Shinrin Yoku Japanese Forest Bathing
Brown's Woods, Polk County
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Immerse
yourself in nature and experience the benefits of being fully present in the
medicine of the forest. This gentle three hour forest therapy walk offers a
rich experience in nature that can improve mood and provide relaxation.
Certified guides from Forest Therapy Pathways, will guide you to use your
senses to take in the healing environment of Brown's Woods. Shinrin-yoku or
forest bathing offers researched based health benefits such as lowered blood
pressure, decreased anxiety, and improved cognitive functioning. Slow down and
unplug with mindfulness based and nature connection invitations. Join us for
this unique wellness activity to unwind and rejuvenate!
Note:
Please come prepared by wearing comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers.
Bring a healthy snack and drinking water. You may find a small backpack useful.
We will walk if there is light rain, so bring rain gear if showers are
possible.
Pre-registration required; deadline is October 18.
Age Limit: 12 years and older
Fee: $15.
Presenters:
Julie Breshears, B.S., has
been a lover of the natural world since she was a young girl growing up on a
farm in Iowa. Her inborn curiosity and appreciation of nature’s balm has drawn
her to wild places throughout her life. She studied biology, chemistry and
psychology while attending Graceland University and earned a bachelor’s degree
in home economics education from Iowa State University in 198. An educator at heart, she thrives on
sharing knowledge that cultivates health and happiness. Julie has experience in
a variety of educational settings including public school, higher education,
adult education, cooperative extension service, day care, and home schooling.
In 2013 she became a facilitator for Life Skills International and teaches a
psycho-educational course that assists women in deepening character and
building healthy relationships. At present she works for the Iowa Department of
Education as a nutrition program consultant. Her passion lies in helping others
enrich and deepen relationships of all kinds, including relationship with the
natural world. In 2017, Julie completed her forest therapy guide certification
with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs. She is
also Wilderness First Aid certified. Currently she shares the delights of the
natural world with others by leading forest therapy walks across Iowa with her
husband, Joseph.
Joseph Breshears received his certification to become
a forest therapy guide in 2017 from the Association of Nature and Forest
Therapy Guides and Programs and his Wilderness First Aid Certification in 2016.
His passion is to enrich the lives of people through nature connection and
human connection. He holds a B.A, in psychology and is working towards a
master's’ degree in mental health counseling. He also is a men’s
facilitator for Life Skills International, a 6-month character building
psycho-educational course. About himself Joseph
says, “My life would have less meaning without a nature connection.
