Forest Therapy/Bathing at Briones Regional Park

Enact some self-care and meet EB CAMFT members by joining us for a Forest Bathing experience in Briones Regional Park. 

Forest therapy or forest bathing offers a chance to really slow down, connect with ourselves, nature and others. This is much different than a hike, we typically walk less than 1 mile with intervals of rest, stillness and interactions and the walk can be adjusted to accommodate most mobility levels. During our time together, you will be invited to connect to nature through your senses and participate in sharing circles. The walk usually lasts about 2.5-3 hours. This is not a typical networking event but there will be time at the end for networking and more open interaction.

Forest bathing has many benefits including:

• Reduce stress and cortisol
• Improve mood and mental clarity
• Support immune system
• Improve sleep
• Reduce symptoms of burnout
• Feel more connected to ourselves, nature and other

Cassandra Millspaugh and Craig Toonder are coordinating this event. Please email Cassandra at cassandra@reciprocalroots.org with any questions about this event.

For more information on Forest Bathing please visit Cassandra website: https://reciprocalroots.org/

While this event is being offered for free, donations will be accepted to help cover the cost of tea/snacks, gear and training.

Logistics:

• The meet up time will be 10am at Alhambra Creek Staging area of Briones Park.
• We will leave from parking lot by 10:15 (if you arrive after this you may not be able to find us but you can walk along the path next to the creek (Alhambra creek – straight through the gate and look for us if you would like)
• We will be walking a short distance before getting started. While we are forest bathing there will be periods of walking, stillness and sharing time. The total mileage will be less than 2 miles
• There will be tea/snack time at the end (both will be provided) which includes time for connecting/chatting.

What to bring:

• Clothes - Bring layers and wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in, there will be invitations/opportunities to take your shoes off.
• Blankets will be provided, but feel free to bring a jacket or light blanket that you may also want to sit on. Please don’t bring anything bulky or hard to carry. If you need a chair to sit please let us know.

IMPORTANT WARNINGS

• There is little to no cell service in this area of the park (and in the parking lot).
• This is an area that allows dogs, so there may be dogs and people off leash.
• There is a small spot that can be difficult to navigate, there is an easy alternative route if people do not feel comfortable navigating this spot, we will check in at event.

Parking Fee:
Usually Free, sometimes there is a $3 charge for parking but I haven’t seen this in a couple of years.

Restrooms:
There is a restroom at the beginning of the walk.

Google Maps to the Parking Lot: Alahambra creek staging area Briones