City of Forest Day - Forest Bathing

About this event

City of Forest Day is an annual day of activities across all five boroughs to raise awareness of the importance of the New York City urban forest, and the essential role New Yorkers play every day in caring for the “lungs” of our city. Mindful Astoria is honored to participate in this day, as it has in years past, by offering Forest Bathing in our cherished local park! Saturday, October 3rd from 11am to 2pm Location for our Saturday October 3rd gathering: The group will meet at 11am on the northern end of Astoria Park, in the grassy field close to the corner of Ditmars Boulevard and 19th Street (see the red pin on the attached map). Look out for our group in the field - We will keep an eye out for anyone entering the park who may be looking for us. Please arrive on time and *\*Bring something tfo sit on\*.* Thank you. Shinrin-yoku \- a Japanese term translated to mean "forest bathing" or "absorbing the forest atmosphere"\, is beginning to make it's way to the west\. Immerse yourself in nature and share with like minded folks. You will be guided through a series of grounding and meditative practices that will help reconnect you with the more-than-human world, your community and yourself. Guided seated and walking meditations will be incorporated. Benefits of forest bathing include stress reduction, improved mood, improved cardiovascular and cognitive function, among a host of other benefits. Vanessa is a certified Forest therapy guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, in addition to being a licensed clinical social worker with over two decades of experience. Her spiritual path began back in social work school and has continued to evolve over the years by following different teachers, practicing yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and engaging in her own healing work. Vanessa's excited to share her passion for nature and the outdoors as a tool for healing and self-discovery. Whether in an urban jungle or out in the woods, nature is always the best temple. While this event is FREE, if you are able to offer financial support we suggest $15-$30. Donations go directly to Mindful Astoria and will enable us to continue offering programs to our community, ensuring no one is ever turned away due to lack of funds. Please send your donation via the PayPal app or website using our email address: [email protected] (http://[email protected]./) or cash at the event.