FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Forest bathing, or “shinrin-yoku” as it’s known in Japan, translates as “taking in the forest atmosphere using your senses.” It’s a therapeutic practice (and therefore sometimes called “forest therapy”) that includes invitations to explore the natural world around you in a way that feels good to you—led by your senses rather than your analytical mind.
During this practice, we’ll wander along trails and tap into our senses. Our movement will be slow. There is no particular fitness requirement. Participants will likely encounter slightly uneven trails with gentle inclines and declines.
Just as this is not hiking (though we will be moving), it is also not a naturalist walk. We won’t be identifying plants or animals during our time together, though we will be noticing them.

This is not mental health therapy. The use of the word “therapy” refers to the therapeutic benefits provided by spending time in nature.
Forest bathing is simply a well-being and somatic practice that can promote health and has the potential to connect us more deeply with ourselves, the present moment, and the world around us.
Some of the evidence-based benefits of forest bathing include reduced stress levels, improved mood, increased feelings of relaxation, enhanced immune functioning, and greater creativity.

Absolutely not! All activities are completely optional and adaptable to whatever you’d like to do in that moment. During the walk, we will periodically gather in a group to share what we’re noticing, but sharing is optional, and you do not have to say anything at all if you don’t wish to.
Forest bathing is not prescriptive—it’s a chance to be in nature in a supportive environment. There won’t be any judgment of how you choose to participate in or experience the walk. Listen to your body and do what feels good to you.

Short answer: you don’t need a guide! Anyone can experience nature in an embodied, mindful way.
Longer answer: experiencing nature with the support of a trained forest therapy guide allows for a more immersive experience—a chance to truly get out of your head and into your body. It also provides the opportunity to experience nature alongside fellow participants, creating structured and supportive connections throughout the walk.

Golden Hour Journeys facilitates compassionate, evidence-based forest bathing and nature experiences, rooted in reciprocity and respect between humans and the natural world. This practice allows us to momentarily step away from the demands of modern life and reawaken our senses.

Golden Hour Journeys is led by a guide certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and is fully insured.
Golden hour—sometimes called “the magic hour”—is the last hour of daylight before sunset, when the light becomes warmer and softer. This practice was named to honor that experience—sensing the world as just a little more beautiful—and the unique journeys each of us take to get there.

Forest bathing and nature connection is for everyone! These experiences are slow, gentle walks in nature and are open to the community.
Golden Hour Journeys offers private sessions for individuals and small groups of all kinds (workplace wellness events, family celebrations, and more).

Forest bathing does not need to happen in a forest or a secluded, natural place. While walks might typically be held on forested trails, meaningful experiences can also happen in parks, at lakes, or even in your own backyard—the only setting requirement is the ability for humans to interact with natural elements (or what we call the “more-than-human-world”).
Golden Hour Journeys operates in western Massachusetts. Please refer to your confirmation email for the walk location, meeting point, and timing.

A typical walk will last 2-3 hours. Please refer to your confirmation email for specific details on meeting location and duration for your specific walk.

Please wear comfortable clothing that’s suitable for the weather (that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty) and shoes that can navigate uneven (and sometimes muddy) ground. As it’s a slow-paced session, you may consider wearing layers.
For warmer weather: please consider wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and bug spray. Even if it’s not particularly buggy outside generally, it tends to be a bit buggier in the forest and you may consider wearing lightweight long pants/sleeves.
For cooler weather: please consider wearing layers as well as a hat and gloves.

There isn’t anything special you need to bring to the walk. You may want to bring a drink or something lightweight to sit on if that would make you more comfortable during the times that we stop walking.
If you want to spend a few minutes journaling at the end of the walk, please feel free to bring something to write with/on (again, totally optional).
Please consider that anything you bring will need to be carried with you and ideally stowable (in a bag, etc.) so that you can have your hands (or at least one hand) free.

If there’s light rain, the walk will proceed as planned. In the event of heavy rain or thunderstorms, the walk will be canceled, and we’ll be in touch to reschedule. The weather leading up to our walk will be monitored and you’ll be contacted if there is a change in plans.