Saturday, November 1 3:00-4:30 pm in Central Park (Carmel) East Woods

Forest Bathing is a practice of nature immersion, elevating sensory observations in the present moment. Participants “bathe” in the sights, sounds, textures, and scents they encounter. We’ll begin with an introduction to the practice, followed by a series of gentle prompts to get out of your thinking mind and into your sensing body. Time is built in for traveling short distances, sitting, wandering, and sharing.  We will conclude by sharing snacks together. 

Register HERE

Sunday, November 9 1:30-4:00 pm at Crown Hill Arboretum

Introduction to Mindful Birding: Put down a Field Guide and Pick up your Feel Guide 

Mindful birding is a practice combining mindfulness with the joy of birding. Connect with the natural world and the birds that inhabit it, letting go of the need to identify (field guide), to focus on what we notice, feel, and wonder (feel guide). A partnership between Michelle Morton Forest Therapy, Donna Riner of Witness Nature Indy, and Crown Hill Foundation. 

Register HERE

Monday, November 10 10:00 am-12:30 pm in Central Park (Carmel) East Woods

Forest Bathing is a practice of nature immersion, elevating sensory observations in the present moment. Participants “bathe” in the sights, sounds, textures, and scents they encounter. We’ll begin with an introduction to the practice, followed by a series of gentle prompts to get out of your thinking mind and into your sensing body. Time is built in for traveling short distances, sitting, wandering, and sharing.  We will conclude by sharing tea and snacks together. 

Register HERE

Wednesday, November 12 11:00 am-12:00 pm

Mindful Birding is a nature connection practice which elevates deep listening, intentional observation, and presence. Participants use their senses to witness birds and explore how these observations feel in the body, heart, and mind. Rather than a traditional "bird walk" where identifying and check-listing are elevated, this type of birding focuses on sensory observations in the present moment. Slow and intentional time in nature, such as a Mindful Birding experience, can reduce stress, relieve anxiety, boost happiness, promote relaxation, and build connections to the natural world.

Learn more about the conference HERE

Saturday, November 15 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Forest Therapy is a nature connection practice which elevates sensory observations in the present moment. Participants use their senses to connect to the landscape as a way to gently and mindfully notice themselves and the world. Slow and intentional time in nature, such as through a Forest Therapy experience, can reduce stress, relieve anxiety, boost happiness, promote relaxation, and build connections to the natural world. This session, led by Conner Prairie Museum Nature Engagement Specialist and certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide Michelle Morton, will focus on the practice of Forest Therapy, its history, its benefits, and include time outside experiencing this wellness practice.

Learn more about the conference HERE