Breathe deeply under the canopy, in a private forest, and connect to the Land and the Community. This 3.5 hour program includes forest therapy, lunch, and a reflective letter writing practice. Specially crafted with love for a small group of BIPOC participants. Slow down, connect to your senses, and immerse yourself in the Land. Guided by a certified forest therapist, you'll explore mindful walking, sensory activities, and reflective moments. We will move through a series of invitations, which are simple, sensory practices that encourage the senses to come forward, as the thinking mind settles. Everything is optional and you are encouraged to follow the wisdom of your own body, heart, mind, and spirit.🌳
What is Forest Bathing?
Forest Bathing is Forest Therapy, or Shinrin-yoku, a Japanese practice that has garnered attention for its ability to immerse people into their natural environment. It helps people take a deep breath and rediscover our true essence, to remember our purpose and how we can serve the world. By immersing ourselves in nature and engaging our senses, we can reap the many benefits of forest therapy such as improved immune function, cardiovascular and respiratory health, and reduced stress and depression. However, these benefits are simply a byproduct of the deeper healing that occurs when we re-establish a connection with the natural world around us.🌿
What is Love Letter to Future You?
Love Letter too Future You is a reflective letter writing practice rooted in social practice art. This practice offers you the opportunity to work through a multipage love letter that you compose to your future self. The prompts invite reflection, compassion, and care. You seal and address the letter to yourself and it will be sent to you in a future season.💌
BIPOC-only Programs
BIPOC-only nature programs are vital for creating safe, nurturing spaces where participants can connect with nature and each other without the pressures of navigating dominant culture. Historically, BIPOC communities have been excluded from outdoor spaces, facing barriers and discrimination that limit access to nature. Affinity spaces provide a restorative environment where shared experiences and cultural understanding are honored. By fostering a sense of belonging, these walks help to heal collective wounds, reclaim our relationship with the land, and empower participants to find peace and connection in nature. ✨
About Your Guide
Bea Yeh (she/they) is a certified forest therapy guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and has been crafting community programs for over a decade. Bea is a certified yoga teacher, mindfulness facilitator, and wilderness adventure guide. Bea is Wilderness First Aid, First Aid, and CPR certified. They hold a MS in Arts Administration and Museum Studies with a specialization in nontraditional learning environments, community focused programs, and healing-centered engagement. She is the proud multiracial child of immigrants and refugees, grateful to call the PNW home for over 20 years, and honored to craft a life at the intersections of art, nature, magic, healing, and revolution. 🪷
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/breatheundercanopy1july