Forest Bathing at the Botanical Garden

Date: Sunday, March 9, 2025

Time: 4:00PM-6:00PM

Location: San Francisco Botanical Garden

Participant fees:
Tiered payment – pick what you can afford!
$30-50

Forest Bathing Walk

Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the natural world on a forest bathing walk, a practice inspired by the Japanese tradition of shinrin-yoku. This mindful, slow-paced journey invites you to engage all your senses as you connect deeply with the sights, sounds, and textures of the forest. Guided by gentle prompts, you’ll pause to notice the intricate details of leaves, the soothing rhythm of bird songs, and the earthy scent of the soil.

The benefits of forest bathing go far beyond relaxation. Research shows that spending time in nature can lower stress levels, reduce blood pressure, and enhance overall well-being. It boosts mood, sharpens focus, and strengthens the immune system by exposing you to phytoncides, the natural compounds released by trees. Mentally, forest bathing fosters mindfulness, reduces anxiety, and cultivates a deep sense of calm.

This practice also honors and deepens our relationship with the Earth, inviting us to recognize the intricate web of life we are a part of. By slowing down and attuning to the rhythms of nature, we cultivate gratitude and reverence for the planet’s beauty and vitality, inspiring a sense of stewardship and care for our shared home.

This walk is not about exercise or reaching a destination—it’s about being fully present and experiencing the healing, rejuvenating power of nature. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, emotional balance, or simply a deeper connection to the natural world, a forest bathing walk is a simple yet profound way to nurture both body and soul.

Due to the slow and contemplative nature of this experience, we recommend participants be 12 years old and older.

Please bring water and dress in warm layers.

About Ben Page

Ben Page is a Forest Therapy Guide, council carrier, DJ, creator of Story Weaving and the author of Healing Trees: A Pocket Guide to Forest Bathing, The Wild Garden and The World In My Pocket. His work focuses on the philosophical ethic of non-striving and self-love as a gateway to inner peace and compassionate action. Ben holds a B.A. in religious studies from Carleton College and an M.A. in human development and social change from Pacific Oaks College.

Gardens of Golden Gate Park Members: You are entitled to a 20% discount for this event. To secure your discount, please enter the Member Discount Code in the “Promo Code” field when checking out. For the Member Discount Code for this offering, please contact membership@gggp.org

Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.