The Marine Park Alliance has been known to bring unique and exciting events to the community, but they have certainly outdone themselves this time, introducing a “Forest Bathing” experience, just in time for City of Forest Day.
Certified Forest Bathing Instructor Tasha LaDonna led participants through an intentional, nature-based healing practice rooted in mindfulness, breathwork and sensory connection on Saturday morning, October 3rd.
Participants gathered in a circle, on the grass behind the Salt Marsh Nature Center, located at East 33rd Street and Avenue U, where their two-hour journey of self-reflection and inner peace began.
Despite having forest bathed around the United States and abroad, LaDonna explained how she still believes in the importance of finding serenity in your own backyard. She discussed how we often feel as if we must leave the city and go far away to find peace, but that the benefits of forest bathing can be had in Brooklyn too, in our own urban forest areas.
She shared excerpts from a favorite book on the Japanese practice, also called Shinrin-yoku, which translates to “absorbing the forest atmosphere,” meaning no physical bathing or exercise is required. Instead, it focuses on connecting with nature through the senses.
LaDonna also spoke of how scientific research supporting the many health benefits behind the practice eventually led to the creation of designated parks in Japan. LaDonna explained how urban forest bathing for just two hours can increase the number of cancer-fighting cells in the body, lower blood pressure, stabilize the nervous system and even improve mental health.
After doing some breath work and grounding themselves, members of the group ventured along Avenue U to a large grove of trees where they were invited to connect with one that called to them. They used their senses to immerse themselves, reflect on the tree and its surroundings, and draw connections to themselves.
To bring the experience full circle, LaDonna gathered participants under a shady spot and asked them to write out some of their feelings before she closed with guided mediation and the use of a rain drum.
Participants, most of whom had only tried forest bathing for the first time that morning, expressed how the experience had been truly transformative and said they would be making the practice part of their health and wellness routines.
