612-449-3969
"With each step, a flower blooms." -Thich Nhat Hanh
Experience Sky Meets Water Forest Therapy
"The forest is the therapist, and the guide opens the doors."
- Amos Clifford, founder of the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy
What is Forest Therapy?
The subtle art of being with nature
Forest Therapy is a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in forests and other natural environments.
Forest Therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, which translates to “forest bathing.”
Studies have demonstrated a wide array of health benefits, especially in the cardiovascular and immune systems, and for stabilizing and improving mood and cognition.
Trained Forest Therapy guides build on those benefits and help bring awareness to people that we are a part of nature, not separate from it, and we are related to all other beings in fundamental ways.
Forest Therapy is a practice - there is a clearly defined sequence of guided events that provides structure to the experience, while embracing the many opportunities for creativity and serendipity offered by the forest and the individual inspiration of the guide.
"Silence is Essential - we need silence, just as much as we need air, just as much as plants need light. If our minds are crowded with words and thoughts, there is no space for us." - Thich Nhat Hanh
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30 US dollars
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30 US dollars
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$20 30mins, $40/hr
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Expectations of a Forest Therapy Walk?
Expectations are simple - to be present! Forest Therapy walks are not naturalist walks or hikes, although these are fun activities!
Most guided walks are led in silence or minimal talking.
The walk duration is around 2 hours, and is no more than a mile in distance.
Awareness(es) While on a Walk?
Some awarenesses include variable weather conditions. Here in Minnesota, we can turn from warm temperatures (risk of heat stroke) to cold temperatures (risk of hypothermia or frostbite).
There are more awarenesses to include, such as spiders (black widow, yellow sac, garden orb spider, wolf spider, etc.), wasps/hornets/bees, ticks, and can include plants such as poison hemlock, wild parsnip, poison ivy, stinging nettle (touching it), Grecian foxglove, giant hogweed, poison oak, and poison sumac.
How can I Stay Informed about Upcoming Events?
Why Forest Therapy?
There are many health benefits within Forest Therapy that are scientifically proven. Some of these advantages include lowering cortisol stress levels, activating natural killer (NK) cells (anti-cancer, increasing the function of our immune system), and many others.
There are chemicals called phytoncides that trees shower themselves with to communicate with other trees and to maintain their health.
These phytoncides are showered over us while we walk out in nature, and help our bodies produce the NK white blood cells.
Are there Requirements for the Walk?
What Should I Bring?
There are no requirements per say unless you have a medical condition and need life-saving medications. Close-toed shoes are required though. :-)
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You can always bring a sit-upon for sitting outside. An email will be sent out a few days in advance before the walk, detailing what you should bring.
Please be mindful of weather conditions and always prepare. Look ahead and prepare for the weather that day (wear or bring appropriate jackets/ponchos or layers so that you'll be comfortable).
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Payment is due before or when you arrive for the walk (Venmo: @ChristineMShoemaker or cash is fine).
About the Founder
Christine Shoemaker has always felt a deep connection with the natural world. She has had profound experiences since she was a little girl, from talking to fish, her fascination with tadpoles, raising pigeons, and always being drawn to nature. She received her B.A. undergraduate degree in Philosophy and minored in Biology from Gustavus Adolphus College. She became a certified forest therapy guide in 2020 from the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT). She is also classically trained in piano since she was four and flute since the 4th grade, offering music lessons to all walks of life. She has been an instrument instructor for Saint Paul Public Schools and continues to inspire youth with her charisma and teaching style.
