Forest Bathing
Mindful, facilitated outdoor experiences for grounding, reflection, and connection.
Back in the 1980s, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries came up with a strategy to address rising urban stress and health issues linked to overwork and industrialization. The idea was to help immerse people in nature to enhance health and well-being, and it was incredibly effective.They called the practice Shinrin-yoku, literally “forest bath” — similar to how sunbathing refers to soaking in the sunlight. Since that time, forest bathing has become an integral part of preventative medicine in Japan and has spread in popularity throughout the globe.
Forest Bathing combines mindful movement, reflection, and gentle invitations to engage with the land.
Drawing on mindfulness practices and eco-therapeutic principles, these hikes are designed to help participants reconnect with themselves and their surroundings.
Unlike traditional hiking or outdoor recreation, our group outings focus less on covering ground and more on cultivating awareness. Participants are encouraged to move slowly, notice sensory details, and reflect on their experience in relationship with the natural world.
Northlandr Offers Group Forest Bathing Hikes
Northlandr’s Forest Bathing sessions invite you into intentional time outdoors designed to support presence, wellbeing, and deeper relationship with the natural world.
These sessions are intended to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing through contact with the natural world. Your guide will offer mindfulness techniques, draw your attention to features of the environment, and/or offer prompts to facilitate contemplation. The goal is not to go fast or far, but to fully immerse oneself in nature, breathe fresh air, and experience being part of the inter-connected web of existence.
Sessions last approximately 90 minutes.
Who could benefit from Forest Bathing?
Forest Bathing sessions may be especially supportive for those who are:
Seeking mindfulness practices rooted in nature
Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or disconnected
Curious about forest bathing or eco-therapy
Navigating life transitions or periods of uncertainty
Looking for spiritual nourishment without formal religious structure
Interested in deepening their relationship with the land
No hiking experience or spiritual background is required.
Why Forest Bathing supports wellbeing
Time spent in natural settings has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and support mental and emotional health.
Practices such as forest bathing and mindfulness in nature emphasize presence, sensory awareness, and connection, all of which can help counter the effects of modern stress and overstimulation.
Guided hikes offer additional support by creating intentional structure and gentle facilitation. Rather than navigating the experience alone, participants are guided in ways that deepen reflection, awareness, and meaning-making.
For many, Forest Bathing provides a powerful entry point into nature-based wellness and spiritual practice.
What Forest Bathing is — and is not
Forest Bathing is not psychotherapy, counseling, or medical treatment. While participants often experience emotional or mental health benefits, these experiences are not intended to replace professional mental health care.
Forest Bathing also is not fitness-focused workouts or educational nature tours. There is no expectation to perform, achieve, or master skills. The emphasis is on presence, listening, and relationship with the natural world.
Clear expectations help create a safe, welcoming space for all participants.
How Forest Bathing connects to eco-spiritual direction
For some, group hikes are a standalone practice. For others, they serve as an entry point into deeper one-on-one eco-spiritual direction.
Many participants find that group outings help build comfort, awareness, and trust in nature-based reflection before engaging in individual spiritual direction sessions. Both offerings are designed to complement one another while standing fully on their own.
Practical details
Forest Bathing is offered seasonally in natural areas, typically within a one-hour drive of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. Specific locations, duration, accessibility details, and weather considerations are provided for each scheduled hike. Each session is limited to 10 people, and availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Participants are encouraged to wear clothing suitable for the weather conditions and bring any personal items needed for comfort. A water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable footwear are highly recommended for all outings.
Most of our hikes take place on paved or well-groomed trails. No advanced athletic ability is necessary, but outings typically involve walking up to one mile. You are encouraged to check with your doctor in advance if you have any concerns about being able to participate safely.
If you have questions about accessibility or accommodations, please reach out prior to registering.
You are welcome exactly as you are.
Forest Bathing offers a gentle way to reconnect with nature, your body, and your inner life. Whether you are seeking stress relief, spiritual grounding, or simply a slower way of being outdoors, these experiences invite you to begin where you are.
Northlandr welcomes people of all gender orientations, races, ethnicities, economic circumstances, religions, sexual orientations, and personal identities. This world belongs to all of us.