Forest Bathing

Slow down, awaken your senses, and connect with Nature as you luxuriate in a Forest Bath!

Celebrate the start of WLT's Earth Week by joining Deirdre O’Connor for a slow and relaxing walk in Riverwood Preserve.

Forest Bathing is the pleasant practice of spending time in nature to enhance health and happiness. Evidence-based research confirms that time in nature has profound healing benefits for physical and emotional well–being. The term Forest Bathing comes from the Japanese tradition of “shin-rin yoku,” literally translated to “bathing in the atmosphere of the forest”. On this walk, you will experience how the regular practice of Forest Bathing can restore your health and vitality.

Forest Bathing also offers us the opportunity to deepen our relationship with the natural world. You will be walking slowly for about one mile on mostly flat but uneven forest trails as you are offered a series of invitations to explore the landscape with your senses and connect with the natural world. We will be walking and sitting for 2 hours, and will finish our walk by sharing tea together.

Registration

• Registration is required. Spots are limited.

• Free for WLT members, $10 for not-yet-members. Not a member and would like to be? CLICK HERE.
• This experience is open to ages 15 and up.

Things to Know

• Parking is available at Riverwood Preserve. Turn onto Boy Scout Drive off of Old Hopkinton Road, continue down the road through the set of open gates, and continue on the dirt road along the river until you are at the parking area by the sign for Camp Quequatuck
• Outhouses are available at the trailhead
• Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes
• Dressing in layers is recommended, possibly a day pack for shedded layers
• Bring a hiking stick or poles if you like using them

Deirdre O’Connor is a Certified Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. Deirdre is delighted to share the Healing power of Nature through Forest Bathing, where Nature and our true natures come to know one another. She resides in Westerly, enjoying birding, botany, bicycling, and exploring the next cool place to share Forest Bathing.