Forest Bathing
Forest Bathing Workshop
Drawing upon the principles of Shinrin-yoku, a Japanese wellness practice that can be translated as “taking in the forest atmosphere,” forest bathing involves connecting with nature using all five senses. Through the relational and ecological practices of forest bathing, we come into deeper contact with ourselves and the more-than-human world that we inhabit.
During this workshop, we will meander, sit, breathe, move, play, and rest in nature.
Location: Hermitage, TN; address will be shared after registration.
Fees: This event will be offered freely; Melissa just asks that you make a donation to the environmental organization of your choice. (After you register, you'll get an email that includes a list of Melissa's favorite non-profits and organizations that support public lands, and you can forward the receipt for your donation as proof of payment.)
For more information: please contact Melissa Jean at breatheoutsidenashville@gmail.com.
Next Scheduled Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025 from 10am-12pm.
To register: Please complete the registration form below:
Facilitator Melissa Jean
Melissa Jean is an Assistant Professor in the Mindfulness Studies masters’ program at Lesley University. She teaches courses in academic writing, creative writing, research methods, and mindfulness and the environment. She received an MFA in Fiction Writing from Lesley, and a PhD in Human Dimensions of Ecosystem Science and Management from Utah State University.
Melissa is a Forest Therapy Guide, trained through the Association for Nature and Forest Therapy, and has also undergone Wilderness First Aid training. She is certified in Mindfulness Facilitation through Vanderbilt University’s Osher Center for Integrative Medicine.
Melissa is available to teach classes and workshops on topics related to mindfulness, creative writing and creativity, nature-based practices, mindfulness and the environment, mindful pedagogy, and nature writing, among other topics. She is also available to lead forest bathing excursions in middle Tennessee for individuals, couples, and small groups. If you are interested in scheduling a workshop or event for yourself or your group, please email her at breatheoutsidenashville@gmail.com