2 h Forest Therapy Sanatorium Lake, Macedon Rangers

What is Forest Therapy? Forest Therapy is a slow guided walk that includes mindfulness, sensory and creative experiences.

It is a contemporary practice that originated in Japan, where it is called Shinrin-Yoku, which translates to immersion in the atmosphere of the forest. It was established as a preventative health practice that tunes your senses in to nature. Research shows that this 2 to 3-hour guided wellbeing experience has many benefits, it can improved mental and physical health, reduce stress levels, regulate pulse and blood pressure and elevate mood.

What will happen on the day? During this guided group session, we walk less than 1.5km on relatively flat trails. You will encouraged to engage more deeply with the forest through a series of quiet experiences and mindfulness activities. We wander slowly and explore with curiosity as we tune in with your senses. This deepens our connection with the natural world and allows us to receive the nurturing benefits of the forest. The session is suitable for participants 16 years and above.

Time: Please arrive early so we can start at 10am.

Where: Sanatorium Lake, Macedon Regional Park

Parking: Lions Head Road car park, marked with a wooden parks Victoria sign labelled Sanatorium Lake.

Toilets: The closest toilets are at Days Picnic ground, on the left as you drive to the meeting point.

Meet: Just inside the Parks Victoria boom gate at the car park.

Wear: Comfortable clothing and closed toe shoes for the outdoors and suitable to the forecast weather conditions. These tracks can sometimes get muddy.

Please bring: In a daypack: a water bottle, any medication, clothing suitable to the forecasted weather conditions (we will continue in light rain). Because we are mostly in the shade and do not walk fast, your body temperature is likely to drop so a warm layer is advised.

What's supplied: All materials needed for the session, odourless insect repellent, a small square of yoga mat to sit on and light refreshments towards the end of the session.

Please contact Carolyn if you have any questions or concerns.