Guided New Year's Day Forest Bathing

Start off the year with a wandering journey of alignment and connection through your senses and the natural world right into the abundance of what's ahead. Gift yourself (and a friend!) the time to slow down, attune your senses, and lean in to whatever doors the calendar change opens right in the north end of the neighborhood.

This nature immersion is an opportunity to slow down and unplug, to recharge, reconnect, and refresh in nature. You will be guided by Skunk through a series of sensory oriented invitations to get out of your head and into the present moment, with opportunities to connect with fellow participants.

While there are many things that this nature immersion is not - a hike, a naturalist walk, a conservation exercise, Zen meditation - there is no right or wrong way to bathe in the urban wilds. This framework is inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku - bathing in the atmosphere of the forest. While this practice is open-ended with no guaranteed outcomes, it promotes physiological and emotional wellbeing through an array of evidence-based health benefits and supports integrated deepening of our relationships to self, other human beings, and the natural world.  

This experience is outside in the fields and urban forest of Starr Farm Park, moving at a slow leisurely pace. It is January in VT, and though things have been unseasonably warm, please note that forecasted temps are a few degrees below freezing. Please wear warm (and if possible waterproof and wind resistant) clothing. Small hand and toe warmers will be available, but nothing beats appropriate gear!   This guided experience will run for approximately two and a half hours, and will conclude with wild tea and a light snack.

There are no restrooms or toilets available on site in this season. Public restrooms are available less than a 5 minute drive from the park at the Jolley Station at 1555 North Avenue, and there are an abundance of facilitrees in the woods! Please take care of bio needs accordingly, and plan to arrive a few minutes early so we can begin promptly at 10am. 

Registration must be complete prior to participation.

Please reach out to WildEmbraceIRD@gmail.com with any access needs, questions, or comments!