Sacred Listening – Forest Bathing

Are you interested in connecting with nature in a calm and relaxed setting? Join us every 3rd Sunday for a unique experience called Forest Bathing, instructed by Ian Napper, M.Ed.

Date: July 20, 2025

Time: 9:00-10:30 am

Location: Tracy Aviary at Liberty Park

Price: Adult $20 / Child $15 (recommended age 12+)

TICKETS

What is it?
Forest Bathing (shinrin-yoku) is an opportunity to slow down, come home to the present moment, commune with Nature, and create spaciousness. This allows for a deepening of our inner and outer awareness and rejuvenation at all levels. It is sometimes also called a Mindful Outdoor Experience or Deep Nature Connection.
You can expect light walking and some sitting on the ground. In this hour-and-a-half session, groups will be guided with easy invitational practices for mindful movement, mindful breathing, centering, directed awareness, and other experiential practices while we engage with our bodies and the More-Than-Human-World.

Research-backed benefits of a regular Forest Bathing practice include

• Boosted mood – reduced anxiety, depression, and loneliness
• Reduced stress hormones – cortisol returning to the allostatic load baseline
• Lowered blood pressure – boosts immune function
• Reduced attention fatigue – boosts pro-social behavior
• Improved sleep over time

Other benefits have been described as: a profound sense of awe and connection to the living Earth, a sense of deep peace and settling of the nervous system, profound gratitude, and a space beyond words.

General Instructions
Rain or shine, we are still connecting with nature! Check the weather before and wear what you want to be comfortable; layering helps. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to park and find the group. We’ll meet just outside the gift shop. Ian will be wearing an orange beanie or a brown T-shirt.

Every session is custom and unique. Things you may want to bring:

• Hat/sunglasses
• Umbrella or rain jacket
• Journal and pen
• Warm layer or shawl
• Your curiosity

Who is Ian Napper?
He is an Army Veteran who decided to figure himself out and walk his own healing journey. Along the way, he has been blessed to learn from and work with many amazing teachers, healers, and therapists. He holds a 200-hour yoga certificate from MBODY Yoga and a Level 1 Mindful Outdoor Guide certification, certified through Kripalu, as well as ANFT registered and Yoga Alliance. Lastly, he is certified in Wilderness First Aid through NOLS and recently graduated with an M.Ed. in Trauma, Resilience, and Restorative Justice. Learn more about Ian at sacredlistening.earth