Providing Forest Bathing/Shinrin Yoku /Forest Therapy Guided Experiences
Connect to Wilderness
An Invitation to slow down and open your senses
Take a Walk with a Forest Therapy Guide
For millennia our ancestors had a close connection to nature. Sadly this has been largely severed as people become increasingly isolated from the natural world. It’s perhaps not surprising then that research shows being in nature, particularly forests, improves health, creativity and concentration. Some scientists have even discovered that the concept of an ‘internet’ is not new. Trees have had an internet for millions of years. So what’s Nature’s internet like? Can humans somehow ‘log-on’? Perhaps a slow walk submerging ourselves in the forest will further enhance the benefits of spending time in nature. Please join me on a forest therapy/forest bathing walk to explore these and other ideas.
Benefits
Boost Your Immune System
Aromatic oils released by trees increase the activity of the body’s natural killer cells.
Lower Blood Pressure
Among other documented changes that affect blood pressure, sympathetic nerve activity is reduced.
Improve Mental Clarity
Measurable improvements in creative problem solving have been documented
Enhance Creativity
In nature, the brain is more open to reflect, daydream and wonder, which boosts creativity.As study published in 2012 documented, systematic changes in higher-level cognitive function associated with immersion in nature.
Relax
Cortisol a stress hormone is reduced - just one of the documented stress reducing benefits
Connect
Re-establish and explore the spiritual relationship our ancestors had with the natural world.
For more information about the health benefits visit the Association of Forest and Therapy Guides and Programs Science page.
Upcoming Events
What's New for 2020!
Scheduling for future walks is on hold at this time. I will be posting proposed dates for walks at Bradbury state park as well as other scheduled walks around the state. However, it will not be possible to sign up for future walks on this website as long as a policy of social distancing is in place. In the meantime, I encourage you to take time every day to go outside and wander, even if it's just a walk in your yard or sitting on the doorstep breathing the fresh air, soaking in the sunlight and noticing with all your senses everything around you.
Guided Forest Bathing Walk Days and Weeknights at Bradbury Mountain State Park
Wednesday April 22 5:00-7:30 p.m. (Earthday) (cancelled due to Coronavirus)
Tuesday May 7 at 5:00 -7:30 p.m. (cancelled due to Coronavirus)
Tuesday July 2 at 5:00 -7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 5:00-7:30 p.m.
Saturday Oct. 24 at 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Thursday Nov. 26 at 9:00-11:30 a.m.. (Thanksgiving)
Sunday Dec. 20 at 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Welcoming the Winter Solstice)
Want to Host A Forest Therapy Guided Walk?
Jeanne can work you to lead a forest therapy guided walk designed for you and your friends or professional colleagues. She can lead a walk during a conference or workshop, hold wellness walk for employees, celebrate a birthday or upcoming wedding or simply have a walk friends. To find out more contact her!
Meet Jeanne Christie
Certified Forest Therapy Guide/Registered Maine Guide
Hello! My name is Jeanne Christie. I am a Certified Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs as well as a Registered Maine Guide with extensive outdoor experience including hiking, camping, trail running, backpacking, canoeing, skiing, snowshoeing and more. If you want to go fast, I'm not a good fit. If you want to go slow: get close with nature and develop deep connections, please explore this website and sign up below to get on the Connect to Wilderness mailing list.
Here is a little more about my qualifications. Maine Master Naturalist, Certified Natural Interpreter, Volunteer leader Maine Chapter Appalachian Mountain Club for over a decade. Current in Advanced Wilderness First Aid Certification. Wilderness Education Association Graduate.
I also have many years of experience supporting protection of our nation's national resources. You can find out more about it at Christie Consulting Services, LLC or by reading about me in Portland Magazine's November 2019 issue about the 10 Most Intriguing People in Maine.
Join the Mailing List to Learn about Future Walks/Activities
Contact
Phone
Location
207 370-7011
Jeanne at Connect To Wilderness dot com
Windham, ME
"The Forest is the Therapist. The Guide Opens the Doors."
-M. Amos Clifford, Founder of the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs