Forest Bathing at RambleRill Farm

Our guided, mindful walks through the woods and gardens at RambleRill are inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku  (also known as forest bathing  or forest therapy)---immersing oneself in the sights, smells, sounds, tastes, and touches of the forest. Participants are invited to relax in the present moment and to use their senses to engage with nature. The point is not to reach a destination, or to exercise, or to identify the flora and fauna; the time in the forest and gardens is devoted to sensing and to being.

The Japanese government integrated forest bathing into its national health program in the 1980s in an attempt to counteract the negative impact of sedentary, indoor, high-stress jobs on citizens' health. Research establishes that forest bathing benefits both mind and body with beneficial effects on mood and cognition as well as cardiovascular and immune function.

Your Guide:

Jane Saiers

UPCOMING WALKS

It's Spring!

Saturday, March 23, 2:30-4:30

Spring brings beginnings: woodland flowers open their buds, migrant songbirds arrive, and days lengthen. During a mindful walk in the forest, we will take in the emerging spring with all of our senses through invitations inspired by the writing of Emily Dickinson, regarded as one of the most original figures in American poetry.

Celebrate the Trees!

Saturday, April 27, 2:30-4:30

This walk falls on the day after National Arbor Day, in observance of which we will explore trees of the forest with all of our senses through invitations inspired by the writings of Kentucky farmer and author Wendell Berry.

"Now Is the Month of Maying"

Saturday, May 25, 2:30-4:30

“Now is the month of maying” with flowers blooming, bees buzzing, songbirds singing, and breezes blowing. We will take in the May forest through all of our senses through invitations inspired by the writings of beloved nature poet Mary Oliver.