Welcome
Nature & Forest Therapy Walks based on Forest Bathing Practices
Join One Of Our Scheduled Walks Or Book A Customized Walk Today
About Us
Nature & Forest Therapy
Perhaps you have heard the term, "Forest Bathing"? Nature & Forest Therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Forest Bathing. Studies have demonstrated a wide array of health benefits, especially in the cardiovascular and immune systems, and for stabilizing and improving mood and cognition, from a slow walk in the forest or other natural environments. We look to build on those benefits by reminding people that we are a part of nature, not separate from it, and are related to all other beings in fundamental ways. Our Forest Therapy Walks draw on the latest developments in the field of nature connection, and ancient traditions of mindfulness and wellness promotion.
What Happens On A Walk
Nature & Forest Therapy is a practice. It is open-ended; there is no prescription for what a person "should" experience, or what benefits they "should" receive. Instead, it is a practice of developing a deepening relationship of reciprocity, in which the natural world and the practitioner find a way to work together that supports the wholeness and wellness of each. In Nature & Forest Therapy, there is a clearly defined sequence of guided events that provides structure to the experience, while embracing the many opportunities for creativity and serendipity offered by nature and the individual inspiration of each guide.
Re-establishing A Deep Nature Connection
Nature & Forest Therapy is not a naturalist walk, rather, it is a slow meditative walk in nature that takes a holistic view to the physiological, mental, emotional, and psycho-spiritual benefits to be derived from an embodied contact with nature, and aims to engage humans through their senses, not their intellects. Nature & Forest Therapy can be viewed as an effective strategy to maintain and boost immune strength in human beings. The walk takes approximately 2.5 hours and requires no exceptional skill or physical exertion.
Our Walks
Scheduled Walks
New Year/New Venues
Beginning April 25 we'll be having a monthly walk on the beautiful grounds of the Loyola Jesuit Center in Morristown, NJ. www.loyola.org
And on May 1, we'll have our first walk on the magnificent grounds of Duke Farms, a leader in stewardship and sustainability. https://dukefarms.org/
Important Update re Coronavirus.
Our live walks have restarted. The walks are naturally socially distanced. Let's get back out there safely.
Customized Walks
Organize a Custom Walk for your Group. Options include:
-up to 20 Participants
-Anywhere in Northern New Jersey, The Jersey Shore, New York City, Upstate New York
Customized Themes
Possible Themes:
- Family Reunion
- Wedding Festivities
- Full Moon
- Team Building
- Employee Health & Wellness
Your Guide
Rich
Rich is a Certified Guide for the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT), based in Morristown & Barnegat Light, New Jersey. His company, Friendly Territory, specializes in Nature & Forest Therapy walks. He is a husband, proud father and grandfather, entrepreneur, and daily meditator.
Why I'm A Guide
“Having traveled to Japan for many years, I began to hear about Forest Bathing and the amazing effects it was having on people’s health through the deepening of a reciprocal relationship with the natural world. So, I began trying it on my regular visits there. After a particularly powerful experience on a recent visit, I thought to myself: 'This is something I can do for the rest of my life'. I returned home with the intention of starting a Forest Bathing practice here. To my delight I discovered that the ANFT was operating with an approach inspired by the Japanese concept but adapted for North America. I applied, was accepted, and took part in their intensive training program. I most appreciate their vision of what our job is as Guide: The Forest is the Therapist, the Guide holds the space for the healing to occur.”