Forest Therapy: More Than Just Mindfulness in Nature

Forest Therapy: More Than Just Mindfulness in Nature

In a world that moves too fast, where overstimulation is the norm and our nervous systems are constantly “on,” truly relaxing has become a skill—and, in many cases, a struggle. I see this in the people I guide through forest therapy walks. I feel it in myself.

During the first part of a walk, it’s not uncommon to notice unexpected tension—tight shoulders, shallow breath, a racing mind. These are the signals of accumulated and embodied stress that we often don’t recognize until we slow down. But something beautiful begins to happen when we do. As the forest holds us, the nervous system starts to shift. The body softens. The mind lets go. Presence returns.

Presence is a Practice—And a Power

Coming into the present moment is more than a mindfulness technique—it’s an art. A practice. A deep remembering.

And we need it now more than ever.

Forest therapy offers us a way to see the world clearly, to act not from the looping narratives of the past, but from what is true—right now, in this moment. This is where our power lies: in presence, in clarity, in truth.

Forest Therapy as Relational Healing

Forest therapy isn’t just about personal wellness—it’s relational. As we slow down and reconnect to nature, we reconnect to ourselves and to each other. Many people leave these walks feeling more deeply connected—and more protective of the land that supported their healing.

That’s why I do this work: to create experiences that deepen our love for the earth and, in turn, inspire stewardship and conservation. I recently joined the San Francisco Parks & Gardens membership and have been bringing people to these green sanctuaries to help treat urban stress through guided forest therapy.

The simple act of walking slowly, listening deeply, and noticing the more-than-human world around us can be profoundly healing. It’s how we begin to regulate our nervous systems, reawaken our intuition, and remember our place in the web of life.

The Power of Circle and Deep Listening

One of the most sacred aspects of a forest therapy walk is the way we hold circle. This practice promotes deep listening—something so often missing in our fast-paced world. We listen not just to words, but with our whole hearts. We listen to ourselves, to one another, and to the natural world.

In these circles, there’s no pressure to perform or fix—only the opportunity to witness and be witnessed. When we listen with the intention not to add, but to receive another’s experience, we cultivate empathy. This kind of listening builds tolerance, understanding, and reverence for the many different ways we all see and experience the world.

In these liminal states—where the boundaries between inner and outer blur—we begin to access something deeper than just our own insight. We tap into a collective wisdom, a shared field of knowing, where the guidance of nature and intuition becomes clearer. In these moments, we remember that listening is a skill, and that the natural world is always speaking—if only we slow down enough to hear.

Interpretive vs. Mindful Experiences

Most of our parks in California have done a beautiful job offering interpretive experiences—designed to educate, inspire, and connect visitors to the natural and cultural history of a place through signage, ranger talks, and guided programs. These offerings are invaluable.

My goal is to build upon this by certifying forest therapy trails near hospitals, schools, and local parks—creating accessible spaces for people to engage in self-guided, ANFT-style forest therapy walks, supporting mental health, emotional regulation, and embodied presence.

If you're interested in certifying a forest therapy trail, or attending nature-based workshops designed to help you reconnect and release accumulated stress, I would love to hear from you. These projects are rooted in healing, stewardship, and accessibility—for all.