Forest Bathing
Fall Forest Bathing Walks
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: Ashland City, TN (exact location will be sent to you after you register)
Fees: $30/person (payment instructions will be sent to you after you register)
For more information: please contact Melissa Jean at breatheoutsidenashville@gmail.com.
Next Scheduled Dates:
Saturday, September 6, 2025 (10 am-12 pm)
Saturday, November 15, 2025 (10 am-12 pm)
To register: Please complete the registration form below:
Wander in the Woods: A One Day Shinrin-Yoku Retreat
This one-day retreat in the beautiful autumn woods at Penuel Ridge Retreat Center, hosted by Melissa Jean, will feature a full guided forest bathing walk (including a forest tea ceremony), a catered vegan lunch, and other guided nature-based mindfulness practices. There will also be some solo time to go for a hike, journal, create nature art of your choice (feel free to bring your own art supplies), or rest inside the retreat center. Join for a day of awe, nature connection, and celebration of autumn.
Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
Time: 10 am- 4 pm
Location: Penuel Ridge Retreat Center (Ashland, TN)
Fees: $120/person (includes catered vegan lunch and drinks)
Refund policy: Payment instructions will be provided by email after you register for the retreat. A full refund is available if needed until October 19. A 50% refund or credit toward a future forest bathing walk is available in the week preceding the retreat. Day-of cancellations and no-shows cannot be refunded.
For more information: Please contact Melissa Jean at breatheoutsidenashville@gmail.com.
To register: Please complete the registration form below:
Facilitator Melissa Jean
Melissa Jean is a professor of environmental studies. 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