Nature and Forest Therapy - A Restorative + Healing Experience in Collaboration with Bolora from Rewilding Together
The experience:
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.
Over the course of three hours, 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. This experience is 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.
We’ll end our experience with tea and snacks provided by Katie and Bolora.
Please bring a blanket, water, a hat, and sunscreen.
Location details will be emailed to you on Wednesday May 7th.
About your guides:
Katie Montgomery Rentz grew up roaming the woods, rivers, and farmlands in rural Ohio, where she fell deeply in love with the natural world and for decades, has gone to nature to alleviate symptoms of Lyme Disease, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Depression. Her passion for the outdoors and desire to help others find healing and connection in nature has led her to found Explore Sanctuary. She is a certified guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy.
Bolora Munkhbold is a nature-enjoyer and a visual creative living in Los Angeles, CA. She spent the early years of her life in Mongolia, among the wide open spaces, and has spent the past several years tapping back into her child-like self through time spent in nature. She is a trained Nature and Forest Therapy Guide with her certification through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. She also has her Wilderness First-Aid certification. She is passionate about making time spent in nature more approachable and accessible to as many people as she can. She sees nature therapy as an act of rebellion; rebellion against a culture that is constantly pulling our attention in different directions and pressuring us to forget to rest and slow down.
