International Forest Bathing Day - Join me in the forest

It brings me great joy to share forest bathing, this practice of slowing down and connecting with the rhythms of nature, with others.I have always felt  calm and centered - yet with my spirits soaring high - while out among the trees.  Come join me for a forest therapy walk, awaken all your senses to the natural world around you, and relax into being completely in the moment. I lead walks in the Santa Cruz mountains, the parks of Silicon Valley and along the SF bay shoreline.Prior to certifying as a Nature and Forest Therapy Guide I worked as a Mechanical Design Engineer in Silicon Valley.  I know first hand how spending the entire day in an office or lab, face in front of a computer screen, deadlines looming, takes a toll on mental and physical health.Go ahead, give yourself permission to get out and enjoy what even just a little time in nature will do for you.

Mad About The Forest

Forest Bathing: mindfulness meets the great outdoors. Immerse  in the serenity of nature &amp; let the forest rejuvenate your mind, body, &amp; soul

Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

Guided Forest Bathing

Forest bathing, also known as Shinrin-yoku, involves spending time in nature for the purpose of improving health and well-being. Relax by immersing in the sights, sounds, textures, and smells of the forest,  and  connect with the natural world.

What is Forest Bathing?Forest bathing, rooted in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, involves purposefully spending time in nature to enhance health and well-being. Unlike a hike, it emphasizes slow walks, sitting, or lying down to deeply observe and appreciate the immediate surroundings. Guided sessions, lasting one to three hours, typically include a short, mindful walk (half mile to one mile) and various invitations to observe nature using each sense separately.Engaging all senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch—forest bathing immerses individuals in the natural environment. Research indicates that it can reduce stress hormones and blood pressure, boost immunity, enhance mood and cognition, and stimulate creativity. This practice fosters a genuine connection with nature, encouraging a deeper relationship with the environment.Forest bathing is suitable for anyone, regardless of experience or skill level. It offers a retreat from the demands of daily life, promoting stress relief, improved focus, and an opportunity to explore nature with an open mind.<ul><li><a href="https://madabouttheforest.com/science/" title="https://madabouttheforest.com/science/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Science of Forest Bathing</a></li><li><a href="https://madabouttheforest.com/frequently-asked-questions/" title="https://madabouttheforest.com/frequently-asked-questions/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">F AQ about Forest Bathing</a></li></ul>About the Guide: Madeleine Gerdes is a Certified Nature &amp; Forest Therapy Guide accredited through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides (ANFT). She provides Forest Bathing outings in Silicon Valley and the Santa Cruz Mountains through Mad About The Forest. Madeleine and her husband are active Volunteer Trail Patrol members with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District.Her passion lies in introducing people to the practice of Forest Bathing, where she facilitates guided experiences for groups and individuals to immerse themselves in nature and enhance their well-being. Madeleine has a personal connection with nature, having spent summers in the mountains, sleeping under the stars, and running barefoot through the forest. Apart from her nature-related pursuits, she enjoys activities such as gardening, cooking, sewing, and knitting.

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