“Do you not think there is anything not attached by its unbreakable cord to everything else?” ~ Mary Oliver
Supporting physical, psychological, social, spiritual and planetary health.
As a restorative practice, Forest Bathing involves slowing down, awakening our senses, and engaging with Nature through guided invitations that encourage us to simply be with Nature.
Derived from the Japanese art of Shinrin-Yoku, Forest Bathing demonstrates a wide array of holistic health benefits. From cognitive functioning and mental health to cardiovascular and immune system benefits, Forest Bathing helps to reduce stress, restore attention, maintain positive moods, and build resilience. Each of which are fundamental to our lives and our ability function well.
Slow time in Nature also fosters a more expansive state of awareness, encourages perspective-taking, and broadens our outlook. We may see ourselves or the world from another lens, notice things we may otherwise have missed, or perceive connections differently. In this way, experiencing ourselves in Nature also helps us to learn about ourselves. In Nature, we may find ourselves holding a different kind of question or connecting with the greater wisdom around us. We may experience ourselves in a way that eludes us in our daily routines and find greater clarity on what matters most to us.
Whether by awakening awe, connecting to something larger than ourselves, or generating a sense of belonging to the wider web of life, we are invited to connect not only to the landscape we are held within but also to our essential self. In this way, cultivating awareness and relationship with nature is soul work and the means to access our soul intelligence.
Attentive time in Nature also deepens our relationship with Nature and offers us the opprotunity to see the deep connectedness of all things. It may also build on our understanding of living in a communal relationship with Nature. At the most basic level, building our relationship with Nature helps us to better care for the natural world.
When we consider the influence of Forest Bathing and Nature-based practices on teams, organizations, or community groups, we can also find new ways of perceiving ourselves and the world, engage in larger picture thinking, and focus on purpose.
As a certified Forest Bathing guide, I integrate aspects of Forest Bathing into workshops, retreats, and coaching as well as facilitate stand-alone Forest Bathing experiences in parks, forest trails, and on public and privately held land. I offer tailored packages that range from a couple hours to longer experiences. Occasionally, I hold free offerings open for public enrollment or for the benefit of local non-profits.
Forest Bathing is well designed to:
· Build team or community engagement
· Augment leadership workshops - heightening the opportunity for collaboration, innovative dialogue, systemic thinking, and centering on what matters most
· Deepen reflection and inquiry within coaching sessions and contribute to one’s personal development journey
· Supplement organization-based wellness programs
· Build land community and support conservation efforts
Pamela Fuhrmann
Pamela Fuhrmann recognizes the interdependency between human wellbeing and the health of the planet as well as the relationship between our individual and collective development to creating a sustainable and just future. She utilizes personal development as a means for organizational, as well as social and ecological transformation, in the design and development of unique learning experiences.
Pamela is the co-founder and leadership coach at the Conscious Leadership Institute and One Earth Leadership Consortium, two purpose-driven organizations that provide strategic leadership development opportunities for leaders across sectors and industries. She holds a PhD in Depth Psychology, an MEd in Educational Psychology, and certifications in coaching, ecopsychology, and Forest Therapy. She has 17 years of experience in designing and delivering leadership programs, workshops, retreats, and coaching engagements.