Open Circle Connect: Forest Bathing Experience

2900 4 Mile Road Northeast,Grand Rapids MI 49525

26 March, 2023

Description

Join Open Circle for an outdoor experience exploring the benefits of Shinrin-yoku, a relaxing Japanese wellness practice also known as “forest bathing.” Shinrin-yoku is a well-researched method for natural stress relief, and is an approach to time in nature that focuses on slowing down, awakening our senses, and offering a deep level of our attention to what is happening in the world around us. This 1.5-hour event will be hosted by Gabby Clark, our Open Circle Community Host, and led by local ANFT certified forest therapy guide Katie Venechuk, who is the founder and primary program guide at In Your Element Wellness. Katie will start our morning with a brief introduction to the research and science behind shinrin-yoku and how it is different from a hike in the forest, and then we'll transition into a guided forest bathing experience to help you relax, awaken your senses, and notice the most subtle of details in the web of life around you. We'll end with a wild foraged tea ceremony and time to visit among the trees and blooming plants of spring. This event is not a hike and the total distance covered will be less than 1 mile. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Blankets are welcome!