Originating from the Japanese word shinrin-yoku, forest bathing invites full sensory immersion in the beauty, wonder and beneficial atmosphere of the natural world.
Nature and its Course
As a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide for Above the Clouds Forest Bathing, Jane Deming Scanlon helps the community deepen their relationship with nature through guided walks in the Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak area.
Offerings include public, private, small and business groups, ephemeral art, faith-based and nature’s magic with grandmother forest walks. Each specialized walk provides community members with a unique experience and ends with a closing tea ceremony.
“Our closing ceremony is where we consider both the gifts of the natural world has given to us and the gifts we wish to return,” Jane shares.
A guided forest bathing walk is more about being here than getting there. The pace is unhurried, guests can sit or lie down, have solo or group time, journal and bask in the beauty our world provides us.
“Through slow, easy walks, guests can let go and let a trained guide offer thoughtful invitations to awaken all our senses, which includes more than five!” Jane explains.
'Above the Clouds' Origin and Forest Bathing Benefits
The name “Above the Clouds Forest Bathing” comes from being based in Woodland Park, which is known as “The City Above the Clouds” and the ways that the practice of forest bathing invites us to shift our attention and awareness “above the clouds” that the busy, distracted mind can generate, Scanlon says.
“Lately I like to refer to the practice as relational forest bathing, as our intention is nurturing reciprocity and a healthy relationship with the more-than-human world,” Scanlon says. “Many of us share a grief for how we and our fellow humans have harmed the natural world. We hold space for that grief and any other emotions or sensations that arise.”
“I am honored to share this practice at some of the most magnificent spaces in our area, Garden of the Gods and Mueller State Park,” Jane shares.
As a research-based wellness practice, forest bathing’s full immersion in the beneficial compounds trees produce may provide health benefits such as lowered blood pressure, decreased anxiety and stress, improved mood, sleep and functioning of the immune and nervous systems.
“We recognize that the forest is the therapist, and the guide opens the doors,” Jane says.
Nature is calling and it is time to return.
Address + Phone: Woodland Park | 515-991-7412
Website: https://www.abovethecloudsforestbathing.com/
Facebook: @AboveTheCloudsForestBathing
Instagram: @AboveTheCloudsWalks