Forest Bathing
Be Healed in Nature with Inspirational Activities

“I have grown taller from walking with the trees.” —Karle Wilson Baker

Un-Plug from the constant pull and stress of the digital world and re-connect to the healing power of nature—with forest activities designed by world-renowned author and naturalist Joseph Bharat Cornell.

Forest Bathing, or Shinrin-yoku as it is known in Japan, began in 1982 when the director of the Japanese Forest Agency hypothesized that “bathing” in a phytoncide-rich environment would promote better health. He proposed the idea of Forest Bathing for relaxing the mind and for stress management. Today there are hundreds of studies showing the healing benefits of forests. 

Joseph Cornell has created a unique and powerful series of Forest activities to help us open more fully—and absorb—nature’s healing influences. Inspired by the yogic tradition, the activities dynamically focus our attention on nature in fun and creative ways.

During our time together you will learn these innovative nature activities to deepen your own experiences in nature—and ways you can share these experiences with others. At the conclusion of this retreat you will have the inspiration and action plan needed to make every walk in nature a revitalizing experience.

What you will gain:

• Breathe deeply nature’s healing influences in our 700 acres of coniferous and deciduous forests. Fill your tissues and pores with life-giving energy. Studies have shown that “bathing” in phytoncide-rich forests significantly decreases level of stress hormones, anxiety, anger, and fatigue.
• Practice nature meditation exercises to quiet your mind, expand your consciousness, and open your heart.
• Learn how to internalize your experience of nature and feel a greater sense of peace and connection. Our wellness exercises provide a restorative cure for the many ailments that arise from spending too little time outdoors.
• Inspirational stories of great nature lovers
• Feel a spirit of community and communion with others and with nature.

Please note: Most of our time together will be spent outdoors, walking short distances in a relaxed manner. Please bring comfortable walking shoes, hat, rain jacket, and water bottle.

Bonus: You will be given a signed copy of Joseph’s book, The Sky and Earth Touched Me–Sharing Nature Wellness Exercises 

“Joseph Cornell is one of the true founding fathers of Forest Therapy practice. It was Joseph who—decades ago—recognized and learned to utilize the positive health potential forests and natural environments have on human beings.” –Doctors Qing Li, Won Sop Shin, Andreas Michalsen, and Dieter Kotte, Editors, International Handbook of Forest Therapy