Forest Therapy
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"Return to the Forest"
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Certified Guide
Diane Simmons
What is Forest Therapy?
Forest therapy, also known as shinrin-yoku, is a practice that involves immersing oneself in nature, specifically forests, to enhance well-being. Rooted in Japanese tradition, it focuses on mindfully experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells of the natural environment to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote overall mental health. This therapeutic approach has gained popularity globally as a way to reconnect with nature and find balance in our fast-paced lives.
About Diane Simmons
The place where I grew up had a large wooded area behind our house. As a youngster, much of my time was spent outside, running, playing, climbing trees, and hiking. As I have grown older, I have come to miss that natural setting. Becoming a forest therapy guide through The Forest Therapy School was for me very much a 'return to the forest.' In a day and age where nature is discarded in favor of technology, it is my vision to help others connect with nature in a way that helps to heal humanity and preserve our beautiful planet. I also seek to rekindle a love of nature in those who are not able to get outside as much as they would like to. Let me bring the forest to you!
Contact Info
281-757-7811
Based in Cypress, Texas
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@return_to_the_forest
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walkwiththetrees@gmail.com
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Facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087114978794
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See this study from the National Institutes of Health
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9518146/
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Read More!
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Indoor Group Sessions:
I provide indoor group and individual sessions for nursing homes, assisted living centers, and hospitals. Please contact me for pricing.
What to expect during a 1 hour session
01.
Meet & greet, logistics, orientation
Sensory awakening meditation
03.
Two or three sensory "invitations"
04.
Tea and discussion
05.
Gratitude to the forest
02.
MORE
Forest therapy, also known as shinrin-yoku, is an immersive practice that harnesses the healing power of nature to promote overall well-being. Originating in Japan in the 1980s, the term “shinrin-yoku” translates to “forest bathing” in English, capturing the essence of this therapeutic experience. Developed as a response to the fast-paced urbanization and technology-driven lifestyles, forest therapy emphasizes a mindful and intentional connection with the natural environment.
Rooted in ancient Shinto and Buddhist traditions that recognize the spiritual and healing qualities of nature, forest therapy gained prominence as a formalized practice when the Japanese government designated specific forests for therapeutic purposes. The practice involves slow, contemplative walks in the woods, encouraging participants to engage their senses fully. It goes beyond simple recreation, fostering a deep, sensory connection with the natural world. The philosophy behind forest therapy is centered on the idea that immersing oneself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the forest can have profound physical and mental health benefits.
Research on forest therapy has increasingly supported its positive impact on human health. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can lower stress levels, reduce blood pressure, and improve mood. Phytoncides, natural compounds emitted by trees, have been found to enhance the activity of natural killer cells in the immune system, boosting overall immune function. Additionally, the practice has been linked to improved cognitive function, increased creativity, and better concentration. These findings highlight the holistic benefits of forest therapy, supporting its integration into wellness practices around the world.
As interest in holistic well-being grows, forest therapy has gained recognition beyond Japan, with practitioners and enthusiasts advocating for its inclusion in healthcare and mental health strategies. The combination of ancient wisdom, contemporary scientific validation, and a desire for a more balanced life positions forest therapy as a unique and impactful approach to promoting human health and connection with the natural world.
Certified in forest therapy through The Forest Therapy School, Diane Simmons is pleased to announce a new program for the Cypress/Tomball/Spring area whereby she will bring nature connection to people who are homebound, infirm, or otherwise unable to participate in an outdoor forest walk. She will do this through a variety of sensory experiences and interactive discussion.
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To schedule an indoor or outdoor forest therapy session, please contact Diane at 281-757-7811, or email her at walkwiththetrees@gmail.com