Shinrin-Yoku, aka “Forest Bathing”, is a Japanese wellness practice that welcomes us to take in–or “bathe” in–the forest atmosphere with all of our senses (no actual bathing entailed). We all know, and now many studies confirm, Nature has the ability to calm, inspire, and restore us, including lowering stress, anxiety, and depression, increasing our natural cancer-killer cells, and increasing creativity, memory, and attention. During this event, we will take some much-needed time to cast off the grind, turn off technology, and receive what is offered naturally to us as beings, knitted into the reciprocal relationship with the earth.

Kripalu-Certified Mindful Outdoor Guide Molly Freiberg will guide our group in a beautiful natural setting to center us in the present moment and get into our bodies by breathing and opening our 5+ senses. We will then set out in a slow, quiet saunter, each of us exploring the terrain with open playfulness, curiosity, and flow. As we experience it through all of our senses, we begin to appreciate the complex wonders we often don’t notice when we are rushed or distracted. We will stop a few times to discuss what we are each noticing and finish with a sit-spot meditation and some refreshing tea.

This event will include periods of slow walking, mostly on trails, and may include periods of standing or sitting in the woods. Please remember to dress in weather-appropriate layers. No experience necessary, beginners very welcome.

Molly Freiberg, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, the owner of Inhabit & Rise, her private therapy practice, and a Kripalu-certified Mindful Outdoor Guide. Currently she loves offering in-person, virtual, and walk-and-talk therapy out in nature, training therapists and counselors about mindfulness in nature, supervising MSW students at SUNY Albany, and guiding Mindful Nature Walks and events throughout the area.

https://linktr.ee/inhabit.rise