What is Nature Therapy?
Nature Therapy - also called “Forest Bathing” is a simple, nourishing practice of slowing down and experiencing the natural world through the senses. If you’ve ever been on a walk or a hike and realized afterwards that you didn’t really notice the weather, the birds, the flowers or trees because you were running down those worn out stories or to do lists, this practice is for you! As your “guide” I am there to suggest simple invitations that engage your senses - you and Nature do the rest!
Forest Bathing is the literal translation of what the Japanese have coined “Shinrin-yoku”, a term that describes the health benefits of chemicals that trees release and shower upon each other - and us - as we walk in their midst!
This is an ancient practice of going to Nature for the simple truth that humans tend to feel better in natural spaces. Learn more about what Nature Therapy is, and is not, HERE!
Together let’s explore what slowing down and connecting to our hearts and senses — amidst the water, trees, and each other — has in store for us!
I’m Lori Ventimiglia, AKA, The Unapologetic Tree Hugger! I love to “geek out” on Nature and can be found looking up at tree tops and clouds, often at the detriment of my safety! I think it’s a particularly sad commentary on society that hugging a tree is seen as foolish or otherwise, “woo-woo”. Think of what trees do for us! The desk I’m writing at right now, the homes we live in and, of course, the air we breathe . . . all complements of these amazing beings that ask for nothing in return. And now we know that trees release chemicals known as phytoncides, that keep us healthy in ways we never could have imagined! Of course they should be hugged!
I’ve always felt best in Nature. So when, at nine years old, my family moved to Colorado from Philadelphia I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Just hearing the word “Colorado” can make my heart sing and having the privilege to live here - at the base of the Rockies - brings me deep gratitude! At one point in my career I was able to call the mountains “my office”, leading wilderness therapy expeditions for at risk teens. Since that time, I have mostly worked in the nonprofit sector helping to start schools and currently supporting Native communities.
My certification program for this practice is through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy.
I live in Louisville with two fur babies and have the great honor to be the mother of three outrageous young adults!
A Little Bit About Me
Pictured above: Me and my Goofy Doodle, Murphy. Murphy accompanies some walks but prefers to stay home if any of the participants aren’t comfortable around dogs!
My “Why”
My “why” is simple: our relationship with Nature deepens through this practice. As much as you might already love Nature and all her beings, be they the furry, the rooted, the winged, the ethereal or the watery variety, this practice has the power to deepen that relationship. As such, you might just be moved to protect her - if even just a little more than you currently do!
“People protect what they love.”
Why “HeartSong”?
My mom, Toby Rosen Lubell, passed away in 2023 and immediately began sending me hearts in nature. Since that time, I have collected more heart shaped rocks than I can count!
Shortly thereafter, I had a dream in which six-year-old me held a stethoscope to present-day me’s heart and exclaimed that there was an ecstatic song in my heart! Since that dream, I began listening deeply for said song. It didn’t take long before I was shown repeatedly that it sings most ecstatically in nature and, through a series of divinely led encounters, I was introduced to the practice of Nature Therapy (or Forest Bathing). I knew that my sweet mom was behind this and that this was a path I must walk down . . . this was my “HeartSong”!
Learning to listen to my heart song; that it may it bring me to my feet and provide the beat to which I move through each moment of this miracle that is my life!
Resources
“Geek out” on Nature Therapy in the comfort of your home or better yet, under a tree, with some of the resources linked below:
Slow down and walk with me!
Interested in joining an upcoming walk? Fill out the registration form below! If you have questions first or want to learn about custom walks, please reach out to me at Lorijventi@gmail.com or call 970-456-7196.