Come and immerse yourself in nature, in the woods and in sound. Experience the immune boosting and stress reducing benefits of the forest. Reintroduce yourself to your tree neighbours. Engage your senses and allow them to bring you into the present moment. Explore the heart of a 350-acre nature sanctuary, on top of the Oak Ridges Moraine, just an hour from downtown Toronto.
Forest Bathing, or Shinrin-yoku as it is known in Japan, is a unique, evidence-based method of experiencing the many health benefits of mindfully, and slowly, walking through a forest. We bathe in the smells, sights, textures, tastes and sounds of the forest. Talking is kept to a minimum but participants are invited to share their observations in different locations. Just to be clear, we will not be disrobing and "bathing" in the forest!
Let me guide you into a environment you may have been in before, but in a new way. I am not the therapist - the forest is.
We will explore an old-growth forest on the edge of one of the Oak Ridges Moraine’s most unique features - a deep, kettle lake, part of a provincially and ecologically significant wetland complex. As stewards of this unique parcel of land for the past 71 years, my family has committed to protecting this land in perpetuity by planting over a million trees and by granting conservation easements to the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust.
We will gather at Swan's Nest Holistic Wellness and Nature Retreat, in King Township, only an hour from downtown Toronto. It is located on Rufus' family farm, and the address will be provided to all those who purchase tickets, either through Eventzilla or by e-transfer*. Subsidized tickets are available for those who cannot at this time purchase a regular priced ticket.
Please note: Cell phone use during the workshop is not permitted. And Forest Bathing is rain or shine, so please dress appropriately.
Online Advance Tickets:
$35 for adults,
$20 for youth and older adults. Drivers who bring extra passengers receive a $5 discount, or refund, upon arrival.
TICKETS AT THE DOOR: $40
All activities will take place outdoors. A port-a-potty is available. We will maintain physical distancing, and because we will be outside at all times, masks and face coverings are optional. No food will be served, but clean well water is available (bring your own refillable bottles please), and people are encouraged to bring their own snacks if they prefer - we only ask that all foods be prepared before hand. Refrigeration is not available.
Maximum 20 participants.
Address and Driving Instructions provided upon payment via Eventzilla or e-transfer. E-transfers can be sent to rufusglassco@gmail.com without a fee.
* NOTE: PLEASE BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN THE E-TRANSFER MESSAGE, OR IT'S POSSIBLE I WON'T BE ABLE TO EMAIL YOU THE ADDRESS OR DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS
