WHAT IS FOREST THERAPY?
Forest therapy (based on Shinrin Yoku or forest bathing) is a research-based practice that helps you slow down, and connect with your senses, with yourself, and with your surroundings. Studies have shown forest therapy to have a broad range of health and wellness benefits, including reducing stress and improving mood and cognition, as well as improving cardiovascular and immunological functioning.
Forest therapy involves a slow, guided walk in the woods that includes a variety of sensory immersion invitations - approximately 2h in winter and 3h in other seasons. Sessions are offered in the amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton) area in-person and virtual sessions are open to participants across the globe.
Wild Calm Forest Therapy acknowledges that Milena's forest therapy sessions and administrative work take place on Indigenous land in Treaty 6 territory. This land has been occupied, travelled, and stewarded by Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial through the present day. Colonization of these lands, including racist attitudes and policies, has and continues to cause damage to Indigenous peoples and their fundamental connection to their lands. Milena is working towards increasing her own cultural education, including studying Cree language, and seeking ways to remove barriers for Indigenous folks to participate in forest therapy sessions.
The places we gather in to practice forest therapy are in or near ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ, amiskwacîwâskahikan, Edmonton, which is a traditional meeting ground, gathering place, and travelling route of the Nêhiyawak (Cree), Dene, Nakota Sioux, Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), and Métis whose histories, languages, and cultures continue to enrich our shared heritage.