Forest Therapy Retreat

This retreat will provide a full day of forest therapy experiences and will take place rain or shine. As a certified Forest Therapy Guide through the Forest Therapy School, Beth will lead a gentle walk along some of our trails. Along the way, we will be slowing down, opening our senses and relaxing in the present moment. Occasionally, she will be offering participants invitations or opportunities to engage with nature.

Forest therapy involves being present in the natural world, experiencing its beauty and splendor with all five senses. It allows you to unplug and slow down, to ground yourself and become centered. A two-hour forest bathing session has been shown to reduce blood pressure, lower stress and blood sugar levels, improve concentration and memory, lift depression and increase your energy.

From past participants:

The Forest Therapy walk at the Awen Center was led with kindness, gentleness, openness and skill. Beth is an incredibly gifted facilitator. She guided us with prompts, discussion, observation, time spent alone and time spent together. I highly recommend her session as an intentional way to reconnect to nature and ground yourself! ~Christina

Whether you live mostly indoors or are a nature buff, Beth’s approach as a guide will augment your experience of the grounds at the Awen Center. My time exploring alone was enhanced because she invited me into the right mindset. Her prompts familiarized me with techniques for recalibrating my senses. These are skills I’ve taken with me to further nature explorations— or to find stillness in the din of the world. ~ Diego

Beth’s Forest Therapy Walk revealed a personal, powerful truth with such a simple process. It brought the clarity I didn’t realize I was seeking. I recommend everyone I know to experience this time honored technique. ~ Rod

 I joined the Forest Therapy Walk today at the Awen Center. This event  is led by Beth Mowry in a well thought out manner.  It is a combination of short walks through field & forest with exploration of one’s senses. The experience brought me back to myself, allowing me to engage fully with our activity.  As my tension fell away, I didn't  know I was tense, I had much more focus.  We had plenty of time to complete our reflections/experiences and time to share them if we choose.  We ended with a tea ceremony and more time to chat.  This was an impactful afternoon for me. I recommend this to anyone who wants  to clear their mind, reconnect with their external and internal world. ~ Sue Shortle

The Forest Therapy Walk at the Awen Center was a perfect way to spend a few hours enjoying every aspect of what forests have to offer us. It was lovely to have simple guidance while strolling through the forest of things to focus on and experience. The super lightweight (and comfy!) portable stools, and hand held magnifiers were great to use along the way. This is a fantastic way to relax by taking in the peaceful sights, smells and sounds throughout the wooded areas and open meadows on the property. And to end with refreshing herbal tea and brief reflections to round out the experience. I highly recommend this walk as a way to reset, still the mind, and refresh the senses while connecting with nature. ~Megan

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Jefferson.