Awakening with Nature – Forest Bathing at Missouri Botanical Garden

In Partnership with Missouri Botanical Gardens

As winter softens into early spring, the garden begins to stir—buds swelling, birds returning, and the crisp scent of renewal in the air. This Guided Forest Bathing & Nature Therapy Walk invites participants to slow down and tune into the subtle shifts of the season.

Inspired by Shinrin-Yoku, the Japanese art of forest bathing, this experience encourages deep relaxation, presence, and sensory connection with the land. Through a series of gentle, mindful invitations, participants will explore the wisdom of early spring—patience, emergence, and quiet transformation.

🌿 What to Expect:

• A slow, mindful walk designed for deep relaxation and connection.
• Sensory-based invitations to engage with the natural world.
• Time for quiet reflection and optional group sharing.

Nature’s Invitation: 
This experience is a leisurely walk, not a strenuous hike, intended for deep relaxation and connection. As Jess guides you through gentle, mindful invitations, you’ll engage with nature intimately, using all your senses. Each session includes opportunities to share your insights and learn practices for nurturing your nature connection at home. 

Why Join a Forest Therapy Walk? 
Countless studies have confirmed the myriad benefits of dedicated time in nature, including: 

• Profound relaxation 
• Reconnection with self 
• Slower, deeper breaths 
• Reduced heart rate 
• Boosted creativity and focus 

Who Should Attend? 
This event is designed for anyone seeking to reduce stress, find healing, or reconnect with nature. Open to all fitness levels, each walk offers a unique, personalized experience. 

Preparing for Your Walk: 

• Wear weather-appropriate, layered clothing. 
• Walks continue in rain, enhancing sensory connection (except during thunderstorms).
• Bring water for hydration; facilities may be limited. 
• Protect against sun and insects as preferred (closed shoes, tucking in clothes, hats, sunscreen).

Note: Your guide is wilderness first aid certified for added safety. 

Unique Journey: Each walk at the Missouri Botanical Gardens is a distinctive encounter, welcoming individuals of all fitness levels.