Reset. reconnect.
rediscover.
Take a step away from the noise and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring wellness mother nature has to offer.
WHAT IS: FOREST BATHING?
A guided experience that works to mend the relationships humans have with themselves, the concept of time, their communities, and with the more than human world.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Forest bathing is an innovative health solution that draws on nature’s ability to calm and restore. There are a number of health studies reporting on the various benefits that come with spending extensive time in nature such as:
PHYSIOLOGICAL
More energy, better sleep, enhanced immunity, healthy digestion, reduced inflammation, lower blood pressure
MENTAL
More energy, better sleep, enhanced immunity, healthy digestion, reduced inflammation, lower blood pressure
EMOTIONAL & PSYCHOSPIRITUAL
More energy, better sleep, enhanced immunity, healthy digestion, reduced inflammation, lower blood pressure
Frequently Asked Questions
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Consistency between 1 and 3 hours.
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Walks are no longer than one mile in length.
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They can be facilitated anywhere there is nature; from the forest, the lake, a local park, outside an office building, even indoors and over zoom.
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Forest bathing is an inclusive and open practice that can be adapted to fit participant needs. It is not a hike nor a naturalist walk. No experience is necessary to participate.
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During our time together, I as a guide will provide us with a series of invitations that prompt us to connect to our senses through the more-than-human-world. This will allow us to slowly wander in our environment and take notice of what is going on around and within us. Each walk ends with a tea circle to close.
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
In conjunction with like-minded groups and organizations, I lead public walks for those who wish to explore forest bathing in community with others. Check back here for updates on the latest events and happenings in the Chicagoland area.
WHAT THE COMMUNITY IS SAYING
“Each invitation was so wonderful and made me truly slow down and use all my senses. I also loved the opportunity to share and listen to what others found interest in during each invitation. I also really enjoyed the accessibility of an activity like this, when not walking more than 1 mile at a slow pace this truly opens the hike up to more people. Jess is an absolutely incredible facilitator and interpreter. They truly made everyone feel so welcome and included.
— Julia
“Jess led our organization leadership program on three seperate and wonderful forest bathing experiences in several different kinds of weather. The experience helped us connect with each other as a group, and with our surroundings. Especially in these times, we were all grateful for the gift we gave ourselves of stepping back and breathing in with Jess. Not to mention, Jess made scheduling and the minutiae of planning multiple outings across several months easy and simple. I would highly recommend forest bathing for anyone in need of a second to breath.”
— Community Member
“I have had the pleasure of joining a few of Jess's amazing forest therapy sessions and they have all been very healing. I have really enjoyed getting to connect with nature in ways I never have before and getting to use all my senses and experience the little things to being outside that we take for granted. My favorite invitation has been to sip the air around us and getting to experience nature in such a childlike way that brought me so much joy!! Forest Bathing with Jess is an absolute must!!!”
— Chloe
“Since there is nothing but just this moment, the time-being is all the time there is. Grass-being, form-being are both time. Each moment is all being, is the entire world”
— Zen Master Dogen
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