Forest Bathing

Forest Bathing

Inspired by the Japanese model of Forest Bathing, ANFT has developed a methodology facilitated by guides like myself to open up the healing powers of nature. Our time together on a guided Forest and Nature Therapy walk is not a hike or naturalist adventure, but an opportunity to slow down and allow our bodies to engage all of our senses. A typical program is structured through “invitations”. These prompts are the gateways through which we can use our senses to explore the sensations we’re immersed in from moment to moment. There are no prescribed outcomes expected from these experiences. Simply being immersed in nature with a guided program for several hours is benefit enough. Forest and Nature Therapy offers us the opportunity to slow down. It re-aligns our rhythms with the landscape, allowing our senses a respite from everyday demands and uncertainties. It’s a chance to remember ourselves and the joyful relationships that await us outside.

When You Arrive

Sign in under the canopy of Hartsbrook Hall (the green building next to the parking lot) and receive your visitor’s badge. Please dress for the weather, and we recommend you wear waterproof high boots, gaiters, long pants tucked into socks, or other protection against ticks, poison ivy, thorny brush, and wet ground.

Led by Todd Lynch

Todd Lynch is a certified Forest and Nature Therapy guide. He received this credential through the Association of Forest and Nature Therapy training program. As an artist and landscape designer, Todd has collaborated on healing gardens, native, medicinal plantings and art installations across the US. He lives in Western Massachusetts. He blogs about the intersections of landscape, wellness and art on Instagram @ecotropy. Visit: www.ecotropy.net to learn more. Todd is a Hartsbrook parent!