Shinrin Yoku

Forest bathing began in Japan, where it is known as Shinrin Yoku. It's translated as "forest bath." It's about taking the forest in with our senses. In Japan many scientific and medical studies have shown that spending time in nature has tremendous benefits to our health and well being. Modern humans have become very disconnected from nature as they spend so much time indoors and attached to their technology. 

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Shinrin Yoku can benefit anyone that wishes to find some more inner peace in their lives. The forest and nature offer peace, quiet, beauty, healing, and something mysterious. Spending time slowing down and noticing the details in nature helps develop our awareness, which enables us to live in the present moment. Forest bathing is a break from our minds, which cause so much suffering. We're constantly thinking about the past or the future and forget to see the beauty in front of us. 

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Shinrin Yoku and nature connection practices can open our hearts and help us understand who we really are and our purpose here on earth. It is a deeply moving and beautiful practice that brings people and nature together in harmony.

• Improvements in physical, mental, and emotional health.

 

• Lowers stress levels and anxiety.

 

• Cultivates a deep appreciation and compassion for the natural world.

 

• Creates a sense of calm and peace of mind.

 

• Results in the ability to develop presence and have awareness of the present moment.

 

• Ignites creativity and right brain activity.

 

• Rests the body and mind deeply.

 

• Invites playfulness, joy, and love of life.

 

• Allows the growth of appreciation and gratitude to flourish.

When you have a guide hold space for you to be immersed in nature, it's a very different experience than going out in nature on your own. The act of being held in a safe place to be open to the magic of nature can bring about deep healings and transformations. A guide can facilitate this experience and allow participants to process the connection with nature. 

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Martina is a trained spiritual mentor and meditation teacher, and she has a gift for being a peaceful presence. She guides others to access their own intuition and creates experiences that are deep and meaningful if that is desired. 

People may choose to do what feels right at the moment, but a guide offers invitations to connect with nature. Some of these include:

• sit with the trees and feel your connection to the earth

• listen to the subtle sounds of nature and learn to access your intuition

• observe the patterns and colors of moss growing on rocks

• create a unique artistic design on the forest floor with materials from nature

• smell the healing essential oils of the white pine, balsam fir, and other trees

• attune your breathing to the subtle vibration of the earth

• simply rest and receive healing from mother nature

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Each walk begins with an intention and ends with a tea ceremony and sharing session. The tea ceremony include tea made with plants from the forest and a homemade snack.

Two to four-hour forest bathing walks are only about half a mile at most in length. Forest bathing is about slowing down, so exercise is not the focus. The trails are gentle so people can stop frequently to connect with nature.

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Martina guides on trails that are quiet and away from the hustle and bustle of Acadia National Park. 

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Her favorite trail is Nematona, or sacred grove, which is her own created forest therapy trail in the 40 acres of forest behind her house in Surry. Special spots have been created for sitting next to large trees, a pond, moss rocks, and ferns.

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Trails meander through a forest of red maples, white pines, balsam fir, and red oaks. Many large moss-covered rocks decorate the forest floor along with many species of ferns, wildflowers, and mushrooms.

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Special spots have been created for a deep connection to the earth including: Big Pine, Frog Pond, Meditation Rock, and the Labyrinth.

Backpack with:

• water

• sunhat

• insect repellent

• journal with pen

• sneakers or hiking shoes

• extra layer or raincoat

• your own chair (but I have some too)

• extra medication