Question 1

Forest Bathing? Do I need to bring soap?

Accepted Answer

No, definitely not! Although the term's second word is bathing, these walks have nothing to do with taking your clothes off (please don't) and bathing in water. Instead, I'll help you slow down and bath your senses in the natural world so that you can connect to nature and each other.

Question 2

Is this a typical nature walk?

Accepted Answer

No, it isn't. This is not a fast walk focused on names and identification of flora and fauna. The emphasis is on slowing down and connecting with nature in a meaningful way.

Question 3

What is Forest Bathing anyway?

Accepted Answer

Forest Bathing or Shinrin-Yoku is a guided walk sequence that combines mindfulness and nature to provide a unique sensory experience for you, allowing you to connect with nature differently.

Question 4

Will I meet other people?

Accepted Answer

During the walk, a good deal of time is set aside for sharing your experiences. As the walk progresses, the sharing  will help you connect to other walkers (and nature).

Question 5

What health benefits are associated with Shinrin-Yoku/Forest Bathing?

Accepted Answer

Reduced blood pressure, decreased heart rate, lower stress hormone (cortisol), increased NK cells (the body's first line of defense against tumors and cancer), improved creativity and mental function are all proven health benefits.

Question 6

Is this walk appropriate for me if I have depression, anxiety or other mental health challenges?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely yes!  As long as you’re comfortable having an individual experience of nature and coming together with others 3-5 times during the walk, forest therapy can help you heal. I have had depression and anxiety in the past and found meditation and nature individually to reduce my symptoms.Fores

Question 7

Why do I need a guide to do Forest Bathing?

Accepted Answer

We provide the container for your experience and facilitate sharing and connection with natural beings and other humans. Plus you won't have to worry about the details of where you're going, how you get back, how much time you should spend at various points, etc.

Question 8

Who will be my Forest Therapy guide?

Accepted Answer

Hugh Klesch-Sawyer, certified Forest Therapy Guide, will facilitate the walk Hugh is a trained Forest Therapy Guide and mindfulness practitioner.

Question 9

How difficult is the walk?

Accepted Answer

You only need to be able to navigate an easy to moderate trail. We will not follow the main trail at Unity Village all the way to its end (due to difficulty level).

Question 10

What is Forest Therapy vs Forest Bathing

Accepted Answer

Hugh is a certified Forest Therapy Guide. Forest Bathing involves a sensory immersion in nature that can be done  by yourself. Forest Therapy is a guided application of this practice in which the guide hold the pace, offer structure, and create invitations that support therapeutic benefits.

Question 11

Who are the Stillpaths representatives at the event?

Accepted Answer

Hugh Klesch-Sawyer, Certified Forest Therapy Guide will guide the walk. He was certified by The Forest Therapy School (IMMA certified)  in 2025 and this will be his 12th guided Forest Therapy walk.

Question 12

Why does Stillpaths offer these walks?

Accepted Answer

Stillpaths empowers you to live from a grounded, calm state where you experience a heightened sense of intuition and gratitude, self love and kindness. Since this state is tied to mindfulness, Stillpaths offers an easy way for you to stay in the moment through guided Forest Therapy walks.

CANCELLED Guided Forest Therapy Walk at Swope Park

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CANCELLED Guided Forest Therapy Walk at Swope Park

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