OBJECTIVE

Nature and Forest Therapy is a presence and mindfulness practice, inspired by the Japanese practice of Shin-rin Yoku, and is backed by scientific research that supports healing and wellness by immersion in forests or other natural environments. Participants will be guided through a series of sensory invitations intended to help establish a connection to the present, to the body, and to the more than human world. Walks are not about physical exertion, but rather slowly engaging with the natural environment, which encourages deep relationship and reciprocity. This practice is incredibly helpful for those wanting to find peace, connection, and restoration in their daily lives.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Welcome: offering an introduction to the practice, to the land, and to each other.

• Connection: offering a series a sensory invitations intended to help establish a connection to the mind, the body, and the more than human world. After each invitation, we will share what we are noticing.

• Closing Ceremony: offering a communal tea ceremony where we will show reciprocity to the land while sharing tea made with foraged plants.

WHAT TO BRING

• comfortable outdoor clothing & shoes

• blanket to sit

• sun protection

• water

What to Expect:

• Welcome: offering an introduction to the practice, to the land, and to each other.

• Connection: offering a series a sensory invitations intended to help establish a connection to the mind, the body, and the more than human world. After each invitation, we will share what we are noticing.

• Closing Ceremony: offering a communal tea ceremony where we will show reciprocity to the land while sharing tea made with foraged plants.

What to Bring:

• comfortable outdoor clothing & shoes

• blanket to sit

• sun protection

• water

Sign up on USAL’s website here.

Nature and Forest Therapy is a presence and mindfulness practice, inspired by the Japanese practice of Shin-rin Yoku, and is backed by scientific research that supports healing and wellness by immersion in forests or other natural environments. Participants will be guided through a series of sensory invitations intended to help establish a connection to the present, to the body, and to the more than human world. Walks are not about physical exertion, but rather slowly engaging with the natural environment, which encourages deep relationship and reciprocity. This practice is incredibly helpful for those wanting to find peace, connection, and restoration in their daily lives.

Join us for this 4.7 out and back hike in Placerita Canyon. This hike will start at the Placerita Canyon Nature Center and will lead into the canyons where we’ll be hiking along a flowing creek that leads to a beautiful waterfall. This hike will be shaded for the majority of the hike as we’ll be hiking beneath oaks and sycamores. Because of the recent rains in California, the creek is full and you’ll need solid hiking shoes for creek crossings. Once we get closer to the waterfall, there is a bit of a scramble, so please prepare for a bit of a rocky incline.

Please bring a packed lunch, snacks, and water. We will picnic together before we hike.

This is a community hike and is free.

For thousands of years, humans have gone to nature for survival and for healing, but with today’s fast-paced lifestyle and our dependence on technology, our relationship with Mother Earth has been severed.

Nature and Forest Therapy is a presence and mindfulness practice, inspired by the Japanese practice of Shin-rin Yoku, and is backed by scientific research that supports healing and wellness by immersion in forests or other natural environments. Participants will be guided through a series of sensory invitations intended to help establish a connection to the present, to the body, and to the more than human world. Walks are not about physical exertion, but rather slowly engaging with the natural environment, which encourages deep relationship and reciprocity. This practice is incredibly helpful for those wanting to find peace, connection, and restoration in their daily lives.

Location: TBD

Capacity: 15 people

Please wear comfortable outdoor clothing and shoes, a hat, sunblock, and something to sit on (such as a small blanket, sit pad, etc).

• Run of Show:

-Welcome: Offering an introduction to the practice, to the land, and to each other.

-Connection: Offering a series a sensory invitations intended to help establish a connection to the mind, the body, and the more than human world.

After each invitation, we will share what we are noticing.

-Closing Ceremony: Offering a communal tea ceremony where we will show reciprocity to the land while sharing tea made with foraged plants.