Forest Therapy - trees improve mood and overall health!

Forest therapy enhances well-being through gentle immersion in forests and other natural environments. It derives from the Japanese practice "shinrin yoku," which translates to "forest bathing." Forest therapy is a way to connect with nature, yet it is more than that. It is a way to awaken your sensing and being self, deep and nourishing parts of oneself that often don't receive a lot of attention in our fast paced, technology-driven lives.Urban Edge Forest Therapy offers guided public walks which typically take place in New York City's Central Park. Unless otherwise noted, they last three hours and cover less than a mile, plus 1/4 mile each way getting to and from within the park. Walks conclude with a snack and tea ceremony.

Environment is a powerful influence on us, and for years I've been interested in better understanding our relationship to the natural world and how cultivating this relationship can promote human thriving. Living in NYC, the natural world can seem far away or inaccessible to many of us, but the truth is that, while I encourage everyone to venture out of the city and connect with nature, there are also plenty of opportunities within the city as well. Nancy, who runs Urban Edge Forest Therapy, conducts workshops and walks throughout the city, and I joined her for a walk through The Ramble of Central Park in late June.