mind.
“I liked the pace and the range of experiences…this was my first encounter with forest therapy.”
“The reminder that I can choose what to focus on is always useful for me. The gentle invitations and curious guidance that Blainor provides are really great.”
“It was incredibly well-rounded. Worked well with the intimate size of the group.”
“I wasn't really familiar with forest therapy. Appreciated learning about the background as well. The forest context made my time feel intentional and purposeful.”
“It was magical to be in the woods with colleagues and our thoughtful and well-prepared guide who was perfect for leading and guiding the group.”
“Sharing my appreciation for this offering and affirmation that Blainor is an excellent forest therapy guide and facilitator.”
Loved the tea party at the end, the time to reflect on experiences especially on those during our solo exploration time.
“I think perceptions are always changing, especially when we aim to be receptive and immersed in our environment. My perception of the act and art of forest bathing itself deepen and expand a bit each time I participate in it.”