Forest Walk and Bayard Cutting Arboretum. The Japanese term for taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing is currently back in fashion

The Bayard Cutting Arboretum Forest Walk has returned for your enjoyment and relaxation

The Japanese term for ‘taking in the forest atmosphere’ or ‘forest bathing’, is currently back in fashion as a popular type of preventative health care and healing in Japanese medicine.      

You must register in advance. You’ll be sent a waiver by Wild Heart Nature Connection that must be signed and returned electronically (scanning or photo) via email prior to the walk.

• Register here: https://www.wildheartnatureconnection.com/store/p1/publicforesttherapywalks.html

• All forest bathers are required to bring their own masks and wear them at all times they are in the group.
• Considering bringing your own essentials: water, bug spray, sunscreen, if needed, tissues, and hand sanitizer or wipes for your personal use.
• Bring a journal and pen, if desired.

September: The Autumnal Equinox

The name “Equinox” is derived from the Latin aequus (equal) and nox (night). The Autumnal equinox marks a time when the day and night are nearly equal. 

It’s a beautiful time to forest bathe, even if it’s not on the day of the Equinox, because it’s about balance, endings and beginnings.

The walk always begins by opening the senses; slowing down and noticing what’s in motion when it isn’t us in motion.

We will explore the Dawn Redwoods and Oak Grove this month.

Some of the invitations you may experience include:

Wander with Balance: It’s called wandering in forest therapy because there isn’t any one direction you take or any specific destination; there’s no plan or outcome. Wander, exploring balance in the forest, by water, when available, or simply looking up at the sky. Some people even give Balance a persona and have a conversation. Test your own balance; nothing dangerous, of course. It’s always up to each person how they participate in these invitations.

Nature’s Resilience: An invitation to go out and find resilience in the forest. It may be the last wild rose, or crabapple. It may be a bird’s song, or any number of things. It will be personal to each forest bather. How does nature’s resilience inform us?

Forest Colors: Even in September, the trees may begin to change colors. Creating a palette of leaves or other fallen objects makes beautiful forest art in the Fall.

Equinox Poetry or Reflection: This is a time to write or read poetry to create a personal solo walk that may be journaled about later, or simply remembered fondly.

Sit Spotting: This is another good time to sit spot with nature. Find a water source and reflect, lean into a tree, close your eyes and feel the connection.

Bayard Cutting Arboretum

440 Montauk Highway

Great River, NY 11739

631-581-1002