Welcome
Nature & Forest Therapy Half-Day Retreats based on Forest Bathing Practice
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.
Rest, Reflect, Renew Retreat
A Weekend for YOU!
April 12 -14, 2024
A retreat exploring the question: Who Am I?
Forest Bathing, Enneagram Studies, Labyrinth Work
St. Marguerite's Retreat House in Mendham, NJ
to Register: rich@thefriendlyterritory.com
Preparing for Forest Bathing
To maximize your enjoyment on a walk, regardless of the weather, you'll only need a few things:
- Dress in Layers so you are comfortable
- Sunscreen
- Bug/Tick Spray
- Water
Health & Wellness Initiatives
Ask your employer to make Forest Bathing part of their Health & Wellness Program
- Minimum of 10 people
- We can provide the venue if you'd like
- 3 Options: 2.5 Hour Walk in Nature, 1 Hour Version, 30-minute Meditation
Offer a Forest Bathing Walk to your Group
Nature & Forest Therapy walks are perfect for bonding with family, friends, or co-workers - and a great way to make new friends for life. All you need to do to book a private walk is to collect 10 or more participants and email rich@thefriendlyterritory.com. What are you waiting for?
Give Your Club or Group a Special Event They'll Never Forget!
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 and Embodied Meditation facilitation.
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 one of my trips there, 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.”