Desert Bathing in Joshua Tree w/ a Certified Forest Bathing Guide (14yr&up)
A gentle two-hour immersive desert walk adapted from Japanese forest bathing. No swimsuit needed, just bring yourself and your senses.
Location
Desert View Conservation Area
62701 Onaga Trail Joshua Tree, CA 92252Refund Policy
About this event
The area of Joshua Tree is the natural borderland where the Colorado and Mojave deserts meet. Slow down and spend some time in this awe-filled landscape, the traditional lands of the Yuharetum (Serrano), Nüwü (Chemehuevi), ʔívil̃uqaletem (Cahuilla), and 'Aha Makhav (Mohave).
Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) is a Japanese practice that was developed in the 1980s to alleviate some of the impacts that an increasingly technological and indoor world was having on the people. Extensive research demonstrated that "bathing" in the forests through gentle walks had positive effects on both the mental and physical health of participants. In 2021 I was certified by the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy Guides, a US-based organization who have developed a specific and approachable method inspired by shinrin-yoku and other modalities. I am also trained in Outdoor First Aid.
A typical forest bathing walk is a gentle stroll with several breaks and invitations to explore the more-than-human world around us. There are opportunities to share our experiences or simply stay quiet - how you participate is totally up to you. At the end there is an option to share some locally-sourced tea with the land and with each other.
A few notes:
These particular sessions are geared towards folks who are aged 14 and older. I'll be offering separate walks for families!
Sessions are designed as a short walk with chances to sit down - if you feel that walking for 10 mins at a time and/or sitting on the ground or rocks might be difficult please reach out directly and I will see how I can adjust for your needs. The current trail is not wheelchair accessible.
What you will need:
- Enough water for 2 hours in the desert.
- A salty snack.
- Sun protection (sunscreen, cap/hat, long sleeves etc.)
- Depending on the season, an extra layer for cool mornings could be nice.
- If you're not comfortable sitting on the ground or nearby rocks, bring s omething you can carry to sit on (e.g. a towel or light blanket).
- Closed-toe shoes are highly recommended. Long pants are also recommended.
What I will bring:
- Full First Aid Kit
- Cups, water & tea
* *10% of all sales will be donated to the locally-based Native American Land Conservancy**
If you would like to join us but are unable to pay please send me a message. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Frequently asked questions
Yes and no. We won't be going in any water but we will be submerging ourselves in the natural environment around us.
No. I am a certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide but I am not a therapist. We believe that nature is the therapist and the guide opens the door.
As with any excursion in the desert, it's best to bring lots of water, a small snack and wear closed toe shoes. It's likely that we'll be sitting down on the ground or the rocks at some points so you can bring something to make yourself more comfortable.