Deep Connection and Discovery through Forest Bathing and Botanical Drawing
Saturday, September 14 · 10am - 4pm PDT
Location: Estero Trail, Point Reyes National Seashore
Tickets: $70-80
We will deeply immerse our senses and connect with the beauty and wonder of the natural world during this day of forest bathing and botanical drawing.
Forest bathing is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, which can be loosely translated to “taking in the medicine of the forest.” We will quiet our minds and slow down following invitations and prompts to engage with the natural world in new or different ways. Opening our sense doors allows cultivating awareness and connection from that deeper place.
From this place of stillness, we will connect with and draw plants as another wonderful way of connecting with the natural world. Drawing requires close inspection and curiosity. The meditative process quiets the mind, slows one's breathing, and opens up the senses.
The sensory process creates an experience that one does not forget easily. It makes a lasting connection between the human, the plant, and their shared environment.
Participants may want to bring a light easily carried camping chair, a yoga mat, or a light blanket.
Materials provided:
- Small foam pads to sit more comfortably on the forest floor
- Drawing boards, graphite and colored pencils, and paper will be provided. No additional materials are needed.
Joey Heusler is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide with the Association for Nature and Forest Therapy guides and programs (ANFT). Joey’s passion is bringing people of all ages into a place of stillness, where a connection with the natural world can be made from that deeper place. She guides Forest Bathing walks in Marin County and beyond.
Molly Brown is a West Marin artist and teacher who specializes in botanical art. She earned a graduate degree from UC in Scientific Illustration and is the founder and teacher of the Bolinas School of Botanical Art since 2014. She enjoys all the beauty of West Marin and especially the plants!
For any questions, please email us at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.