I was asked an interesting question today...
After discussing the idea of regularly leading physicians on ANFT-guided forest therapy walks to help mitigate burnout—and how this practice could inspire healthcare providers to write ParkRx prescriptions for patients to embark on self-guided forest therapy walks—an Indigenous leader raised an important question: Was this approach too prescriptive? That question gave me pause and prompted deep reflection. These types of conversations and open communication give me hope. It led me to consider the intersection between ParkRx and ANFT Forest Therapy. Here is what I came up with.
In a world increasingly dominated by technology and urban landscapes, the practice of reconnecting with nature has become more than a luxury—it’s a necessity for our well-being. Two movements leading the charge are the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) and ParkRx. Both aim to restore the relationship between people and the natural world, but they approach this shared mission in ways that highlight the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, and flexibility. Let’s explore how these practices align and complement one another.
What is ANFT Forest Therapy?
ANFT Forest Therapy is a guided practice rooted in the Japanese tradition of Shinrin Yoku, or “forest bathing.” It’s more than a walk in the woods; it’s an intentional journey of sensory connection, mindfulness, and reciprocal relationship with nature. What makes this approach unique is its non-prescriptive, participant-led framework. Guides offer “invitations” rather than instructions, allowing each person to connect with nature in a way that feels meaningful and authentic to them.
Crucially, ANFT acknowledges that the wisdom of nature connection has long been part of Indigenous traditions and other cultural practices. This perspective fosters inclusivity by positioning forest therapy as one pathway among many, not a replacement or superior method.
What is ParkRx?
ParkRx is a public health initiative that bridges the gap between healthcare and nature. Physicians and healthcare providers prescribe time in parks as a form of preventive and therapeutic care. The aim is to make the health benefits of nature—such as reduced stress, improved mood, and increased physical activity—accessible to all, particularly underserved communities who may face barriers to accessing green spaces.
By emphasizing accessibility and public awareness, ParkRx ensures that nature is not just for those with the privilege of time, resources, or proximity. It’s a prescription for well-being that anyone can fill.
How Do They Align?
Though different in structure, ANFT Forest Therapy and ParkRx share foundational goals that make them natural allies in promoting inclusivity and healing through nature.
1. Accessibility Meets Depth
ParkRx provides a gateway to nature, encouraging people to take their first steps into green spaces. ANFT Forest Therapy takes this a step further, offering a deeper, guided experience for those ready to explore their relationship with the natural world. Together, they address both the accessibility and the experiential depth needed for lasting well-being.
2. Inclusivity Through Non-Prescriptiveness
Both initiatives respect individuality and cultural diversity. ParkRx doesn’t dictate how people should spend their time in nature, only that they do so. Similarly, ANFT Forest Therapy avoids prescribing outcomes or specific ways of engaging. This flexibility ensures that participants—regardless of background—can feel safe, respected, and empowered to connect with nature in their own way.
3. Recognizing the Healing Power of Nature
Scientific research supports what many Indigenous cultures have always known: nature heals. Both ParkRx and ANFT harness this understanding. ParkRx emphasizes the public health benefits, while ANFT creates space for the emotional, psychological, and even spiritual healing that can arise from a deeper immersion in nature.
4. Bridging Gaps in Equity
ParkRx works to remove barriers like cost, transportation, and awareness, bringing nature to communities that might otherwise be excluded. ANFT aligns by offering practices that are adaptable to diverse groups, ensuring inclusivity for participants with varied needs, abilities, and cultural perspectives.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The collaboration between initiatives like ParkRx and ANFT Forest Therapy could create a seamless pathway for individuals seeking both accessibility and depth in their nature experiences. Imagine a healthcare provider prescribing time in a local park (ParkRx), coupled with opportunities for guided forest therapy sessions (ANFT) that deepen the connection and amplify the benefits. Together, these practices can transform the way we approach health, healing, and our relationship with the natural world.
An Invitation to Reflect
As we consider the role of nature in our lives, let’s ask ourselves: How can we ensure that practices like forest therapy are inclusive and accessible to all? How can healthcare systems, communities, and individuals work together to make the benefits of nature a universal right, not a privilege?
By embracing the principles of inclusivity and accessibility, both ANFT Forest Therapy and ParkRx remind us that the path to healing is as diverse as the landscapes we aim to protect and cherish. Together, they inspire a vision of a world where everyone can find their place in the natural world—and in doing so, rediscover themselves. Perhaps this love of nature will lead to a deeper reverence for life, fueling stewardship and conservation.
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