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Thank you for your interest!  

Forest Bathing

What to expect
  • Please eat before you arrive and bring water.

  • We will start promptly. Please arrive early to allow enough time to find parking. If you are running late, text 210-378-7790. 

  • A non-vigorous, guided wander through the woods.

  • There will be a series of invitations and activities to support you in experiencing nature in a totally unique way.

  • Forest bathing is not a hike or a way to get exercise: we will be moving slowly and quietly, we will not travel very far.

  • Distance covered will total approximately a half mile.

  • We will meet at the Panther Canyon Trail Head, which is also the site of the Comal River Spring.

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Parking
Parking information will be emailed to you a few days before the event. Check specific event information for more details.

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What to wear for Forest Bathing
  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Long pants and/or long socks.  We will be sitting on the ground and standing in tall grass. Pants and socks can help protect you from any new “friends” that you do not wish to get to know.  (aka: Fire ants, ticks, spiders and other famous Texas-pals such as spiny cactus and stinging nettle)

  • Light jacket, hat, sunglasses
- You may carry a small pack if you wish

 
What to bring
  • Small towel or sit-upon if you wish.  We will sit on the ground several times for 15-ish minutes at a time.
  • Water bottle Please stay hydrated
  • Sunscreen.  Our walk is mostly shaded, but feel free to lather up if you want the extra protection.
  • Insect repellent.  Please choose an all-natural formula and avoid anything with a strong scent.
  • Walking Stick. The terrain in Panther Canyon is uneven with loose rock in several sections. If you are not accustomed to hiking trails, have weak ankles or knees, or feel unsure of your footing on uneven terrain, please bring a walking stick for support. Kortnee can provide one for you to borrow with advance notice.
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What not to bring

Binoculars: Spotting scopes, bird books, and naturalists guidebooks should be left at home.

Journals: Leave it in your car so you can jot down your insights afterwards; stay engaged during the process.

Cameras: Make a photo in your mind’s eye instead so you can let yourself completely relax into the experience.
Phones:  Need I explain?
Wristwatch:  Let yourself be free for a few hours. I will watch the clock for you and promise to be done on time.
Dogs: Forest bathing with your pets can be enjoyable; please arrange this in advance.  If you require a service animal, please let me know ahead of time.
Children: We offer walks with activities and invitations designed specifically for kiddos.  Let’s get yours signed up!     
Tobacco: Cigarettes, Cigars, Pipes, E-Cigs, Vape are all prohibited.

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Your safety and well-being
  • Your Nature Connection Mentor, Kortnee Whitehawk, is Wilderness First Aid Certified and will be carrying a First Aid Kit.

  • If you carry an epi-pen, other fast-acting medication or have any medical condition (i.e. allergies, seizures, heart condition, blood thinners) you must let your guide know BEFORE we begin.

  • All participants shall sign a liability waiver and photo release; in addition, your participation signifies your consent and waiver.

 
What is forest therapy and why should I do it?

Forest Therapy combines leisurely walks on gentle paths under forest canopy with guided activities to help you open your senses, hone your intuition, and experience nature as you never have before. We draw upon mindfulness meditation practices, and the techniques of deep nature connection mentoring. We also use the Way of Council for group dialogue at several points along the walk, this helps participants learn from and teach other as we discuss what we are experiencing together. 

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Shinrin Yoku

** referenced from shinrin-yoku.org

Shinrin-yoku means "taking in the forest atmosphere" or "forest bathing." It was developed in Japan and has become a cornerstone of preventive health care and healing in Japanese medicine. Researchers in Japan and South Korea have established a robust body of scientific literature on the health benefits of spending time in the living forest. 

The idea is simple: if a person simply visits a natural area and walks in a relaxed way there are calming, rejuvenating and restorative benefits to be achieved. 

We have always known this intuitively. But in the past several decades there have been many scientific studies that are demonstrating the mechanisms behind the healing effects of simply being in wild and natural areas. For example, many trees give off organic compounds that support our natural killer cells that are part of our immune system's way of fighting cancer.

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The scientifically-proven benefits of Shinrin-yoku include:

  • Boosted immune system functioning, increase in the count of the body's Natural Killer (NK) cells

  • Reduced blood pressure

  • Reduced stress

  • Improved mood

  • Increased ability to focus, even in children with ADHD

  • Accelerated recovery from surgery or illness

  • Increased energy level

  • Improved sleep

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Just as impressive are the results that we are experiencing as we make this part of our regular practice:

  • Deeper and clearer intuition

  • Increased flow of energy

  • Increased capacity to communicate with the land and its species

  • Increased flow of eros/life force

  • Deepening of friendships

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This practice has had roots roots in many cultures throughout history. John Muir wrote, “Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home. Wilderness is a necessity.” â€‹

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For more resources click here to see the science and health benefits of forest bathing.

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Your friend on the journey,

Kortnee Whitehawk, MS, Ed​​​

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I want to think again of dangerous and noble things. I want to be light and frolicsome. I want to be improbable beautiful and afraid of nothing, as though I had wings.

Mary Oliver

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