Forest Bathing
Connect with nature through the senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch.
Event Details
In Japan, forest walks, known as shinrin-yoku , ‘bathing in the forest atmosphere’, are a key aspect of preventative health care. Join us for a talk and walk exploring the history and research behind forest bathing and benefits for human health while experiencing a guided forest bathing walk along Dix Park’s Pine Loop Trail. The actual walking portion is less than .3 miles and will start and end at the Flower Cottage.
About your guide:
Betsi Dessauer, MFA, CYT, is a researcher, writer, artist, and yoga and mindfulness instructor. She has a passion for teaching mindfulness and meditation techniques to support stress reduction and overall well-being across all age groups. She is certified as a Koru Mindfulness Meditation Instructor, Mindful Leader Workplace Facilitator, vinyasa- and hatha-based yoga teacher, and is currently working towards her advanced yoga teacher training. Betsi has taught mindfulness to start-ups, foundation and non-profit groups, at executive trainings, to Duke students and staff, at Durham Public Schools, meditation and Shinrin-Yoku programs at Duke Gardens, and meditation classes for Duke Continuing Education. She has a regular yoga and mindfulness practice in support of her own self-care and is inspired to work with others to promote health and mindfulness practices as a pathway to well-being. She resides in Durham with her husband, two boys, and two dogs.
This program is free to the public thanks to Dix Park Conservancy donors.
Time: 9:00 - 10:00 am
Location: Meet at the Flower Cottage. Walk the Pine Loop Trail.
Registration: While free to attend, participation is limited. Registration is required.
Registration opens 2 weeks in advance at 12:00 pm.
What to Bring
- You are encouraged bring a small camping stool, chair, yoga mat, or towel to carry during the walk and use to sit in the forest.
- Dress for the weather. Closed-toe shoes are recommended.
Know Before You Go
- This program takes place outside the entire time.
- Walking up hills, in grass, and on uneven surfaces will be necessary.
- The closest portable restrooms are located near the Kirby Building Parking Lot.
- Indoor restroom facilities are located in The Chapel during open hours.
- Water fountains and water bottle refilling stations are located in the Chapel and at Magnolia Room.
- If there is inclement weather, the walk will be canceled and registered participants will be notified by email.
Directions and Parking
- Via Western Boulevard: Enter at Hunt Drive or S. Boylan Avenue
- Via Lake Wheeler Road: Enter at Goode Drive
- Via Centennial Parkway: Enter at Blair Drive
- Follow Signs towards Flowers Field
- Parking is located in the Adams Building Lot across from the Flowers Cottage. ADA parking is available.
- Click on the image below for an enlarged parking map.
Accessibility
Dix Park continues to strive to be accessible and welcoming for visitors, including those with disabilities. Currently, portions of Dix Park, including some areas where programs and events occur, have uneven surfaces and are not fully accessible. Accessibility is a primary focus for early park improvements and all future planning and development.
Parking: ADA parking spaces for the Flowers Cottage are in front of the building. ADA parking spaces are available in all lots.
Restrooms: Indoor accessible restrooms are available in the Chapel.
Programs and Events: Raleigh Parks Inclusion Services works with community members to support participation. To request a program modification based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please complete and submit the Accommodation Request Form or contact Inclusion Services staff at 919-996-2147 or ParksInclusion@raleighnc.gov.
Questions?
Contact Dix Park Staff at 919-996-3255 or events@dixpark.org