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FOREST BATHING FOR WELL BEING

Try Forest Bathing

Forest Bathing in Duke Forest, NC
May 21, 2022, 2-4 pm,
Duke Forest Gate 26, on Whitfield Road
A map of Gate 26 can be found here.
Parking is available along the graveled roadside of Whitfield Road.
Sign up:
 https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090849ACA72AA0F94-forest

You are invited to slow down and attune to the forest in this quiet, gently guided walk. Let go of any stress or concerns as you use all of your senses to connect with the forest and relax. This experience incorporates practices of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) that intersect with research-based practices for well-being. Forest bathing is an immersive experience in which you breathe deeply, expand your awareness, and deepen your connection to the forest.  Sharing this experience with others enhances mindful connection and well-being. Most importantly, this is a time to enjoy and appreciate Duke Forest.  We will walk slowly,  covering a short distance with time to sit in silence, savoring a lovely, rich mix of habitats along the trails inside Gate 26.  
Duke Forest consists of over 7,000 acres of forested land and open fields in Durham, Orange, and Alamance counties, owned and managed by Duke University. The mission of the Duke Forest is to facilitate research that addresses fundamental and applied questions across a variety of disciplines and to aid in the instruction of all students in their pursuit of knowledge, especially regarding the stewardship of our natural resources. To learn more about the “outdoor classroom” and “living laboratory” that is the Duke Forest, please visit dukeforest.duke.edu or subscribe to our e-newsletter.

May 21, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmAges 16 and up. No dogs, please. Limit:15
Sign up: 
 https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090849ACA72AA0F94-forest
 You will receive more information about what to bring and where to meet after you register.
Your guide: Marjorie Pomper

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​Forest Bathing with Marjorie Pomper
Members Only
May 2, 2021, 2-4 PM 
FULL
Slow down and attune to nature in this flat, quiet, gently guided walk that incorporates the practices of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku). Forest bathing is an immersive experience that helps open your senses, expand your awareness, and deepen your connection to nature. Sharing this experience with others enhances mindful connection. We will walk a short distance with time to sit in silence or wander further, savoring a lovely, rich mix of habitats along the Chattahoochee River. Ages 16 and up. No dogs, please. Limit: 25

Forest Bathing Benefits

There are many benefits to slowing down and connecting with your surroundings.
  • Improved immune function, reduced stress and improved mood are reported in research studies. 
  • ​A sense of relaxation and safety is created.
  • You are calm and open to new experiences.
  • A personal connection with nature is supported.
  • There is an experience of interdependence and connection with your surroundings and with others.
  • Curiosity, creativity and questions arise naturally.
  • You can participate and enjoy whatever your ability level.
  • A sense of peace and well-being are common results.​

Studies have found that forest bathing has positive physiological effects, such as blood pressure reduction, improvement of autonomic and immune functions, as well as psychological effects associated with feelings of well-being and resilience.  
Furuyashi ki, A., Tabuchi, K., Norikoshi, K., Kobayashi, T., & Oriyama, S. (2019). A comparative study of the physiological and psychological effects of forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) on working age people with and without depressive tendencies. Environmental health and preventive medicine, 24(1), 46. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12199-019-0800-1

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What to Expect

​In a forest bathing session, you will attune to your surroundings with all of your senses, breathe deeply and connect with the earth.  You will have a chance to see things anew and offer gratitude from the heart.  Connection with yourself, with nature, and with others is invited. You may find a loving presence that will follow you into all parts of your life. 
​Simple, yet profound.
  • These are gently guided walks where all is by invitation.
  • You will walk slowly with chances to pause and sit.
  • Typically we walk 1/4- 1 mile over a 2-3 hour period.
  • Easeful quiet is invited.
What to bring:
  • Water bottle
  • Dress for the weather. Layers are always a good idea as we will walk slowly, sit and spend most of the time outside.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, preferably a pair that you don’t mind getting muddy.
  • Insect repellent, sunscreen as needed
  • If you prefer to not sit on the ground, bring something to sit on that is easy to carry.
  • Journal if you like 

 Wholly Being Programs

Awake in the Woods
    Namestoy Farm,  Cumming, GA
Cultivating Genuine Happiness
     True Center, Woodstock, GA
Well Being in the Woods
      Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell, GA
Every Body Dance
     UUMAN, Roswell, GA
 Conscious Aging
      True Center, Woodstock, GA

Presentation:  Slow Nature
     National Association for Interpretation
​Contact  Marjorie for more information. 

marjpomper@gmail.com

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