Forest Bathing with the RCTC
The words “Forest Bathing” may conjure up some interesting thoughts when you hear them for the first time. Afterall, Forest Bathing is relatively new to the United States. But Forest Bathing is a well-known Japanese Practice of Shinrin-Yoku – Forest Bathing In English – according to Dr. Doug Jones, a Forest Therapy Guide. “Forest Bathing is a leisurely, sensory-based walk in the woods, where we concentrate on the sights, sounds, smells, touches, and tastes of nature. This is neither a naturalist exploration nor a fitness trek; instead, this walk is about absorbing the health benefits of spending relaxed time in nature. It’s also about repairing and nurturing our relationships with nature, ourselves, and others,” Jones said in an introduction to the walks.
This past summer, the Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy offered two sold-out Forst Bathing Walks along beautiful Crouse Run and Pine Creek. Dr. Jones, who is an experienced guide, trained and certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT), led both sessions. Before launching his Forest Therapy practice, Dr. Jones worked as an independent psychologist in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, and at Sewickley Academy for over 30 years.
When Dr. Jones retired, he decided to guide walks to remain in service to others and nature. He said that the experiences during a Forest Therapy walk allow participants to reconnect and embody their sense of being at home in nature and with themselves and others. “The ANFT motto is ‘The forest is the therapist; the guide opens the doors’.” Dr. Jones said.
Dan Maltese, one of the participants, said, “The name alone - forest bathing- initially peaked my curiosity and I am so glad that I took part in the walk. In today’s day and age, it seems like all of the news is bad. For me, the body craves quiet time in the woods,” he said.
“Forest bathing was a good reminder to take the time, focus on the good, and learn to block out the background noise. I found the walk to be a great reminder that we all know what we should do, we just need to take the time to actually do it,” Dan continued.
He also found the area of the walk fascinating. “At 61, I realize that I am never too old to learn new things,” he said, “Learning about the rich history of Crouse Run was more than enough for me to call the trip a success. I had no idea about the trolley and the lodge but especially the influence that the valley had on a young Rachel Carson. Learning about the ‘cold valley’ and the unique habitats and rich biodiversity found there was also very interesting.’
The Forest Bathing Walks also involved sharing experiences for those who wished to share. “It was especially interesting to listen to what other people got out of the different stops along the way. We were all in the same place, looking at pretty much all of the same things, yet everyone took something slightly different away with them,” Dan said.
Dr. Jones has guided over 100 walks in Pittsburgh and Northwestern Michigan including offering walks in Crouse Run and Emmerling Park. “I love guiding forest bathing on the Rachel because within moments from any trailhead we’ve left the urban landscape behind, and are immersed in Western PA’s natural sensory diversity of rocks, hills, runs, meadows, unique mix of plants, and exuberant animal life,” he said.
Dr. Jones continued, “Slowing down on a trail that most often is used for cross country treks, guides you toward finding yourself as a part of these wilds, no longer merely a visitor or passing through. Forest Bathing opens you to a deeper level of experiential appreciation of the trail for which you were always already grateful.”
The RCTC plans to offer more Forest Bathing Walks in the future. If you are interested in being notified for future Forest Bathing Walks, please email kganster@verizon.net. For more information about Dr. Jones and his Forest Bathing Offerings, visit www.forestbathingfinder.com. To learn more about Forest Bathing visit www.anft.earth.