Forest Bathing Fridays

What is Shinrin Yoku?: A meditation, not a hike.

Shinrin Yoku is a Japanese wellness practice of slow, mindful immersion in a natural setting to engage the senses and calm the nervous system. It’s not a hike or a botany lesson - it’s guided presence.

Evidence points to numerous health benefits of Shinrin Yoku, including boosted immunity, reduced stress, improved mood, and enhanced overall well-being.

What to Expect: Slow and easy.

After we ground-in to the space together, we’ll slowly descend into the forest on a well-groomed trail with gentle hills. As we move down the trail, you’ll be offered several simple invitations to experience the forest through each of your senses. Talking on the way down the trail should be limited to sharing the things you’re noticing.

We’ll arrive in a place where we will each find our own “sit spot” with an invitation to simply be with the forest for an extended period of time, and notice what you experience. We’ll honor a Sacred Silence as we slowly walk back out of the forest. Along the way, we’ll collect items of personal resonance that we’ll use to create an altar at which we’ll share tea and offer our reflections and gratitudes.

Our total distance covered will be just over a mile. This trail and the experience are accessible to most.

Time: 10am* - 1pm (3 hours)

*Please arrive on site by 9:45am, so we can all be parked, assembled and ready to begin at 10am. (See FAQ for parking and assembly instructions)

Be prepared: Consider the following

• Please wear weather-appropriate clothing* and comfortable footwear
• Water & snacks
• Journal & pen
• Blanket, towel, or something to sit on the ground
• Other comfort items (backpack, gloves, umbrella, etc.)

Your First Invitation: Set an intention.

For centuries, this forest has been a silent witness to tragedies and triumphs; grief and joy; birth, death, and transformation. It has the capacity to hold anything you’ve been carrying that no longer serves you.

As you embark on this journey, is there any part of you that needs to fall away like a dead leaf? What would you let the stream wash away from you? What prayer can you drop on the forest floor like a seed that will bloom in the springtime?

Our Location: St. Edward State Park

14477 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore, WA 98028

St. Edward State Park features old-growth forests characterized by a dense canopy of trees such as Douglas fir, western red cedar, and bigleaf maple. The park offers a diverse second-growth forest with a variety of wildlife and natural habitats.

City of Kenmore Land Acknowledgement:

We acknowledge that the City of Kenmore is situated upon the ancestral lands of the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, Sauk-Suiattle, Duwamish, Stillaguamish, Tulalip, Suquamish, Muckleshoot, and other Tribes who are part of the Coast Salish Peoples. We recognize and express our deepest respect for their enduring stewardship and profound relationship with this land, which they have cherished and protected since time immemorial. We honor the First Peoples, acknowledge their vibrant cultures, and commit ourselves to learning from their wisdom in our journey to promote justice, equity, and mutual understanding. We pledge to stand alongside these communities in acknowledging past injustices and working towards a future that respects and celebrates the diverse heritage of this land.

Terms & Conditions

By participating in this Forest Bathing experience ("the Experience") with Tad Richardson, you agree to the following terms and conditions:

Health and Safety: Forest Bathing involves gentle nature-based activities and sensory experiences. While every effort is made to provide a safe and enjoyable experience, participants are responsible for their own well-being during the session. If you have any medical conditions, allergies, physical limitations, or concerns, please inform Tad prior to the session.

Nature Environment: The Experience takes place in a natural outdoor setting, and participants should be aware of and respectful towards natural surroundings, wildlife, and potential hazards. Participants should dress appropriately for the weather and terrain.

Physical Abilities: The Experience will involve light walking, standing, and gentle movement. Participants should assess their physical abilities and ensure they are comfortable with these activities. If you have mobility concerns, please notify the guide in advance.

Conduct: Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and considerate manner toward the guide, fellow participants, and the natural environment. Disruptive, disrespectful, or dangerous behavior may result in removal from the Experience.

Personal Belongings: Participants are responsible for their personal belongings and valuables during the Experience. The guide is not liable for any loss, theft, or damage to personal items.

Weather: The Experience will take place rain or shine, unless severe weather conditions pose a safety risk. In the event of a weather-related cancellation, participants will be notified, and efforts will be made to reschedule.

Personal Responsibility: Participation in the Forest Bathing Experience is entirely voluntary. Participants assume full responsibility for their well-being and acknowledge that any experiences, sensations, or outcomes are unique to each individual.

Liability Waiver: By participating, you agree to release Tad Richardson from any liability for injuries, accidents, or losses that may occur during or as a result of the Shinrin Yoku Experience.