Forest Bathing comes to Wintergreen

Kelli Mcrobert | Oct 11, 2023

The term ‘shinrin-yoku’ was first coined back in the 1980s in Japan, where benefits were being found, both psychological and physiological, of “forest bathing” or more precise “taking in the forest atmosphere” for improved health. While the concept is not new, locally we are now able to participate in directed sessions for a more structured experience. Trained guides will lead you into a natural environment where you consciously connect with what is around you.

Many who attended the most recent Holistic Fair received just a small taste of what the experience was like as they became one with the natural world. Hawaiian’s have long related to the eco systems around them and ‘aina (land) is key to their culture. When I spoke with Claire Beach recently, she explained how “thrilled she is to now be offering meditative strolls and an upcoming retreat opportunity within her home community”.

On October 27th to 29th she will be joined with other facilitators who are “gifted and wise women” as they lead the Women’s Retreat called ‘Remembering our Connection”. She goes on to explain how it will connect participants to the “earth, ourselves, and each other”. She “hopes that it's the first of many seasonal retreats. Gathering in community to share wisdom, laughter, good food, and friendship is so meaningful! It's something that many women either don't have in their lives or don't feel it's important to take time for”.

“In my work as a Nature Therapy Guide, I am always amazed how restorative mindful time in nature is.  We not only learn to heal ourselves, but also our bond with the earth and our community.  This retreat is an extension of the work that I do and incorporates both ancient and modern wisdom through 12 incredible sessions by 5 facilitators over 3 days,” she said. 

Here's a summary of the retreat.

Remembering Our Connection - A Women’s Retreat 

Connecting to Earth, Ourselves, and Each Other

At the heart of this retreat is a simple truth: we thrive when we connect. To the rhythms of nature, to the depths of our own souls, and to the vibrant stories of those around us. 

What's Waiting for You:

Place & Time: October 27th - 29th. A soul-soothing weekend at Wintergreen Studios, South Frontenac, Ontario during the colourful autumn season.

Nourishment: Nurturing and delicious vegetarian meals, enriched with the company of other women.

Wellness & Growth: Dive into 12 engaging sessions ranging from the calming embrace of forest bathing and mindfulness meditation, to the ancient knowledge of herbs and indigenous storytelling. Come explore the enlivening qualities of yoga and embodiment practices. Offering a variety of explorations to dive deep into yourself while uncovering dimensions of being unseen. 

It's about grounding yourself, embracing the present, and weaving together the tapestry of a supportive community.

The Hands & Hearts Behind the Retreat:

• Caitlyn Chisamore (Somatic Inquiry, Yoga, Meditation, and Expressive Art)
• Denise Neumann-Fuhr (Mindfulness Meditation, The Divine Feminine, Intentions & Integration)
• Eartha (Haudenosaunee and Celtic wisdom, Grandmother in residence)
• Claire Beach (Nature Therapy, Embodied Healing, Earth Intuition).

We will also be joined by Melanie Saunders of Wise Owl Herbal who will be sharing her herbal wisdom and an opportunity to blend your own herbal creation to take home.

For more information on this retreat or info on upcoming walks, courses and private experiences please see: https://www.amongthetreesforesttherapy.com or call 613-329-7721