Two questions often asked about Forest Therapy are “What and why should I be interested?”
We live in a fast-paced, stressful world, and it has only gotten worse over the past two years. Stress does so much harm to our bodies, interfering with our concentration, sleep, mood and energy levels. Pressure keeps our bodies in a constant “fight, flight or freeze” state, which causes longterm damage to our minds and bodies.
Scientific studies have shown that spending time in nature and slowing down reduces stress as measured by cortisol, the stress hormone. Time in nature can improve our energy levels, focus, mood, and blood pressure.
The history of forest bathing, or “Shinrin-yoku,” began in Japan in the 1980s when the Japanese were moving to a tech-based economy. Many people were spending a lot more time indoors. The government noticed an increase in cancer and autoimmune disease.
The Japanese government began several research projects to figure out how to combat the rise in the condition. One project asked a straightforward question: “What happens when human beings are exposed to forest environments?”
The researchers discovered that trees keep themselves healthy by showering themselves in chemicals called phytoncides. The researchers learned that humans have a precise response when exposed to phytoncides. Our bodies make a particular white blood cell called a natural killer or NK-cell, which roam the body looking for stressed cells and could turn cancerous and destroy them as a preventative measure.
The Japanese researchers thought this was amazing, that simply going into the forest can potentially prevent severe disease. This is why they called it forest bathing or “Shinrin-yoku” because we are bathing in these phytoncides and other aerosols when we visit the forest.
The practice of forest therapy started in the United States when the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) tried to figure out how to help people repair their relationships with nature. Some of the practices they learned were very effective but required much time, money and athleticism.
Inspired by the Japanese tradition of “Shinrin-yoku,” the founders of the association designed forest therapy as a multi-hour experience where people could begin to achieve the health benefits associated with it using a guided experience to slow down and engage in deep relaxation to reduce stress.
I hope you will take some time and join us at the Cibolo Center for Conservation’s Nature Center campus for the first walk on Saturday, February 12, from 10 a.m. to noon. Forest bathing and therapy walks are $15 for non-members and $10 for members. Attendees will meet in the Cibolo Nature Center parking lot before heading out on their twohour walk. You can register and find out more on www. cibolo.org/calendar.
Grant Lucas will lead all the forest bathing and therapy walks at the Cibolo.
Cibolo Happenings
February 12
• Farmer’s Market at Herff Farm, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Join us for a limited winter edition of the Farmer’s Market at Herff Farm. We will feature our regular vendors during the winter months. Enjoy locally produced products and goods with cooler temperatures. Yoga is available. More information is available on www.cibolo.org.
• Sculpt the Mat – adult wellness class at Herff Farm, 9-9:45 a.m. This class will blend the upbeat rhythm of a barre class with Pilates movements to enhance your strength and endurance. This inclusive workout is designed for all levels that will focus on body alignment, breath and control with upbeat music to keep your body moving and your mind working. The instructor is passionate about helping you build strength to create ease in whatever activities you enjoy! Bring your mats and water bottles and head to the farm during the Farmer's Market at Herff Farm. Classes are $15 per session. Register on www.cibolo.org.
• Habitat Tour Wildlife Tax Valuation & Land Stewardship 101, 9-11 a.m. Attendees will tour the center’s four habitats and discuss management practices implemented on the center’s 160 acres. Register on www.cibolo.org.
• Forest bathing – adult wellness class at the nature center, 10 a.m.-noon. Held on select Mondays and Saturdays, forest bathing or “Shinrin-yuko” and forest therapy or “Shinrin-ryoho” are research-based practices allowing people to slow down from their daily lives and enjoy healing through participation with the natural world.We will meet in the parking lot, complete some forms, and prepare for our walk that will take approximately three hours and cover one and a half miles. Learn more and register on www.cibolo.org.
• Yoga at the Farm, 10-11 a.m. Join our community in a friendly and inclusive yoga class with a focus on mindfulness and awareness that allows you to explore what feels good in your body. We will play with mobility, balance and strength in our practice as we move and breathe together in the glorious outdoor spaces at the Historic Herff Farm. Classes are $15 and will move outdoors on warm days. Bring your mats and water bottles. Props are provided. Register on www.cibolo.org.
February 14
• Movement Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Head to the Cibolo Nature Center for a fun, inclusive yoga class. Classes are currently held in the CNC auditorium and will move outdoors on warm days. Props will be provided, and attendees must bring their mats and water bottles. Classes are $15. Register on www.cibolo.org.
February 19
• New date: Open house – Nest Nature School, 9 a.m.-noon. Prospective families interested in enrolling their children for the fall 2022 school year are encouraged to attend. Families must RSVP and sign up for a tour. Register on www.cibolo.org/nest.
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