New Moon, New Mountain: Forest Therapy

Join us for a special event as part of our New Moon, New Mountain community hiking series where we mark the new month (Rosh Chodesh) with a community hike. This month we will slow down for the month of Av with the practice of forest bathing.

We will experience the forest in a totally new way through the Japanese practice, shinrin-yoku, which can be translated as “forest bathing,” “forest therapy,” or “taking in the atmosphere of the forest.” We will be guided through this practice by Emily Wolf McMane, a certified Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT).

A centering and calming restorative practice, it promotes balance and restored vitality through a quality of presence and heightened sensory awareness. We will experience this time together by slowing down and becoming immersed in the natural environment, to connect with self, others, and the more-than-human world.

Quickly growing in popularity in the United States and internationally, there is evidence that the practice of forest therapy can help boost immunity, improve overall health, and reduce stress. Give yourself the gift of time in nature and experience the restorative benefits of this healing practice for yourself.

We will be covering themes of destruction and rebuilding as we prepare for the holiday of Tisha B’av, the day where we mark the destruction of the temples in Jerusalem known as the “saddest day in the Jewish calendar.”

Walks typically last 2.5 hours. Tea and snacks will be served at the end of each walk. These walks are appropriate for adults and older teens. Please make sure to wear layers as we will be moving slowly.

There is a suggested donation of $18, though no one will be turned away because of lack of funds. For cost free registration, email Laura Schiff at LSchiff@marinjcc.org.