Step away from the noise and explore your self deeply with the natural world. By combining somatic movement and therapeutic forest bathing, this experience invites profound simplicity, deep renewal, and a graceful reconnection with self. Every moment is intentionally crafted to feel spacious, unhurried, and profoundly nurturing. The result is a release of stress, a renewal of vitality, and a deep reconnection with yourself in the most exquisite setting nature provides.
What is Forest Bathing?
Forest bathing is a guided experience that works to mend the relationships humans have with themselves, the concept of time, their communities, and nature. It is an opportunity to remember our intrinsic connection to nature. A forest bathing walk includes a series of invitations that prompt you to connect to your senses through the more-than-human-world. This is a slow practice that is trauma informed and does not require any previous experience.
What is Somatic Movement
Somatic movement is a gentle approach to movement that focuses on sensing and feeling your body from the inside out. These mindful practices build a stronger mind-body connection, increase body awareness, and can help release physical and emotional tension. Examples include gentle forms of yoga, mindful body movement explorations, and breathing exercises which are practiced to foster internal experience, relaxation, and emotional balance.
Co-Hosts and Facilitators
Schedule for the Day
9:30am - Enjoy light refreshments, introductions and intention setting
10:30am - Yoga and Somatic Movement practice
12:00pm - Enjoy a freshly made lunch.
1:00pm - Nature walk with invitations and exploration
3:30pm - Closing Tea Ceremony
Location
Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods
21850 N. Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015
About Brushwood Center
Brushwood Center operates in the historic Brushwood home at the Ryerson Conservation area. Brushwood Center works collaboratively with community partners, artists, health care providers, and scientists to improve health equity and access to nature in Lake County, Illinois, and the Chicago region.
From the beginning, Brushwood has centered its work on connecting communities with the benefits of the arts and nature. That has taken many forms over the years, from nature hikes to art exhibitions, classes to colloquia, symphony concerts to bird-watching expeditions, and environmental justice projects. Today, Brushwood Center approaches its work with an invigorated focus on community partnerships, inclusion, and the promotion of arts and nature for personal and community wellbeing.
Reserve Your Spot
Your reservation fee of $200 includes all the activities listed above along with everything for morning refreshments, freshly prepared mid-day meal, and tea ceremony in the afternoon. We’ll connect with you after saving your spot to make sure the nourishment provided suits everyone’s needs and desires. Helpful things to have and bring are comfortable clothes and shoes for moving/walking inside and outdoors, an umbrella in case of rain, a water bottle, and a yoga/exercise mat (limited amount will be available on hand). Feel free to bring anything else that helps you feel most comfortable spending time outside on a maybe warm or maybe cool October day. We’ll keep an eye on weather conditions leading up to the event to give you a more informed recommendation of what to bring.
Traveling to Brushwood Center
Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods is most accessible by vehicle. Parking is available at no additional cost. Limited spots for carpooling will be available from a meeting spot in Chicago. If you are interested in joining or hosting a carpool let us know.
Questions? Connect with us here!