Forest Therapy Experiences

What is Forest Therapy? 

The idea that being with the forest is good for us should not be a surprise, since we have evolved living in natural places. This ancestral knowledge has now been confirmed by modern science.

Forest Therapy walks, also known as Forest Bathing, are based on the idea of shinrin-yoku which originated in the 1980’s in Japan and translates as “taking in the forest atmosphere”. As Japanese society was becoming urban and as more people worked in indoor, tech-based jobs, doctors noticed an increase in burnout and negative health symptoms. 

Scientific and medical research conducted in Japan and other parts of the world discovered that there are many measurable health benefits that come with this practice of slowing down and coming into the present moment: reduced stress, lower heart rate and blood pressure, improved concentration, creativity and mood. 

If you go out for several hours into a place that is wild, your mind begins to slow down, down, down. What is happening is that the clay of your body is retrieving its own sense of sisterhood with the great clay of the landscape.

~ John O'Donohue

Forest Therapy Walks at the Awen Center

Our 20-acre haven provides the perfect environment to slow down, de-stress and welcome calm back into your life. 

As a certified Forest Therapy Guide through the Forest Therapy School, Beth will lead a gentle walk along some of our trails. Along the way, we will be slowing down, opening our senses and relaxing in the present moment. Occasionally, she will be offering participants invitations or opportunities to engage with nature. 

Connect with Others

Share Tea

Choose a Parting Gift

Forest Therapy Retreat at The Awen Center


Schedule of Events

8:30 Continental Breakfast

9:00 Experience One: Settling In 

10:30 Break

10:45 Experience Two: Going Deeper

12:00 Free Time and Lunch on your own

1:00 Experience Three: Reconnecting with Kin

2:30 Break

2:45 Experience Four: Gratitude and Connection

4:30 Closing