I wonder...
What awaits you in the forest?
WHAT WE DO
We offer guided Forest Bathing experiences for individuals and groups all around the St. Louis, MO region, from city parks to conservation areas. Through an intentional sequence of nature-based meditations and activities, our certified Forest Therapy guides help to open the doors of sensory connection to the natural world, yourself and others. Participants often describe experiencing a sense of connection, relaxation, joy, openness, and pleasure.
OUR OFFERINGS
PUBLIC
Public sessions are open for all to sign up for. Our public sessions last 2.5 hours and include various meditations, solo/group activities and a special tea practice. We are currently scheduling walks at the Shaw Nature Reserve for 2023, sign up for emails to receive our announcements!
ORGANIZATIONS
Organizations, teams and other groups find Forest Bathing to be a unique way to bond as a group, de-stress and open up creativity. We work with you create a standalone team experience or integrate forest bathing in your company retreat, workshops or other events.
PRIVATE
Families, groups and individuals can book custom sessions with a guide to enjoy a more private experience. We work with you to customize an experience for your specific occasion.
WHAT IS FOREST BATHING?
Forest Bathing, adapted from the Japanese practice of "Shinrin-yoku", is a research-based practice that supports health and the restoration of connection with nature. Extensive research has shown that Forest Bathing provides many physical and mental benefits including lowering heart rate, reducing stress hormones, decreasing blood pressure, boosting immunity, and improving mood and wellbeing.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to open the doors to a deeper sense of connection to and belonging within nature in order to restore the mutual health of humans and the more-than-human world.
TESTIMONIALS
"This is a different way to experience nature through your senses and mindfully, distinct from hiking or exercise-based activities. You may experience wonder, awe, and whimsy as many of us did today!"
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"A structured, thoughtful, intentional, considerate and well designed experience warmly led by a heart-centered guide facilitating an exploration through and with the forest, filled with discovery, connection and love."
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"My senses are heightened in all ways, I feel more alive and awake and filled with connection to all beings. I feel calm and content and stimulated."
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"I want say how much I appreciated Forest Bathing class at Shaw Nature Reserve. Jo was a wonderful leader/ guide. Very knowledgeable and personable. The ending tea ceremony was priceless."
ABOUT JO PANG
Founder and Forest Therapy Guide
Jo Pang, founder of Nature Wise, is a certified Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. Jo became passionate about sharing this practice with others after seeing the transformative effects that a restored connection to nature had in his life. Through Forest Bathing, and other nature connection practices such as ecological restoration and foraging, Jo has discovered a deeper sense of purpose and a more relaxed, joyful and clear way of living.
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Along with Forest Therapy, Jo is the founder of an organizational culture consultancy, Culture Wise, focused on helping social benefit organizations cultivate healthy and engaged cultures.
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