Forest Bathing in the Lilacs

This is a members-only program. Not a member? Click here to join!

Slow down and awaken your senses on a guided sensory experience set in the Arboretum’s beautiful lilac collection. Forest Bathing, inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, is a restorative sensory exploration that supports health and healing for all beings. From increased cerebral blood flow to stronger immune defenses, come discover for yourself what happens when we unplug, slow down and open our senses to notice more of our natural surroundings. All the prompts, invitations, sharing and ways of participating are optional and open to interpretation.

This program meets at Forest Hills Gate. If you are driving, you can park on Arborway before you reach Forest Hills Gate. Take care not to pass the gate, as there is no parking after the gate and it will be some time before you can turn around.

Instructor Tam Willey (they/them) is a certified forest therapy guide, trainer, mentor and teacher with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and is the founder of “Toadstool Walks,” a guiding practice based in Boston, Massachusetts.

Accessibility: The group will walk slowly off the main pathways on uneven and grassy terrain. The group will ascend some moderate hills.

Audience: This program is geared towards adults.

Inclement weather policy: Participants will be notified via email at least one day in advance if a program needs to be cancelled due to inclement weather, and will be notified by phone if a program must be cancelled with less one day’s notice. Click here to view our full inclement weather policy. If you have questions about the status of a program, please email publicprograms@arnarb.harvard.edu (inbox monitored on weekdays) or call the Visitor Center desk between 10:00am and 4:00pm at (617) 384-5209.