Forest Guides
Embark on a journey of mindful connection with nature. Held amidst the beauty of West Michigan's diverse parks and reserves, these sessions offer a unique opportunity to slow down, engage your senses, and discover the therapeutic power of the forest.
I believe in the healing power of nature. My vision is to support human beings as they awaken their senses to embodiment and become fully present in nature and the forest.
What is forest therapy?
It is a practice based on forest bathing, Shinrin-yoku, a practice developed out of Japan that immerses people into their original environment. The forest acts as a therapist- inviting us to slow down, take a deep breath, pay attention to the present moment, remember who we are, rediscover our innate purpose and ways in which we can create and serve in the world.
Benefits of spending time in the forest:
Through immersing ourselves in nature and engaging our senses, we can glean many benefits of forest therapy such as:
Improved immune function
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Reduced stress & depression
“The forest is the therapist, I am the guide.”
- Amos Clifford founder of ANFT
Pickerel Lake Park
A nature preserve surrounding a lake near Rockford.
Ken-O-Sha Park
Located in southeast Grand Rapids, Ken-O-Sha features miles of trails along Plaster Creek.
Grand Rogue Park
At the confluence of the Grand and Rogue Rivers, Grand Rogue Park has a number of beautiful trails and particularly large trees.
Kroc Center Campus
Enjoy views of Plaster Creek at this southeast Grand Rapids Park.
“I thought I was at home in the wild. But I found the wild had always been at home in me.”
- Linda Blackmoor