Forest Therapy Walk

We are people with bodies that move around in a living world. The fact that we can move specifically dictates our experience of the natural world. We are not plants or rocks. Like all other animals, we experience the natural world through the sensations felt by our bodies. Somatic kinesthetics, deep nature awareness, or body-focused movement techniques, like walking and dancing in natural settings, can help us inhabit ourselves and become more deeply connected with the natural world.

Learn somatic kinesthetic techniques that can help you connect more deeply to yourself, others, and the natural world.  With influence from the ancient Japanese art of "forest bathing" (shinrin-yoku) and "beginners mind" (shoshin), we will generate a sense of playfulness within each class while using some formal meditation, awareness and somatic practices to bring strength, focus, alignment, and other therapeutic benefits.  We'll teach the basics of sit-spotting, fox-walking, owl-eyes or mindful noticing, and other skills designed to deepen awareness and promote calm. We will conclude the class with an outdoor tea ceremony and meditative handcraft lesson using wild-gathered plants and herbs.

We'll meet at the Outdoor Classroom in the middle of Baxter Woods.

Space in this class is limited. Preregistration is required to reserve a spot in the class. The class will begin promptly at the scheduled time. Please plan accordingly. If you know you can't attend class, a quick phone call or email is appreciated so we can make the spot available to other students. Contact Rewild Maine at (207) 449-7738 or rewildmaine@gmail.com if you have any questions.

NOTE: This class will be held entirely outdoors. Please dress appropriately. 

Rewild Maine is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We depend on donations from the community to offer free classes and workshops and we are grateful for your support. Scholarships are available for paid classes on an as-needed basis and nobody will ever be turned away for lack of funds. All donations are tax-deductible.

Instructor: Zack Rouda

I have been teaching children and adults how to connect more deeply with themselves and the world around them since 2012. I studied at the Maine Local Living School, ROOTS (Reclaiming Our Origins Through Traditional Skills) and was mentored by Peter Michael Bauer of Rewild Portland. Additionally, over a period of many years, with the support of various therapists, handcraft and other meditations, hatha yoga and structured exercises, I have worked to recover, heal from, and effectively manage the symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental and psycho-spiritual ailments.  The natural world itself has been my most formative teacher, and all the skills I have learned from therapy, meditation and other teachers has served, most importantly, to bring me closer to nature. I have effectively learned how to manage my own physical and mental health by using nature-connection practices like mindful walking, purposeful handcraft, wilderness survival skills, foraging for food and medicine, and sit-spotting. I am humbled, honored, and gateful to share these skills with you.