Semi Monthly Forest Therapy Series
We encounter God in His creation. God reveals Himself in His creation (Romans 1:20). The forest is a window into the power of God. It is a place where we encounter God directly. It is a place where God invites us.
Forest Therapy Guide: Anna Marie Nachman
Forest Therapy will be available every other month in April, June, August, and October (and maybe September too!).
Make this a regular part of your spiritual practice
The Forest is the Therapist – the Guide Opens the Doors
~Amos Clifford
Forest Therapy is an innovative practice that draws on nature. It is inspired by Shinrin-yoku, the Japanese practice of “taking in the forest.” It is a research and evidence-based practice that supports health and wellness through guided, slow, sensory walks in forests and other natural environments to promote the well-being of both people and the land. One of the fruits of regularly practicing Forest Therapy is to re-ignite a love for the more-than-human world of nature in hopes that people will experience nature as alive, sentient and sacred. This approach releases grief, kindles hope, and makes possible bright moments of joy.
During a Forest Therapy walk the trained guide uses a clearly defined sequence of events and invitations in partnership with the forest which allows participants to slow down, allow the senses to open, and to experience the environment using all of the awakened senses to deepen the reciprocal relationship between participants and the forest. This supports the wholeness and well-being of both.
The invitations are open-ended. There is no expectation for how to participate or what you experience or receive. Rather, you spend time in silence, listening and feeling with a quiet and accepting presence. You become reconnected with your senses and your innate creative potential is tapped, which allows the imagination to awaken.
Anna Marie is a Certified Forest Therapy Guide and certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs. She is also certified in wilderness first aid. As a life-long resident of Pennsylvania with a deep connection to nature that goes back to her childhood, it is her mission to provide a safe, guided Forest Therapy experience that will balance body, mind, and spirit with the help of the more-than-human world of nature. Learn more at www.naturesbalanceft.com
The walk will begin at 9:00 am on Friday morning. Group size is limited to 12.
Thursday evening will be Labyrinth Prayer, Centering Prayer, or Praying the Way of the Cross, depending on weather.
Offering: $98
Deposit: $20
Arrival: Thursday after 3pm. Supper provided
Departure: Friday after lunch. Breakfast and lunch provided.
*Ask about making this a weekend retreat experience.
*Thursday/Friday commuter options are available. Thursday & Friday – $58. Friday only – $42
- April 7-8, 2022
- June 23-24, 2022
- August 11-12, 2022
- Oct 19-20, 2022
- September Dates TBD
For more information call 814-263-4855 or email bethanyretreatcenter@gmail.com
To register go to www.bethanyretreatcenter.org