One With Nature Forest Therapy
Nurturing mind, body, and spirit in nature for a healthier, happier life.
"The forest is the therapist; the guide opens the doors"
What is Nature & Forest Therapy?
Nature and Forest Therapy Walks – Reconnect with Nature for Well-Being
Take a step into the serene embrace of nature on a guided Nature and Forest Therapy walk designed to rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit. Also known as Shinrin-yoku in Japan, forest bathing is a practice of immersing oneself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the natural world to foster deep relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. This walk is a perfect opportunity to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the healing power of the natural environment.
What is Nature and Forest Therapy?
Nature and Forest Therapy is a guided experience that invites participants to engage all their senses in the natural world. Unlike a typical hike or nature walk, this therapeutic practice encourages a mindful, slow-paced exploration where you are invited to listen to the rustling of leaves, inhale the earthy scents of the forest, and feel the textures of the trees, moss, and earth beneath your feet. Studies have shown that this immersion in nature helps lower stress levels, boost immunity, improve mood, and promote mental clarity.
What to Expect:
- Guided Mindfulness Practices:
Led by a certified Nature and Forest Therapy guide, the walk will include a series of mindfulness invitations designed to deepen your connection to the forest. These might include sensory awareness activities, guided breathing, and invitations to reflect on your feelings and thoughts as you wander. - Immersion in the Forest Environment:
As you slowly walk through the forest or natural landscape, you’ll be encouraged to engage with the environment in a gentle and open way—whether by observing the patterns in the tree canopy, feeling the texture of tree bark, or taking a moment to sit and absorb the peaceful surroundings. - Healing and Relaxation:
Nature has been shown to reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and activate the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and recovery. This walk provides an opportunity to de-stress and reconnect with the present moment, allowing you to let go of the busyness of daily life. - Connection with Others:
Whether you walk with friends or meet new people, the experience fosters a sense of community and shared mindfulness. The walk is often a quiet, reflective time, but opportunities to share reflections and insights with fellow participants are encouraged. - Deepening Your Relationship with Nature:
The walk is designed to help participants feel a deeper sense of belonging and connection to the natural world, cultivating a greater appreciation for the environment and our role in preserving it.
Why Attend?
This Nature and Forest Therapy experience offers more than just an outdoor adventure; it’s an opportunity to restore your mental and emotional health in an increasingly fast-paced world. Whether you are seeking to alleviate stress, boost your mood, or simply experience the calming effects of nature, this walk will leave you feeling refreshed, balanced, and more in tune with the environment.
Health Benefits
Forest Therapy has been recognized for its direct benefit to human health and its ability to reduce stress while also boosting immune system function.
Mayo Clinic began prescribing nature for their patients in 2023, joining many doctors in Japan, Great Britain, Korea, Canada, New Zealand and around the world, who recognize the need to get humans back in nature for these benefits:
- boosts immunity
- reduces depression and mental fatigue
- reduces anxiety and stress
- reduces anger
- reduces cognitive decline for older adults
- improves sleep
- improves creativity and mood
- increases energy
- increases gratitude and motivation
- And much more--click below
"Nature itself is the best physician." --Hippocrates
Certified Nature Therapy Guide, Elizabeth Mills
Elizabeth grew up climbing trees and hunting wild orchids. She now owns a plant healthcare company with her husband in Lancaster County and is delighted to offer a deeper nature connection for human health and wellbeing. Elizabeth has experienced firsthand the profound benefit of "time with nature" for relieving stress and grief. She is honored to provide the time and space for others to discover what nature has to offer through relational forest therapy.
Come for an immersive guided experience at the Mills' farm in the wilds of Amish country, or in other locations along the Susquehanna river hills of Lancaster and York Counties.
By deepening our connection with nature, we can experience emotional well-being, reduced stress, improved mental and physical health, increased sense of purpose, and a greater awareness of our role within the ecosystem.
Come play outside with One With Nature Forest Therapy!
Details:
- Date & Time: Year Round--see specific events
- Locations: A Quiet Place Farm in Willow Street, PA and various locations in Lancaster and York Counties including Lancaster Conservancy sites and other parks.
- Duration: [Approximately, 2 -3 hours]
- What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a bottle of water, and an open mind! (Optional: a small notebook for reflection)
Allow the healing power of nature to soothe your senses and nourish your soul. Join us for a transformative Nature and Forest Therapy walk, where you can reconnect, relax, and revitalize—one mindful step at a time.