Finding Peace in Nature: Take MAR’s First Forest Therapy Event
Written by Take MAR
On Tuesday, March 18th, Take MAR hosted its inaugural Forest Therapy event at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. This event offered participants a peaceful, guided experience designed to help them reconnect with the natural world and find moments of calm in the midst of their busy lives.
Led by certified Forest Therapy Guide Donna Mansbert, attendees embarked on a mindful journey through the preserve, slowing down to fully engage their senses. The evening began with a mindful walk where participants took time to absorb the sights, sounds, and textures of the forest. Following the walk, attendees took part in a reflective journaling session before concluding the evening with a soothing Butterfly Pea Flower tea ceremony.
Reflecting on the experience, one participant stated, “It was truly restorative and a beautiful way to reconnect with nature.”
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
Nestled in the heart of St. Petersburg, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve provided the perfect setting for this transformative experience, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the preserve. Bordering Lake Maggiore, this 400-acre sanctuary is home to a rich variety of habitats, showcasing the unique biodiversity of western Florida. From hardwood hammocks and sand pine scrub to pine flatwoods, willow marshes, and swamp woodlands, Boyd Hill serves as a haven for wildlife, including gopher tortoises, great horned owls, and more. For city dwellers, this nature preserve offers a serene retreat, providing a welcome break from the constant hum of development, concrete streets, and the noise of passing traffic.
The Benefits of Forest Therapy
Forest therapy offers an innovative approach by broadening the scope of accessible complementary and integrative health services. Originating from the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or "forest bathing," forest therapy utilizes a structured sequence of techniques designed to maximize the therapeutic benefits of nature. By immersing oneself in nature, Forest Therapy awakens and heightens the senses as one tunes into the wonders of the world—the sounds of the trees swaying fill the air, the softness of the soil beneath one’s feet, the sight of a birds in the canopy, the fragrant aroma of blossoming flowers, and the comforting taste of a favorite snack along the trail.
This methodology offers a novel perspective on health and wellness through inviting a deeper connection to the environment, helping to strengthen the connection between humans and the natural world.
The practice of Shinrin-yoku has been researched extensively, with numerous studies highlighting its effectiveness as a non-pharmacological intervention for:
Stress prevention and management,
Reducing symptoms of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression
Minimizing the risk of common diseases, such as cardiovascular hypertension
Enhancing immunological functioning
Increasing tolerance to pain management
Increasing sleep efficiency
And so much more!
A Path to Deeper Connection with Nature
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this powerful experience! By reconnecting with nature, we not only strengthen our bond with the world around us but also empower ourselves to protect what truly matters. Humans are an integral part of the ancient, interconnected web of life. Cultivating this awareness helps guide the next generation of environmental leaders, laying a solid foundation for meaningful conservation and preservation in our communities.
As we continue to host Forest Therapy sessions and other events, we invite you to join us in this transformative journey. Experience the healing power of nature, forge lasting connections, and be part of a movement toward a more sustainable future.
