Forest Therapy Walk (Forest Bathing)
Forest therapy, also known as “forest bathing” (from the Japanese shinrin yoku), involves immersing yourself in nature through a nice, leisurely walk that offers a very particular guided experience from a professional Forest Therapy Guide. Forest therapy is not a hike, so it’s not about how fast or how far you go, nor is it focused on arriving at any particular destination. Setting off from White Cottage on the beautiful grounds of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point Campus, you will be invited to walk along the trails lined with abundant native nature, disconnect from the stress and fast pace of life and slow down to explore the space around you and reconnect with your senses in a way that provides both mental and physical benefits. Our walk will conclude with a special tea ceremony.
If less stress, anxiety or depression and increased concentration, better sleep, and overall feelings of well-being sound good to you, a Forest Therapy Walk is just what you need!
- General admission is included in the course fee. We encourage you to stay and enjoy the Gardens after class.
- This experience is fully outdoors. We will spend time in the shade, but please bring water and wear or carry anything you will need for comfort outdoors: sunscreen, bug spray, hats, etc.
- Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes. We will be walking, but only short distances without any significant inclines. If you would like to sit during stops, feel free to bring a small mat, cushion, or foldable chair that you can easily hand carry during our walk.
- Please check in at the Welcome Center by 10:15 a.m. for a 10:30 a.m. start time, or by 1:15 for the 1:30 start time
About the instructor: Deborah Skorupski, a native Floridian, is a professional Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, a certified EcoNidra teacher, and the owner of Florida Nature & Forest Therapy LLC. She is also a professional photographer who loves taking photos of the many natural beings that share our world.