Shinrin-yoku is a term that means “taking in the forest atmosphere” or “forest bathing.” It was developed in Japan during the 1980s and has become a cornerstone of preventive health care and healing in Japanese medicine. A robust body of scientific literature now exists on the health benefits of spending time under the canopy of a living forest. Inspired by the Japanese practice and the emerging worldwide trend toward nature-based wellness practices, Osmosis is offering this one-day retreat in partnership with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs. Through training a world-wide network of Certified Forest Therapy Guides, this association is leading the effort to bring shinrin-yoku inspired practices to the United States and the rest of the world.
M. Amos Clifford, the founder of the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs and one of the world’s leading advocates for Forest Therapy. Along with Nicole Daspit, a Certified Forest Therapy Guide, Amos will facilitate a series of invitations that progressively deepen connection with the more-than-human world of nature. His perspective is that the forest itself is the therapist; as a guide, he opens the doors of sensing, embodiment, and presence that allow the forest to come into a person’s consciousness and do its healing work. For more information about forest therapy see www.nftg.org.
Expect a very leisurely walk with a series of guided invitations, ending with “shinrin-yoku tea,” a simple ceremony of drinking tea made of plants foraged along the trail.
The program includes a mindful Forest Bathing walk, a cedar enzyme foot-bath, a revitalizing 75-minute massage or facial, organic lunch, shinrin-yoku tea and time for quiet reflection in the gardens.
Phone: 707.823.8231
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209 Bohemian Hwy
Freestone, CA 95472
Osmosis is known for its authenticity and has established a reputation as one of the most aesthetically pleasing and tranquil spas in the nation.
Just minutes from Northern California’s breathtaking Sonoma Coast, vineyards and redwoods, Osmosis is a destination with many nearby activities to choose from and superb lodging.
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