Awakening Your Senses With Forest Therapy

What is Forest Therapy

Forest Therapy is the practice of taking slow meanders in natural spaces. This practice has its roots in the Japanese experience of “Shinrin-Yoku” which translates into “Forest Bathing.” Participants focus on the sights, sounds, textures, smells, and tastes provided by the forest and other natural spaces. These sensory experiences “wash” over participants, which is where the term forest “bathing” originates. By focusing on senses, participants can take a break from spending time in the thinking brain and focus on the sensing body. For many, this is akin to a mindfulness or meditation experience. The practice of Forest Therapy builds on the practice of Forest Bathing, by acknowledging the therapeutic benefits of being fully present and engaged in natural environments.  

Many of us know, deep down, that time spent in nature often “feels good.” Researchers and scientists are now validating this through a variety of studies. Researchers in Japan tested participants’ cortisol levels (stress hormones) before, during, and after Forest Bathing and found a marked decrease in stress.  Researchers in Korea have found an increase in immune function through the increase of NK (natural killer) cell production. Forest Therapy is a research-based practice, and studies show a variety of physical, mental, and emotional health benefits, such as; better sleep, enhanced immunity, less stress, increased feelings of energy, joy, and connection.  

It’s important to know what the practice of Forest Therapy is not. Forest Therapy is not an interpretive nature walk. The guide won’t be pointing out the names of trees or how to find birds or which plants are medicinal. There is a time and a space for this cognitive practice, yet Forest Therapy focuses more on the senses and being in the moment. Forest Therapy is intentionally slow and a fairly short outing, not a hike. A traditional hike may be to go a certain distance or for exercise or perhaps to visit a specific landscape. Instead of going from here to there, Forest Therapy sessions focus on being right here, right now. A session may only cover half of a mile. Finally, and most importantly, your guide is not trained as a therapist. The forest is the therapist, and the guide is present to open the doors to experience the landscape in deeper ways. 

How can Conner Prairie guests participate in a Forest Therapy experience?  

Conner Prairie is launching two programs in 2025 to support visitors who are interested in participating in a Forest Therapy experience.  

Starting in May, guests can experience Forest Therapy programs twice a month by registering for a guided session. These sessions are intentionally small, allowing participants to relax into a gentle, slow, and relational experience. Guided sessions last a few hours and follow an intentional format.   

The guided experience begins with an introduction to the practice, the land, and fellow participants.  Next, the guide will offer a variety of invitations, or prompts, to explore the landscape through the senses. For example, participants may take time to explore the colors of the space, listen deeply to the music of nature, or lay back and watch the clouds. These open-ended invitations encourage participants to slowly and intentionally notice the world, without the pressure of time, task, or achievement. This slow pace supports mental and physical health. The experience concludes with sharing tea, snacks, and observations. Conner Prairie’s Forest Therapy experiences offer sessions for guests ages 16+ with more family friendly experiences tailored to guests ages 5+ and their families. Click here for select dates, times and to register for a guided Forest Therapy experience. 

In addition to guided programs, Conner Prairie provides guests the option of a self-guided Forest Therapy experience. Conner Prairie has collaborated with the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy Guides and Programs to certify our Trails at Conner Prairie for Forest Therapy. Through a rigorous assessment process this location has been designated as a trail that connects humans to the landscape. We are proud to be the first designated Forest Therapy Trail in Indiana.  

Guests have access to the self-guided programs anytime they visit Conner Prairie during regular museum hours. Simply pick up a self-guided Forest Therapy leaflet at any trailhead to begin your journey. This leaflet provides a variety of invitations for you to try as you journey along the trail. Each invitation is intentionally designed to support a sensory experience. Use your senses to guide you as you connect with natural spaces. Each invitation is a starting point. Take your time and accept whichever invitations you choose.  

Why experience Forest Therapy at Conner Prairie? 

Certifying the Trails at Conner Prairie for Forest Therapy is an important step in fulfilling Conner Prairie’s mission, values, and goals. We aim to provide “engaging and individualized experiences for everyone.”  Forest Therapy is a unique and individual practice, inviting participants to note their own observations, feelings, thoughts, and experiences. Our DEAI promise statement reminds us that we are “open to a diversity of voices and limitless experiences.” Forest Therapy is an open experience, welcoming all into the experience and providing a safe container in which to connect with nature. By providing a mix of guided and self-guided programs, we invite our visitors to choose how they would like to engage with the space and the practice of Forest Therapy. Finally, our museum vision aims to “expand the boundaries of historical and natural resources.” Our certified Forest Therapy Trail allows us to expand upon how our community traditionally views Conner Prairie and invites new experiences for our visitors.