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.

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.

“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 

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 SET UP A CUSTOM EXPERIENCE VIA LAND, SEA OR A COMBINATION OF BOTH AS WELL AS LEARN OTHER WAYS OF WORKING WITH ME LET’S TALK SO I CAN LEARN ABOUT YOUR NEEDS AND VISION.

SIGN UP FOR PUBLIC WALKS IN SAN FRANCISCO THROUGH AIRBNB EXPERIENCES

We’ll increase our energy flow and state of happiness as we bathe our senses in the style of Shinrin-Yoku. 
 
Our guided mindfulness-based walk will take us from a lookout with splendid views of San Francisco Bay through stunning Redwood and Eucalyptus forests and across the wetlands of El Polin springs. Each ecosystem full of life filled with myriad delightful sights and sounds unique to that locale. You'll be guided through invitations to deepen your experience of nature in unique ways, which may be both playful and introspective. 
 
We'll drop into the beauty and stillness of the forest, and we will pause as a group to share our experiences guided in The Way of Council. This can be expressed in silence, words, or movement. Our walk will end with delicious tea made from foraged plants and served in handmade tea cups. A sense of calm and inner peace will be a gift we’ll take with us.

“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 

“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 enducing. 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

“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

WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE WORLD YOU CAN FIND A GUIDE BY USING THE MAP

As we evolved as a species, our nervous systems physiologically attuned to natures sights, colors, textures, to natural sounds of bird song or water flowing, our biorhythms attuned to the movements of the sun and the change of seasons. Psychologically we need nature as well. Research is showing that as little as a few hours connecting with nature can have benefits that last for weeks.

Studies on the benefits of nature include the discoveries of phytoncides (volatile chemicals released from plants) that help boost our immune function and fight cancer, reduction in blood pressure, anti depression chemicals found in the soil, increased ability to focus, mood elevation, increased energy levels and more. In addition there is increasing evidence of time spent in nature’s effect on increased ability to communicate, clearer intuition, deepening of eros and life energy.

It has been so well researched that in Japan, their physicians now prescribe nature therapy and there are a series of locations around the country where people go to experience shinrin-yoku or forest bathing, a deep sensorial connection with nature. Now you don't have to go to Japan to experience it.