What is Forest bathing?
- An evidence-based wellness practice that began in Japan in the early 1980's, now a growing trend worldwide
- "Forest bathing" is a rough translation of the Japanese term shinrin-yoku; it's also called "forest therapy"
- A gentle walk, ideally about three hours long, during which your guide will offer a series of invitations to reconnect you with your senses and the natural world
- Unlike a hike, there is no destination and, unlike a naturalist walk, the information exchanged does not reside in a book
- Research has shown multiple physiological and psychological benefits, from lowered blood pressure and boosted immune functions to an improved mood and increased creativity
Where will we be walking?
- On the grounds of the Lyon Arboretum, which lies deep in the rain forests of Mānoa Valley in Honolulu, on the island of O‘ahu. This is a nearly 200-acre tropical botanical garden with 2,000 species of trees onsite and lots of bird life. It's a dramatic setting, surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs.
- We'll traverse less than a mile across terrain with some very slight elevation changes
- Parking is free at the Arboretum. The entrance is also just half a mile from a City bus stop (#5 Ala Moana/Mānoa).
- Your guide Phyllis will be waiting for you at the Visitor Center, at the far end of the Arboretum parking lot.
YOUR FOREST THERAPY GUIDE
I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. For almost 60 years, my family has lived in the same valley in which I now guide.
The early part of my career was spent in the professional theatre on the US mainland; later, back on O‘ahu, in marketing and communications. But I've always loved the outdoors. An avid hiker, I belong to the Hawaiian Trail & Mountain Club and have trekked in the Grand Canyon and in Provence, France. I also practice Iyengar Yoga.
I received my forest therapy guide training and certification from the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy Guides & Programs. I am also certified in Wilderness First Aid (WFA).
I look forward to meeting you and introducing you to the forest and to forest bathing.
Aloha,
Phyllis
The early part of my career was spent in the professional theatre on the US mainland; later, back on O‘ahu, in marketing and communications. But I've always loved the outdoors. An avid hiker, I belong to the Hawaiian Trail & Mountain Club and have trekked in the Grand Canyon and in Provence, France. I also practice Iyengar Yoga.
I received my forest therapy guide training and certification from the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy Guides & Programs. I am also certified in Wilderness First Aid (WFA).
I look forward to meeting you and introducing you to the forest and to forest bathing.
Aloha,
Phyllis
