Guided Nature & Forest Bathing Walk

8504 Northwest 43rd Street,Gainesville FL 32653

10 October, 2021

Description

Melt away stress and calm the mind by immersing your senses in the sights, sounds, scents and textures of nature. Nature and Forest Bathing is a wellness practice of immersing our senses in nature for the health of mind and body. Scientific studies have shown that Nature and Forest Bathing boosts our immunity, lowers cortisol (a marker of stress), reduces inflammation, and improves cognition and creativity. WHAT TO EXPECT This 2.5 hour experience is a slow walk through the fields, woods, and water features at Bonne et Belle Farm and concludes with a tea ceremony. This walk is not a hike. It’s a slow amble within a 1/4-1/2 mile area. The paths will be some blend of pavement, lawn, cow trails and footpaths on mostly even terrain. During the walk, your guide will offer a series of invitations, prompts of a sort, for connecting your senses to the natural world around you. These invitations typically last 10-15 minutes each. Following each invitation, the group will gather for the opportunity to share or simply listen to others’ sharings. The walk will conclude with tea under the trees. AGES Adults and Teens WHAT TO WEAR & BRING • Dress for comfort and for the weather. • Consider the Florida sun, insects, humidity, and occasional rain showers. • A water bottle, sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended. • Closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended, though there may be times you’re invited to take them off and wade in a creek. MEET YOUR GUIDE Anita Webster is a nature therapy guide-in-training by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, and she’s the owner of Bonne et Belle Farm. She has grown up on this land and has climbed the trees, waded in the creeks, explored the swamps and fields and can vouch for their awesomeness. CHECK IN Check in and parking is at the White Barn. Late arrivals may not be able to join, so please arrive at the scheduled time. I am the owner of Bonne et Belle Farm and a nature & forest therapy guide-in-training by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. Named for the French phrase "good and beautiful," Bonne et Belle Farm (pronounced bunn-ee-bell) is a nature sanctuary and private event venue in Gainesville, Florida. Come experience the restorative magic of Bonne et Belle's bird-filled woodlands, sunny fields, and big open sky. Life is good and beautiful at Bonne et Belle Farm.