Forest Bathing Therapy
A guided Forest Bathing Therapy Session consists of a series of invitations that are designed specifically to help the body slow down, de-stress, ground, and find solace and connection with body & mind through Nature's natural abilities to heal.
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Forest Bathing Therapy has been proven to help with: mental illnesses, grief & loss (including eco-grief), depression, anxiety, stress, blood-pressure, resilience, and much more. It anchors you into the body & present moment, ignites curiosity & creativity, and reconnects you to your inner child.
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In addition, Forest Bathing Therapy on a consistent basis significantly increases acceptance of self, vitality, levels of well-being, pro-environmental attitudes & behaviours, as well as prosocial behaviours.
WE PROVIDE...
A 1.5 hrs family activity to foster connection between you, your loved ones and the natural world. In addition to spending quality time with your family, Forest Bathing fosters curiosity, creativity, fun, play and ignites your sense of wonder!
Create memories with your family, in the outdoors!
Family Experiences
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What is Forest Bathing Therapy?
It an outdoor experience with specific & intentional curated invitations that connects you to Nature, the land, and self.
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Nature has a way to help rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul. It it scientifically proven to provide a boost of energy, creativity & confidence in people of all ages. It is used as a form of stress management. It can help your nervous system settle and find calm & grounding. It can even be used as part of your spiritual practice.
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A certified Forest Bathing Therapy Guide is trained to design an immersive nature connection experience for its participants. The sequence is thoughtfully designed as such that with each invitation, your body, mind & soul is sinking deeper into its connections, leaving parcels of well-being in your physical state that you will bring with you as the day unfolds.
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40 years of research in Japan has proven that spending time under a canopy of trees is beneficial to your health!
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"my studies, and those of my fellow researchers, have now proved that forest-bathing:
Lowers the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline | Suppresses the sympathetic or 'fight or flight' system
Enhances the parasympathetic or 'rest and recover' system | Lowers blood pressure and increases heart-rate variability"
~ Dr. Quin Li {world's foremost expert in forest medicine}
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Want to take yourself on a Forest Bathing self-paced experience with a Certified Guide's help?
What to expect:
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Forest Bathing is NOT a hike. In fact, we will be slowing down our pace & engaging all of our senses.
Our time together will start with a quick introduction. Stef then guide you into the forest where, throughout the walk, she will be offering invitations to help you engage your senses & connect deeper. The experience ends with a Forest tea & snack.
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Know that there is no right or wrong in Forest Bathing, and that it is okay for you to pass on an invitation.
Throughout our walk, we will gather in a sharing circle from time to time and you will be invited to share, only if you feel called to.
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What you will need:
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Appropriate clothing for the weather conditions
Yoga mat or light blanket to sit on.
Water bottle
An open mind & open heart
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If you have any concerns or questions and you would like to discuss prior, please do not hesitate to communicate with us so that we may cater to your needs and make this experience as comfortable as possible for you!
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FROM ADULTS
« The walk brings you back into your kid self. A refreshing & rewarding escape from everyday. »
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« It's incredibly peaceful. Feels like coming back to yourself and to nature.
You'll be amazed at what you notice and how all of your senses engage. »
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« [I feel] much more grounded and zen. Anxiety is lessened.
Reconnect with your love of nature and feel at peace by spending an afternoon in the forest. »
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« I feel more relaxed, conscious of my surroundings. Appreciative.
It is a great way to reconnect and recharge. »
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« Forest Bathing is wonderful for becoming more grounded and feel less stressed.
Stef did a wonderful job of guiding our forest bath with no judgement and an open heart.
I am grateful for this experience. »
FROM CHILDREN
« Before I felt curious and hungry. After I felt happy. » - 9 year old
«Before the walk I was scared of bears. Now, I feel safe. » - 6 year old
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FROM YOUTH
« During the sit spot I initially found it hard to sit still.
I was talking a slow wander instead, trying to make sense of why certain
things on the beach looked & acted the way it did.
Then I realized I don't always need to make sense of everything.
That's when I sat down and just watched the water flow. It felt really nice. » - 14 year old
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Meet your Guide
Stefany Pagé-Douville (Stef) is a Guide to healing with animals & nature; a plant & tree spirit communicator; intuitive energy & Reiki healer; Meditation teacher; and certified Forest Bathing Therapy Guide. Her pronouns are she/her/elle. Stefany is a mental health & belonging advocate. She is passionate about the power of community, connection, and holding space for every living being. Her primary work focuses on inviting people of all ages to find solace & belonging in nature, whilst sharing & learning about its resources together.
Stef has been facilitating gatherings and nature experiences on the unceded, unsurrendered & stolen lands of the Algonquin Anishinabeg people through her own business, Your Healing Circle, since 2018. Stef has worked alongside numerous Ottawa organizations & communities. She continues to deepen her connection with Land through learning opportunities of Land Stewardship with these organizations, with an open-heart & a listening ear.
Stef has completed the Nature-Rooted comprehensive program design mentorship through Forest Schooled and continues to be mentored by Caylin Gans. In June 2022 she completed the North Star outdoor survival skills program with Coyote Programs in Kahnawake, QC. Lastly, she is also currently working through the Therapeutic Skills for Outdoor Leaders (with a focus on children) certification through The Therapeutic Forest organization.
Come slow down and connect to self & nature with her.
Note on the Investment Cost:
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Offerings are non-refundable and no credits can be given at this time; but if you are unable to attend after registration is completed, we invite you to transfer your spot to someone of your choice. Please advise us if this should be the case.
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Options will be given should the program have to be altered due to Covid-19 Provincial restrictions.
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Our retreats take place in Nature, based on the notion that there is no such thing as bad weather. Therefore, our retreats runs rain, shine or snow. We ask that you watch for the day's weather conditions and dress accordingly before making your way.
In case of severe weather storms, the event will be postponed to a later date or cancelled. All participants will be contacted in advance and an option will be given.