Mindfulness and Well-being Series: Exploring Forest Bathing with Creative Experiences

Join Mattie Decker, a certified forest therapy guide for a forest bathing retreat at Grandfather Mountain. Through a series of invitations, you will have an opportunity to focus on being present in the moment, deepening your connection with nature and community and enjoying the many gifts nature has to offer. This course allows participants to bring whatever items they please to express themselves (e.g., musical instrument, camera, journal, art, etc.) in order to form a deeper connection to nature.

“Forest bathing” is a walk in nature during which your guide will share mindfulness practices and invitations designed to connect you more deeply to your inner landscapes as well as the world around you. Inspired by shinrin-yoku, (literally ‘forest bath’) the Japanese art of immersing oneself in a forest environment, forest bathing walks invite guests to spend time in nature in a way that invites healing for us, as well as our fraught ecosystems, and our community.

Dr. Mattie Decker, a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT). Mattie is also a mindfulness teacher, a Zen practitioner, an Episcopal oblate and a retired professor of education. She is also certified in wilderness medicine and first aid. Mattie says, “The forest is the therapist. The guide opens the doors.” As a guide she assists us in opening the doors of the senses, to deepen our relationship with nature, which is our own true nature.

Program Itinerary
10 a.m. – Meet at the Woods Walk Picnic Area. We begin with an Introduction to Forest Bathing, the watershed and history of the ancestral lands of the walk.
10:15 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. – We will experience the forest and trails along the loop, with a variety of “invitations” to explore our relationship with the forest and “more than human world” of nature.
12:30 – 3 p.m. – explorations throughout the Grandfather Mountain park
3 – 4 p.m. – We will end with a tea ceremony with tea made from plants of Grandfather Mountain and do a wrap-up and evaluations.

Tickets
This event costs $60 for general admission and $51 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club – plus tax. Registration opens on this page on June 24, at 10 a.m. Limited to 15 participants.

Bridge Club Members, click here to purchase tickets.
You will need to use your Bridge Club member number (located on your card below the barcode) to purchase.

Non-Bridge Club Members, click here to purchase tickets.

What’s included?
Your program cost includes admission into the park, field instruction and transportation during your program (you may drive your own vehicle to visit sites on the mountain if you would prefer). It does not include meals or lodging. Bringing a bagged lunch is recommended, although Mildred’s Grill will be open to attendees.

Tips are not accepted for field courses. However, donations to the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation are accepted if you would like to recognize a program.

General Clothing List
Much of your time will be spent outdoors and all programs are held rain or shine. You should be prepared for a variety of mountain weather conditions and temperatures. Appropriate clothing, equipment and footwear are very important.

Equipment:

• Daypack with enough room to carry extra clothing, water, lunch, camera, etc.
• Water Bottle
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Sturdy hiking boots or closed-toed shoes are required
• Binoculars

Equipment Specific to this Course:

• Long pants and preferably long-sleeved shirts are strongly encouraged
• Any snacks or items needed for personal care (there is a public restroom at the Woods Walk Picnic Area)
• A sit-pad will be provided

Refunds/Cancellations
Grandfather Mountain events generally sell out and have a waiting list associated with the event. If you cannot attend the field course that you are registered for, please let us know. Full refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration, please call 828-833-6332 or email judi@grandfather.com.

We ask that individuals who are sick with any illness to stay home to ensure the health and safety of other participants, our staff, and the field course instructors – refunds will be granted to these individuals.