We are living in challenging times. And still, the flowers bloom. Signs of spring emerge around us, promising hope. Never have we had such a vivid reminder of our own inter-connectivity with the billions of beings we share this planet with. Even in this time of social distancing, you are not alone.

Wild Philadelphia invites you to use this time to deepen your connection to the natural world that calls to you.

Join us for a virtual "forest bathing" session, where we'll enjoy mindful time soaking in the healing qualities of the natural world in this special season. The beautiful thing about "forest" bathing is that it can be practiced anywhere! You're invited to participate from a safe, remote, location wherever you can experience nature (even houseplants) -- whether it's your backyard, balcony, stoop, or sunroom, or a quiet local trail.

DATES:

March 29 | April 5, 12, 19, 26 | May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

We're proud to partner with Fairmount Park Conservancy for our session on April 19th! Consider supporting our local parks by becoming a member.

HOW IT WORKS:

Your ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide, Anisa, will gently walk the group through a sequence of invitations to engage with nature and our senses, via conference call. There will be time for solitude during each invitation, before your guide calls you back to our virtual circle. You can choose to use speakerphone or headphones with one ear listening for the guide, and one listening to the world around you. After registering, you'll receive an email with detailed instructions about choosing a location, and how to join the virtual meeting -- it's as easy as clicking a link!

WHY DO IT:

Now more than ever, we need the immune-boosting practice of forest bathing. While being in the woods among the trees gives us a definitive white blood cell boost, just looking mindfully out the window can connect you to the wisdom of the more-than-human world in unexpected ways. Plus, plenty of studies have shown that even looking at green space has tangible healing benefits. (Patients with bedside windows looking out on leafy trees healed, on average, a day faster, needed significantly less pain medication and had fewer postsurgical complications than patients who instead saw a brick wall.)

WHAT DOES IT COST:

In order to make this practice as accessible as possible, these virtual programs will be entirely donation based. Our guides have had to cancel all of their in-person programming for the month, and appreciate your generosity in paying what you can. (Public walks usually range from $15-$35. We suggest a $10 donation for this virtual session.)

Registration is limited to 9 participants to maintain a high-quality virtual event, so please be thoughtful and let us know ASAP if you've registered and cannot attend, so that we may open the spot to others.

We so look forward to connecting with you and our natural world soon! Be well.

Find out more about forest bathing at wildphiladelphia.com/about.