Shinrin-yoku “Forest Bathing”: Experience the Tranquility of Nature

Part of the Arboretum's Nature Heals Initiative

Winding road through lush forest

Photo by kimkuperkova/Shutterstock

Date

Select a session:
Friday, April 5, 10 a.m.-noon
Friday, April 26, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Friday, May 10*, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Friday, June 28, 9-11 a.m.
Thursday, July 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Friday, July 26, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Friday, Aug. 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Fee

Each session $25 member/$40 non-member, includes Arboretum admission

*May is peak bloom time at the Arboretum. We expect a lot of visitors. We have scheduled these sessions early in the day for the best possible experience, however due to anticipated peak attendance, know that solitude from other visitors is not expected or guaranteed.

REGISTER April 5, 10 a.m.-noon, Sensory Garden Shelter

REGISTER April 26, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Sensory Garden Shelter

REGISTER May 10*, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Sensory Garden Shelter

REGISTER June 28, 9-11 a.m., Sensory Garden Shelter

REGISTER July 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Farm at the Arb

REGISTER July 26, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Farm at the Arb

REGISTER Aug. 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Farm at the Arb

See additional Fall sessions

Age

Adult 18+

Instructor: David Motzenbecker, Founder of Motz Studios, ANFT-Certified Forest Bathing Guide, and award-winning Landscape Architect

This is a Nature Heals Initiative Experience.

Enjoy the tranquility and well-being of Shinrin-yoku (translation: 'Forest Bathing'), a Japanese mindfulness practice that invites nature to be your healer: 

  • Learn through guided awareness exercises 
  • Discover how the process can awaken your senses and calm your mind 
  •  Sessions take place during quieter times on the Arboretum grounds when you are likely to find more solitude.
  • Leave feeling refreshed and encouraged to try Shinrin-yoku again! 
     

Helpful tips 

  • Sessions of Shinrin-yoku at the Arboretum will not necessarily take place in a forest--this meditative practice can take place anywhere in nature. 
  • Arboretum location will be chosen at instructor's discretion. 
  • This is a tech-free experience.
  • The Arboretum is a public place; solitude from other visitors is not expected nor guaranteed. 
  • Shinrin-yoku walks celebrate all aspects of nature and will run rain or shine unless the conditions are deemed too dangerous by the Arboretum. 
  • Please dress appropriately for the weather.
  • Be prepared for possible sunburn, insect bites, or allergy conditions. Where appropriate please bring necessary repellents, protection, and medications. 
  • *May and October are peak dates for Arboretum bloom and color time. We expect a lot of visitors these days. We have scheduled these sessions early in the day for the best possible experience, however due to anticipated peak attendance, know that solitude from other visitors is not expected or guaranteed.
     

Please note: Shinrin-yoku does not serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Sessions of Shinrin-yoku at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum do not engage in the practice of medicine, nor enter into a health-care practitioner/patient relationship. Please discuss your personal health with a qualified health practitioner.

Maximum participants
20
Arboretum entry instructions

You will receive a bar-code ticket for entry to the Arboretum in your email purchase confirmation. Your ticket is valid for entry on the day of your class. Present your ticket to the gate attendant as you enter the Arboretum. You may stay at the Arboretum after class as long as you want during our operating hours.