3/11 Guided Nature Therapy Walk & Forest Bathing

4635 Lake Harbor Road,Norton Shores MI 49441

11 March, 2023

Description

Join us in the forest. Together we will slow our bodies and minds, unplug from technology and open our senses, and find pleasure in connecting to the real world of nature around us. What is Nature Therapy? Nature Therapy is inspired by the research-based practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or Forest Bathing. Studies have proven what we know to be true: spending time in nature positively affects human health and wellness. People who spend time in nature experience a decrease in stress levels, improved outlook, focus, and energy, as well as many other health benefits. What to Expect During the walk, your ANFT-certified guide will offer the group a series of crafted invitations designed to facilitate the slowing down of your mind and body, the awakening of your senses, and your connection to the natural world. Following each invitation, we will come together in community to reflect on and share our experiences. We will share forest tea and a light snack at the close of each walk. Each walk will last 2.5-3 hours. This experience is designed to be slow and gentle; we will not move very far or quickly. The sensory-based invitations are just that, invitations. Everything we do on a guided walk is open to your own modification or interpretation. Because of this, a Guided Forest Therapy walk is accessible to many people with varied mobility challenges. Can I do this? Please consider your comfort level with the following mobility requirements for a guided walk. Sit, stand, and walk (less than a mile) for the 2.5-3 hour guided walk Walk on uneven earthSit on a pad on the ground or on a portable camp stool/chair Please reach out to us directly if you have specific mobility challenges. We offer private guided walks customizable to location or mobility challenges as an alternative to a community walk. What to wear and bring on your walk Please dress comfortably and appropriately for walking, sitting on the ground, and moving through nature. Dress in layers. We will move slowly through the forest, sometimes under cover of trees. Wear or bring one layer more than you would for a regular walk in the same weather. Wear hiking boots or other shoes that you are comfortable getting dirty.Consider bringing water/drink, a backpack, and anything else you need to be comfortable. Consider bringing a portable stool or a camp chair (that you will carry with you on the walk) if you are uncomfortable sitting on the earth. I will have yoga mat sit pads for all participants to use for sitting on the earth. Consider bringing a walking stick if that would make you more comfortable walking on uneven earth. I have a few to borrow at the beginning of the walk. Consider leaving your phone in your car or turning off all notifications to unplug and experience the present moment in nature. Other Details Ages 12 and up Humans only; please do not bring pets Each group will be limited to 15 Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of the walk. We will meet in the parking lot. WeatherAll walks will be held rain or shine. Tiny Turtle will cancel events if extreme weather, such as freezing temperatures below 20 F, snowstorms, thunder/lightning, or high winds. Cancellation and Refund Policy Please note there is a NO REFUND policy. A refund will only be issued to participants if the event is canceled by Tiny Turtle Nature Therapy due to insufficient enrollment, extreme weather conditions, or Covid-19 restrictions. We will notify participants of cancelation asap before the event via email and phone, and a full refund will be processed. Covid-19This event will be held entirely outside, with ample space for social distancing. The choice to wear a mask or not will be honored. Please only attend the walk if you are well and have NOT tested positive for Covid-19 within the past 5 days. For more information, or if you have questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with Tracy at 231.563.0931 with your questions. www.tinyturtlenaturetherapy.com