What Is Forest Therapy and What Can You Expect at Buds in Bloom?
- Michelle Ward
- Jun 1
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 1
At Buds in Bloom, we often say forest therapy isn’t about getting somewhere—it’s about arriving. Not in miles, but in presence. If you’re new to the idea, you might wonder what exactly happens during a forest therapy walk. Is it hiking? Meditation? A nature class?
In truth, it’s a bit of all three—and something more.
Rooted in Ancient Practice, Grown for Modern Healing
Forest Therapy is a practice that supports health and wellness through guided immersion in forests and other natural environments. Inspired by Shinrin-yoku—the Japanese tradition of “Forest Bathing”—this approach invites us to intentionally slow down, open our senses, and reconnect with the land. Time in nature, we now know through science and intuition alike, improves mood, reduces stress, and helps us return to ourselves.
At Buds in Bloom, we go a step further. We are among the pioneers of a deeper approach called Relational Forest Therapy™, which not only enhances well-being but also nurtures a reciprocal relationship with nature—a mutual exchange of presence, care, and respect between humans and the More Than Human World.
A Slow and Gentle Invitation to Connect
Unlike a hike, forest therapy walks are intentionally slow-paced and accessible. The goal isn’t exercise, distance, or plant identification—it’s connection: with nature, with your senses, and with yourself.
Each walk begins with a simple invitation. This might be something like, “Notice what’s in motion around you,” or “Take a moment to greet the land.” There’s no right or wrong way to respond. You may walk a few feet, stand still, or sit and observe. The forest is your companion, not your destination.
What Is Relational Forest Therapy™?
Relational Forest Therapy™ is a clearly defined sequence of open-ended invitations designed to slow the mind, awaken the body’s senses, and foster meaningful interaction with the natural world. The practice is rooted in the belief that healing doesn’t come from a guide—it arises from the relationship between the participant and nature itself.
These Slow Walks in the Forest are typically one to two kilometers in length and accessible to people of all ages and physical abilities. There's no expectation of what you should feel or experience—only the space to explore what unfolds naturally.
Why this approach?
To support human health. In a time when stress, anxiety, and chronic illness are on the rise, nature provides a space to rest and remember.
To restore connection. As Jacques Cousteau once said, “People protect what they love.” Relational Forest Therapy helps us fall in love with the Earth again—and with the truth that we are part of her.
To expand freedom. Somatic work with the Earth allows us to feel more grounded in our bodies, more open in our hearts, and more at ease in the world.
An invitation to allow the tree to hold the participant at Whispertree - Boonville, CA.
Guided Experiences Rooted in Presence
During your walk, your ANFT guide will offer a series of sensory-focused invitations, such as:
Sensing the textures around you
Listening for layers of sound
Moving slowly and curiously
Observing patterns in light and leaves
After each invitation, there’s time to gather in a sharing circle. You’re welcome to speak, or simply sit in silence—whatever feels right to you. The space is yours, shaped with comfort, care, and reverence.
Tea and Togetherness
Many of our walks close with a tea ceremony using plants from our gardens—like lavender or mint—grown right here at Buds in Bloom. It’s a quiet moment of gratitude, community, and reflection. The circle closes, but the presence lingers.
Who Is It For?
Forest therapy is for everyone. You don’t need to be “outdoorsy,” athletic, or spiritually inclined. If you’ve felt stressed, scattered, overwhelmed—or just curious about reconnecting with yourself and the land—this is for you.
Our walks are especially nurturing for:
Those navigating anxiety, chronic illness, or caregiving roles
People experiencing grief, transition, or burnout
Anyone seeking presence, clarity, and calm in a fast-moving world
We hold space with gentle encouragement and deep respect.
What to Bring
Comfortable clothes for the weather
Water
A journal, if you’d like to reflect afterward
An open heart and curious spirit
We’ll take care of the rest.
A Different Kind of Wellness
With over 3,000 guides trained across 70 countries, the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) is creating a global movement toward healing—of people and the planet. As one of Central Ohio’s first certified ANFT guides, we at Buds in Bloom are proud to offer this transformative practice in our local community.
Here, forest therapy isn’t just a walk in the woods—it’s a walk toward wholeness. With every step, we remember that stillness can be healing. That noticing can be enough. That we are not separate from nature—we are nature.
If this resonates, we invite you to join us. The forest is waiting—we’d be honored to walk alongside you
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