Reduce Stress While Building Immunity - Nature Rx
We can all use a little nervous system relaxation these days. What if you could reduce anxiety and overwhelm, increase your sense of wellbeing and improve mental clarity, while reducing blood pressure and heart rate, lowering cortisol levels and increasing your bodies immune function? You can do all of that with something without a pill with something found all around you.
One way to do that is through the practice of Forest Bathing. At its core it is a practice of mindfulness in nature. Of slowing down, being present and connecting with our senses both to the world around us and to the world within us.
Our nervous systems evolved in communication with the natural world. It’s sights, sounds, fragrances and textures. When we cut ourselves of from those experiences, we cut ourselves off from a part of who we are. Studies show that as little as a few hours immersed in nature can have a positive impact.
"You may imagine a walk in nature as hearing and seeing interesting facts about local flora and fauna. But you haven't yet taken a walk with Gregg. He includes the "deeper you" in his experiences. His gentle invitations prompt us to not only see nature from a different perspective but also just BE in nature and express ourselves from that place. With Gregg we become attuned together in nature. This is what is really special about walks with Gregg. We find ourselves tuning into the people we came with in delightful, unanticipated ways. Gregg's walks are ideal for families that are longing for simple ways to just be together without cell phone interruptions from young and old. Whether you're a group with members who know each other well or a group of people just getting to know each other, Gregg provides wonderfully connective experiences wrapped in Nature Herself." -Eric
You don’t actually need a forest to do this. Though a forest certainly helps because breathing in the phytoncides (volatile chemicals) released from the trees increases our immune cell count. Many of the health benefits could be gained simply by spending mindful time with an ant on the sidewalk or a leaf that has fallen from a tree. By slowing down to commune with the natural world we recalibrate our nervous systems for more resiliency and joy.
Where do you find joy and pleasure? Where do you notice those sensations within your bodies. I invite you to connect with the awe and majesty of the natural world and discover for yourself.
"I have always turned to nature as a source of renewal and connection to myself and to the world. As I enter a time of much transition in my life, I knew that I needed to connect with nature in deeper, more intentional ways. When the opportunity to attend a forest therapy walk with Gregg Berman came up, I did not hesitate. What I experienced, in community with eight other beautiful souls, was a carefully tended and profound container for the depth of connection I was seeking. More, I learned specific practices that I can use at other times to draw wisdom and healing from natural places in new ways. I will definitely attend future walks." -Michaela
You can certainly partake of nature on your own. At the same time it can be difficult for many of us to slow down. Exploring that process, it can be helpful to have a guide. A certified Forest Therapy practitioner will lead you through a series of invitations, on your own or in a group. These invitations will help you to deepen your experience of nature in unique ways, which may be both playful and introspective. You will connect with the world around you and have an opportunity to share what you are noticing in ways that further foster that depth of connection.
Wherever you are in the world you can find a guide by using this map:
WORLD WIDE MEMBER MAP
"My son and I attended last Sunday one of Gregg's Shinrin Roku Forest Bath experiences. It was absolutely wonderful, meditating, sensing, sharing with each other in the most beautiful Redwood forest. Gregg was attentive, inspiring, creative and trust inducing. Given my personal experience I love to recommend you to share the experience with a loved one. It does not only brings you closer to nature but also to your child, partner, friend..." -Susannah
If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area you can join one of my public walks or contact me to set up a custom one for your friends, family or company.
To learn more or to join my next public walk on March 19th (additional dates available) through AirBnB Experiences in Presidio Park click this link:
FOREST BATHING EXPERIENCE
"Gregg considered every detail to elevate something seemingly simple - a walk in the woods - into an opportunity for deep reflection and peace. He took a group of stressed out, screen addicted people (like me) and showed us the light." -Annie
To set up a custom experience on land or sea as well as learn other ways of working with me let’s chat.
gregg@inconnectionwithnature.com
650 576-5991