Forest Bathing: Deepening Connection with Nature, Self and Others

“Shinrin yoku,” translated as “forest bathing,” is the Japanese practice of mindfully experiencing nature through the senses. During this special weekend, nature therapy guide and filmmaker Sylvie Rokab will guide you in slowly moving through the Esalen landscape as you connect to your own power and creativity. 

In the early 1980s, Japanese government-sponsored studies showed that forest immersion has a wide array of health benefits, including lowering the stress hormone cortisol, strengthening the immune system, and improving mood and cognition. Workshop participants often share that their stress dissolves, confusion lifts, hearts open, emotions surface, ideas spring forth, and they take home a renewed sense of connection, meaning, and purpose.

To prepare you for the weekend, Sylvie will share a link to her award-winning film Love Thy Nature two weeks prior to the workshop (April 2nd) and host a 45-minute Q&A via Zoom one week prior (April 9th at 6pm PT). Then, on the weekend of the workshop, the group will forest bathe, immersed in Esalen’s wilderness. The time in nature is anchored by tea ceremony, music, and sitting circles with deep sharing and listening. Join us to cultivate a sense of presence and explore nature’s capacity to ignite creativity, inspire wonder, and help us heal.

This event is a rain or shine event, so please be present with the weather forecast, and bring what you will need to be comfortable outdoors for the vast majority of our time together. Bring sunscreen, wet weather gear, sturdy shoes, and versatile, layered clothing.

Come prepared for adventure! Due to social-distancing requirements and in accordance with Monterey County and California state guidance, Esalen will be hosting all workshops and open classes in modified indoor-outdoor spaces, covered outdoor spaces, and outdoors. Please come prepared with warm, layered clothing, as well as wet weather gear in case Mother Nature blesses us with rain during your stay. Workshops will be held in a covered space with heaters, and may move back and forth from outdoor spaces into covered spaces.