forest therapy
workshop presented by oregon coast council for the arts
Forest therapy originated with the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, which translates to “forest bathing,” developed in the 1980s to promote physical and mental health. Forest therapy broadly means taking in, through all of one’s senses, the forest atmosphere. It is focused on slowing down and appreciating all aspects of the environment. As we gather in nature for this class, our Forest Therapy certified instructor, Jaime Lee Hart, will be your guide offering structured invitations to immerse yourself deeper in your senses. The experience isn’t prescriptive and tends to be extremely individual. People report feeling relaxed, more connected to themselves, to nature, to each other and to their creativity.
details:
Instructor: Jaime Lee Hart
Location: Outdoors at Yakona Nature Preserve
Ages: Adults and youth ages 12+ (youth must be accompanied by a participating adult)
Yakona provides: All class materials (unless otherwise noted)
Please bring: Drinking water, snacks or lunch, any necessary medications (including EpiPens, if applicable), and weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes.
Insects: Mosquitoes are part of the Yakona ecosystem. Insect repellent is recommended if you are sensitive to bites.
Arrival & Departure: Please plan to stay for the full duration of the class. Because Yakona is accessed by guided escort only, participants are unable to enter or leave independently once the program begins.
Parking & Carpooling: Participants will meet at the parking area and carpool the three miles into Yakona to minimize vehicle traffic on the preserve.
Restrooms: Restroom facilities are rustic outhouses and porta potties.
PPets: For the safety of Yakona's wildlife, pets are not permitted on the preserve, nor are pets allowed in parked vehicles, as there are no shaded parking areas.
Caring for Yakona: Please help us protect this special place by staying on designated trails, respecting wildlife, and leaving plants, fungi, and other natural features undisturbed unless collecting is part of the class. Pack out any personal belongings and trash and leave Yakona as beautiful as you found it.
Weather: Programs may be held rain or shine unless hazardous weather or other unsafe conditions require cancellation.
Attendance Commitment: Because space is limited and these resources are generously provided, we ask that you register only if you plan to attend. If your plans change, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your space to someone on the waitlist.
Class Enrollment: A minimum number of participants is required for this workshop. Yakona reserves the right to cancel a class due to low enrollment. Registered participants will be notified as soon as possible if a class is canceled.
Cost: This event is offered at no cost through grant funding and community support. Donations are always appreciated.
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Artist Bio
Jaime Lee Hart uses live theatre performance, dance, song, documentary theater, puppets, comedy, forest therapy and video to engage audiences and inspire action around social and environmental responsibility, early childhood milestones and challenges, and spaceship earth perspective for families and children. Jaime has 30 years of experience teaching and creating with children and adults with disabilities. She has taught team-building and group dynamics using the experiential learning cycle. Her philosophy is rooted in compassion, honesty, humor and improvisation.
