We’re partnering with Maine Integrative Family Care to support your mental and physical health through this guided forest bathing practice.
Through this mindful forest bathing practice, you’ll deepen your relationship with your body, your mental health, and the land you inhabit. After some guided breathing and gentle movement, we'll amble along the trail, awakening our senses to the living Earth in this present moment and enjoying the health benefits of spending time in nature. No previous meditation experience is necessary, all are welcome!
What is forest bathing? Forest bathing comes from the Japanese term, Shinrin-yoku. The phrase simply means “taking in the forest atmosphere” or “forest bathing.” The technique of forest bathing was developed in Japan in the 1980s and has become common in Japanese medicine for preventive health care and healing.
Some proven health benefits of forest bathing include:
Reduced stress. When stressed, our bodies release the cortisol hormone which dampens the immune system and makes us prone to heart and metabolic diseases. Studies have shown a significant decrease in the level of cortisol after spending time outdoors.
Reduced high blood pressure. Forest Bathing has been proven to reduce high blood pressure, a crucial factor in maintaining a healthy heart.
Boosted immune system. Extensive research has proven that by breathing in organic compounds released by trees, the number and activity of white blood cells called natural killer cells (or NK cells) increase. These cells defend our immune system from tumors and viruses.
Improved mood and mental health. Studies conducted after forest bathing practices have shown a decrease in scores for anxiety, depression, anger, and fatigue and an increase in scores for short-term memory, attention, creativity, and problem-solving.
Better eyesight. Research suggests that exposure to the outdoors in childhood has lasting benefits to the health of the eyes and vision by reducing the likelihood of developing myopia (near-sightedness). In adults, taking the time to gaze out over a landscape helps improve the effects of eye strain.
IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION
This event will be held rain or shine. If the event needs to be canceled due to dangerous weather or temperature, you will be fully refunded.
You will need appropriate shoes for walking and a trail seat, blanket, or towel to sit on.
ACCESSIBILITY NOTE
Cost: Nobody will be turned away for a lack of funds. Please reach out to Davinica at davinica@kaneel.me to figure out a cost that feels accessible to you.
Parking: There is a small parking lot immediately to the right when you turn onto Gull Crest Drive. The trailhead is on the opposite (west) side of Spurwink Avenue, across from the bottom of the field just below the parking area. While there are wheelchair-accessible spaces in the parking lot, this trail is not wheelchair accessible.
Trail: Our walk will be slow and meandering over a short distance, not a hike. In total, we’ll traverse a little less than 1 mile, and throughout the practice, there will be moments to rest. The path will be a mix of grassy meadows, boardwalks, and forest trails with a very slight elevation of 24 ft with a maximum grade of 5.38%. To get onto the trail from the road there is an uneven and somewhat steep step down. There will be a person stationed there for anyone who needs assistance.
Sensory Activities: Throughout the meditation, participants will be invited to explore the space using their senses of hearing, sight, smell, and touch. Participation in any of these activities is not required and can be adapted for those with sensory impairments.
Restrooms: There are no restrooms for this 1.5-hour event.
About Maine Integrative Family Care
Maine Integrative Family Care is an integrative family medicine practice in the Portland, Maine area. Dr. Benjamin Hagopian’s mission is to provide excellent holistic primary care to individuals and families throughout Maine through relationships, accessibility, and value.
About Kaneel
Kaneel offers guided mindfulness practices in natural settings throughout the state of Maine. It has grown out of a dedication to learning, sustaining, and celebrating all that the more-than-human world is willing to share with us. Through our offerings, we encourage people to connect with the natural world in meaningful ways so they may become active stewards of our planet.
Kaneel’s founder and owner, Davinica Nemtzow, is certified as a Mindful Outdoor Guide from the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health and a proud Mainer. She is dedicated to bringing together community in inclusive, fulfilling, and creative ways.