Forest Bathing Meditation at Volcano Garden Arts

“You will not find Wifi in the forest but you will find a better connection.”

Forest bathing (Japanese “Shinrin-yoku’) is a form of active mindfulness meditation that allows you to get in touch with the present moment in a very deep way. It allows you to drop the ruminating mind and immerse yourself in a nourishing sensory experience of the natural world. Not surprisingly, this relaxing meditation comes with wonderful benefits such as lowered stress and blood pressure, an improved mental state and sleep and even heightened immunity!

In forest bathing meditation we used our five senses to keep us attuned to the present moment. We notice the light coming in through the trees, we listen to the sound of the wind and the birds, we smell the soil and the trees, and we mindfully touch the bark, the leaves, and the moss. This experience allows us to slow down and disconnect from the virtual world that we spend so much time in to commune with the natural world of which we are part.

What can you expect?

We will take a slow, short walk around the beautiful historic gardens of Volcano Garden Art pausing periodically to stand, sit or lay down so that we can engage our senses and immerse ourselves in the present moment. The gardens include native trees and plants as well as other upland rainforest species. No experience is required, just the deep desire to commune with nature and reap the benefits.

Have lunch at Cafe Ono after - open from 11am to 2pm.

Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and bring a hat and layers.

Fridays

10:00am to 11:00am

10 person maximum

By Donation (Suggested $25-$40 per person)

Cynthia Bates is an artist and spiritual guide devoted to global transformation through reconnection to nature, to self and the cosmos. She believes that when we restore our relationship to Earth that we naturally restore our relationship to ourselves and others. Cynthia weaves together art, meditation and sensory presence to awaken a deeper intimacy with the self, community and the cosmos.

Cynthia carries decades of experience holding sacred space with warmth, humor and intuitive strength. Her gatherings are an invitation to slow down, listen and create in collaboration with the living world. She guides people back to their own creative source honoring the body as a sacred temple, the land as a teacher and the cosmos as kin.