Discover the healing power of nature 

At Liminal Spaces PDX, LLC, we invite you to explore the profound healing practices of forest bathing and forest therapy. These practices, rooted in the Japanese concept of "Shinrin-yoku," encourage individuals to immerse themselves in the natural environment, reaping numerous mental and physical health benefits.

 

 Forest bathing emphasizes a mindful connection with nature, allowing you to disengage from the stresses of everyday life and rejuvenate your mind and body. Forest therapy consists of therapeutic sessions designed to deepen your connection with your surroundings, enhancing your overall sense of well-being.

 

 Studies have shown that spending time in nature can lower stress levels, improve mood, and boost immune function. For the terminally ill or dying, connection with nature can reduce anxiety and pain, offer solace, and strengthen a sense of connections and peace.

 

 Join us at Liminal Spaces PDX to rediscover your connection to the natural world and experience the transformative effects of the powerful healing nature offers. 

 

For public walk dates, contact us or check social media. 

A circular patch of moss and fungi surrounds a heart-shaped piece of wood on the ground.

The Historical Roots of Forest Bathing

Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, originated in Japan during the 1980s as a direct response to the stresses of modern life. This practice is deeply embedded in the country's culture, reflecting a reverence for nature and the healing benefits it can offer. Forests are sacred places that promote spiritual and physical well-being. Forest bathing encourages individuals to immerse themselves in woodland environments, facilitating a sensory connection that fosters relaxation and tranquility.

Layers of multicolored, textured fungi growing on wood.

Global Perspectives on Nature Connection

Across various cultures, forest bathing and similar practices hold significant meaning. Indigenous cultures all over the world have long understood the therapeutic benefits of immersing oneself in nature. Each season brings unique opportunities for healing, gathering, and reflection. In Scandinavian countries, the concept of ‘friluftsliv,’ or open-air living, emphasizes the importance of being outdoors as a way of life, promoting well-being and mental health. Understanding these perspectives enriches the practice of forest bathing, revealing its universal appeal and adaptability.

The Science Behind Forest Bathing

Scientific studies have explored the physiological and psychological effects of forest bathing. Exposure to phytoncides, natural compounds released by trees, has been shown to enhance immune function and lower blood pressure. Additionally, the calming sounds and sights of nature contribute to reduced anxiety levels and improved mental clarity. Understanding the science allows us to appreciate the depth of forest bathing's benefits, encouraging individuals to prioritize their time in nature as a critical aspect of personal health.

Modern Applications of Forest Bathing

A forest path lined with tall trees and low vegetation in a misty atmosphere.

In contemporary society, forest bathing has gained recognition as a legitimate therapeutic practice. Research has shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress, boost mood, and enhance overall well-being. Programs and guided forest bathing excursions have emerged across the globe, allowing individuals to experience the profound benefits of this practice while reconnecting with the environment.

Nature Connections Through Forest Bathing

As our world becomes increasingly urbanized, the need to reconnect with nature is more crucial than ever for people in all stages of life, from childhood to the terminally ill and dying. Forest bathing serves as a simple yet powerful reminder of our intrinsic bond with the environment. By embracing this practice, individuals can cultivate mindfulness, foster emotional resilience, and improve their overall quality of life. Liminal Spaces PDX, LLC invites you to explore forest bathing, encouraging a deeper understanding of its cultural significance and potential for personal transformation.

Connecting with nature

Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, invites us to immerse ourselves in the natural environment to foster emotional health, reduce stress, and revitalize the spirit. Regular engagement in forest bathing can lead to long-term health benefits including reduced anxiety, improved focus, and an enhanced sense of well-being. Research supports the positive impact of spending time in nature on lowering cortisol levels and boosting your immune system. Practice forest bathing at least once a week to experience cumulative benefits.

Calm water surrounded by lush green trees and foliage along the shore.

Forest Bathing and Forest Therapy Forms

Forest Bathing Walk Options

  • Brief, 30 minute walk: around $20-$30, varies by walk/frequency
  • Standard 2-3 hour walk (can range from 0.5 to 2 miles, paved or unpaved paths): $40-$65, varies by walk/frequency
  • Nature Based Wellness Plan development, also called a "green prescription"
  • Group rates available
  • Private walks available
  • Multi-walk discounts
  • Willing to discuss alternative payment arrangements

Forest Therapy Options

Coming soon!

Portland Walk Locations

A cluster of white flowers hangs from a tree branch in a lush green forest.

Resources

Lush green field under a bright sky with scattered clouds and sunlight.

Land Acknowledgment for Multnomah and Washington Counties, Oregon:  Liminal Spaces acknowledges that the land we now call Multnomah and Washington counties in Oregon is part of the traditional homelands of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, whose members include descendants of many tribes who have lived in this region, including the Clackamas, Wasco, Multnomah, Tualatin, Kalapuya, and many others. These lands have always been deeply significant to those communities who have cared for them for many generations. 

We honor the presence and knowledge of native peoples past and present. We recognize the painful histories of colonization, forced removal, and broken treaties that have shaped the entirety of the United States of America, and we commit ourselves to ongoing learning, reflection, and respectful partnership with Indigenous communities. As a first step in acknowledging these historical wrongs, Liminal Spaces PDX will donate 2% of all annual profits to the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women, or CSVANW.  This acknowledgment is just one step in a broader commitment to truth and equity. We invite others to join us in supporting Native sovereignty and the voices of the original stewards of this land.

©Copyright. All rights reserved. All photos on this website are of the Portland metro area and originally produced by me, unless otherwise noted. We love to share but please contact us for permission before using or distributing them.

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