Forest Bathing: Full Moon

Program Details

Inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin yoku, Forest Bathing is a research-based practice that supports healing and wellness through guided sensory immersion in outdoor spaces. Proven to boost immune strength, reduce stress, and improve cognitive function, this practice emphasizes connection between all participants—both human and the more-than-human trees, plants and wildlife on site.

Forest Bathing offers an important opportunity to deepen our relationship with the natural world, to reposition that relationship as collaborative rather than extractive. By slowing down our bodies and our attention and carefully observing with all of our subtle senses, we can cultivate greater presence and more active communication with the landscape. When we set aside the rapid and inattentive pace of our daily routines, we may find unparalleled beauty and intimacy in the present moment and in doing so, shift our perspective of our place and time on this earth.

Our full moon walks are intentionally timed to begin prior to sunset so that we first experience the lowering of light and noise, the coloring of the sky and finally, the rise of the full moon. Under a dark sky, we begin to “see” in other ways, leaning into the more subtle senses to guide our explorations.

On your walk, a certified guide will first offer a grounding welcome session in order to deepen into our senses. This is followed by a series of carefully crafted invitations designed to assist one in finding their own authentic way of interacting with the land at the Los Angeles Arboretum. We end the practice in circle together, sharing a natural herbal tisane.

Like any relationship, the one we wish to create with nature develops and deepens over time and with consistent attention. This is a practice to return to with curiosity and devotion. We invite you to join us regularly as the seasons change and temperatures shift.

Because of the slow and meditative nature of this class, we strongly recommend that participants be 12 years old and older.

We recommend:
-Wear or bring comfortable layers of clothing so as to be prepared for the temperature shift that occurs after sundown and into the night.
-Apply sunscreen and/or insect repellant before class
-Silence your phone

What to bring:
-Water

About Our Guides

Debra Wilbur is an ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide, a UCLA/Marc-trained Mindfulness Meditation Instructor, sound healing practitioner, Usui Reiki Master.  She weaves together these practices along with her interests in astrology, ritual and ceremony to create a singular nature-based immersion aimed at quieting the mind and body, easing stress, freeing the imagination, and creating community among strangers.

Website: www.insideoutimmersion.com

Email: debra@insideoutimmersion.com

IG: @insideoutimmersion

Ben Page is a Forest Therapy Guide, council carrier, DJ, creator of Story Weaving and the author of Healing Trees: A Pocket Guide to Forest Bathing, The Wild Garden and The World In My Pocket. His work focuses on the philosophical ethic of non-striving and self-love as a gateway to inner peace and compassionate action. Ben holds a B.A. in religious studies from Carleton College and an M.A. in human development and social change from Pacific Oaks College.

Website: www.integralforestbathing.com

Email: integralforestbathing@gmail.com

IG: @integralforestbathing

Dr. Novellyn Heard is an ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide, bird watcher, meditator, and retired mental health professional. She is a graduate of UC Berkeley and Harvard Medical School. Through forest immersion practices, she helps herself and others relax, connect with nature, and improve well-being. 

Cancellation/Reschedule/Refund Policy:

Cancellations or reschedules must be requested in advance of one week prior to the program start date in order to qualify for a refund or reschedule. Cancellations or reschedules requested within 7 days of the class start date will not qualify for a refund or reschedule. The Arboretum does not offer credit or reschedules for missed classes. If you are unable to cancel within the required refund window, please consider your program fee a donation to the garden. Your registration confirms your understanding of and agreement with this policy.