Forest Bathing Retreat: New Year in Nature

Forest Bathing Retreat: New Year in Nature

with Asheville Wellness Tours

Tuesday, January 3 | 1:30 - 4:30pm

Welcome in the New Year by connecting to the mountains of old for an afternoon nature connection retreat. A gentle new start to enliven your senses, close the holiday season, quiet your weary mind, and linger in liminality. Together, we will explore natural pathways to equanimity that will help us begin the 2026 journey.

Your guide, Christa Hebal, will lead you on a gentle journey through the spring forest, weaving mindfulness, breathwork, forest bathing (Shinrin Yoku) and nature therapy together for a restorative afternoon on some of the trails less traveled at the North Carolina Arboretum. We’ll celebrate the experience in community, enjoying a wild-foraged tea ceremony and snacks. Bring an open mind and an open heart. All are welcome. Presented through Adult & Continuing Education Programs in collaboration with Asheville Wellness Tours.

This program will take place outside and will follow easy trails and paved walkways. Dress for the weather and prepare to be outside for the entire program time.

Christa Hebal is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. Born and raised in the mountains of northeast Tennessee, she has lived in Asheville for 24 years. Christa has an adventurous heart, and loves to help others encounter wholeness through embodiment and nature connection practices. She has had a professional bodywork practice for 18 years as a nationally certified Massage Therapist, and is also a practitioner of Ortho-Bionomy®, Usui Reiki Master, Certified Pediatric Massage Therapist, Clinical Aromatherapist, and Certified Traditional Herbalist. She is also certified in CPR and Wilderness First Aid.

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