Forest Bathing

Wonder in the Woods: Introduction to Forest Bathing

Come to Caponi Art Park to slow down, de-stress from your daily routine, and deepen your connection to nature. Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” is different from other nature experiences such as hiking or birding; in forest bathing, we will be slowing down with intentionality and engaging all of our senses through guided activities. This Japanese art form and reflective practice, shinrin-yoku, loosely translates to “taking in the forest through our senses.” Give your mind and body time to rest, wander, and wonder in nature. We finish the session with tea and snacks.

Join Kristen Mastel, Certified Forest Therapy Guide and Arboretum Librarian, to discover the art of Shinrin-yoku and all of its health and wellness benefits. Learn more  about Kristen by visiting her website.

Space is limited! Only 20 spots are available per class with a minimum of 4 participants for the class to run.

Sign up early to reserve your spot!

Saturday, Sept. 20 at 9:00 a.m.

Forest Bathing: Take a Break and Embrace the Forest’s Peace
an interview with Kristen Mastel

Kristen Mastel will once again be leading Forest Bathing this season at Caponi Art Park. Mastel brings her expertise in health, wellness and nature to Caponi Art Park for a unique experience you won’t want to miss.

Forest Bathing, while not in a bathtub, is “an opportunity to slow down, which we often don’t have in our busy lives.” A Forest Bathing session with Mastel usually begins with introductions with the group and some simple, mindfulness prompts to ground participants. Throughout the two-hour session, participants will take time individually to reflect on the sounds, sights and smells of the forest. Kristen Mastel expertly guides the group through mindfulness exercises, creates nature artwork with the group, and ends the session with tea and small snacks. It’s a perfect chance for beginners to dip their toes into the world of wellness and mindfulness, surrounded by beautiful native plants and sculpture art scattered throughout the park.

Everyone will have their own takeaways from Forest Bathing, whether it is new mindfulness techniques, a renewed sense of peace, or a fresh mindset to take into a new week. Kristen Mastel tells Caponi Art Park,, “I got into this to help with burnout and stress reduction through slowing down, a little bit of grounding, and a little bit of nature’s benefits in the forest. I just like how it’s very approachable. It’s scaleable, adaptable, so depending on people’s abilities, needs, time, locations- you can take the practices they learn and bring it home. In your backyard, your own park, go to the boundary waters or a state park. I hope folks learn to experience nature in a slightly new and different way.”

There is also something to be said about the community you’ll find at a Forest Bathing Session. “I get more out of it than they do,” says Mastel. “Just being in a community of people, teaching and hearing their reflections, and how different people take different things away. It’s lovely, beneficial. It brings me joy!” There is nothing like the encouragement of a group of people from all walks of life, all with one goal in mind: Take a step back from the business of life and simply exist, surrounded by art and nature.