
I had the incredible privilege of guiding a Forest Therapy walk for the Case Management department at the hospital, and it was such a deeply fulfilling experience. There’s something special about watching people step out of their daily roles and into a space where they can just be. In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure environments—especially within healthcare—finding opportunities to slow down, reconnect, and breathe is more important than ever.
Despite the early start at 7:30 AM, we embraced the cool morning air, and as the sun slowly rose, a powerful sense of renewal and calm washed over us. There’s something so grounding about watching the world wake up around you, feeling the shift in temperature as the sun rises and the day begins to unfold. It serves as a reminder of how much life is happening around us that we often miss in our day-to-day routines. For our group, this was a moment to step away from the stress, the to-do lists, the constant beeping of alarms, and the intensity of hospital life. It was a chance to simply be—to take a breath and immerse ourselves in the healing power of nature.
The Healing Garden: A Sanctuary Within the Hospital

It’s amazing to think that right within the hospital, we have this beautiful Healing Garden—a space designed to promote healing and wellness. Nestled between busy hospital wings, the garden offers a sanctuary for patients, staff, and visitors alike. It’s a place where anyone can step away from the daily pressures of healthcare work, set aside the weight of their responsibilities, and reconnect with the world around them. In that garden, surrounded by greenery, flowers, and open sky, we are reminded that healing doesn’t only happen in operating rooms or during consultations—it can happen anywhere, even in a simple moment of stillness.
For the case management team, this experience was more than just a break from their daily routines—it was an opportunity to reconnect with the part of themselves that often gets lost in the chaos of life. We didn’t show up that morning as case managers or caregivers. We left those roles behind and connected with the core of who we are: individuals craving peace, quiet, and a sense of belonging.
Nature as a Gateway to Self-Connection

One of the most profound aspects of forest therapy is its ability to foster self-connection. When we slow down, step away from technology, and immerse ourselves in nature, something shifts within us. We begin to listen—not only to the sounds of the wind through the trees or the birds overhead—but to ourselves. Our thoughts slow down, and we can finally tune into what’s happening internally.
That morning, the case managers shared personal stories about how disconnected they often feel—how the daily grind of patient care, managing logistics, and dealing with emergencies leaves little room for self-care or reflection. It was moving to hear everyone share their experiences and the unique insights they gained from the walk. Nature has a way of reminding us that we are part of something bigger, and that reminder can be deeply healing.
One of my favorite moments during the walk was when we created a "potion" by connecting through our sense of smell. Each person was invited to find a natural scent that spoke to them—whether it was the smell of fresh leaves, pine needles, or earth—and we blended these together into a shared creation. The act of intentionally using our senses in this way heightened our awareness and left us all feeling deeply connected, not only to nature but to each other.
This “potion-making” invitation is a key part of forest therapy. It taps into the idea that our senses are gateways to presence. Too often, we move through life in a blur, not really seeing, hearing, or feeling the world around us. But when we take the time to notice something as simple as a scent or the texture of a leaf, we are brought back into the present moment—into our bodies and our environments. This kind of awareness is incredibly grounding and has ripple effects long after the experience itself is over.
Lavender Tea & Connection: A Calming Conclusion

We concluded the walk with lavender tea and lavender cookies, calming our minds and bodies and preparing us for the day ahead. The simplicity of sitting together, sipping tea, and sharing a few quiet moments was a perfect way to bring the experience to a close. It wasn’t just about the tea or the cookies—it was about the sense of calm that washed over the group, a shared understanding that we had done something meaningful for ourselves.
Lavender, known for its calming and soothing properties, felt like the ideal companion for the conclusion of the walk. Its scent and taste provided a final layer of relaxation, leaving each of us feeling refreshed and recharged. For the case management team, this ritual served as a reminder that self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, the simplest acts—drinking tea, taking a walk, sharing a moment with colleagues—can have the most profound impact.
The Importance of Self-Care in the Workplace

This brings me to an important point: the importance of self-care in the workplace, particularly in high-stress environments like healthcare. When we’re constantly giving to others—whether through patient care, administrative duties, or managing staff—it’s easy to lose sight of our own needs. The concept of “burnout” is all too familiar in these settings, yet many don’t realize how powerful a simple reconnection with nature can be in combating that burnout.
During the walk, several participants mentioned how much they needed this time. They hadn’t realized just how disconnected they had become from their own needs, and this brief immersion in nature helped them rediscover a sense of balance. One participant shared, “I didn’t realize how much I’m disconnected from my senses.” That moment of clarity—the realization that they had been moving through their days without truly noticing or engaging with their environment—was powerful. It’s easy to fall into a routine where our senses are dulled by constant stimulation and stress. But taking a moment to reconnect with nature and tune into the sights, sounds, and smells around us can bring us back to a state of mindfulness and presence. I feel incredibly fortunate to have shared this space with such amazing people who took the time to prioritize their self-care and connect with themselves, each other, and the nature around us—not just as professionals, but as human beings.
Expanding the Practice: Bringing Forest Therapy to Organizations

I’m excited to continue offering this practice to others—whether within organizations, private gatherings, or individual sessions. Forest therapy is a practice that can be adapted to fit many different contexts, and I believe it has the potential to transform not only individuals but entire teams and organizations.
Incorporating forest therapy into workplace wellness programs can provide a much-needed break from the daily stressors that employees face. It offers a way to recharge, reconnect, and restore a sense of balance—both individually and collectively. When we take the time to care for ourselves, we show up better for those around us. We communicate more effectively, we work more efficiently, and we bring a greater sense of compassion and patience to everything we do.
For teams like the case management department, who are often dealing with the weight of complex patient cases and difficult decisions, forest therapy provides a space to process emotions, reset, and refocus. The benefits extend beyond the walk itself—participants carry that sense of calm and connection back into their work, improving both individual well-being and team dynamics.
How Forest Therapy Fits into Your Organization

So, how can you bring forest therapy into your organization? The beauty of this practice is that it’s highly adaptable. Walks can be done in natural settings near your workplace, like a garden or park, or even virtually, where participants are guided through sensory experiences in their own spaces. Forest therapy sessions can be tailored to your team’s needs, whether it’s a brief, 90-minute introduction or a longer, immersive experience.
Some organizations may benefit from regular sessions, incorporating forest therapy into their wellness initiatives or team-building activities. Others may prefer occasional workshops, offering employees a chance to step away from their daily routines and re engage with their surroundings. The flexibility of this practice makes it accessible to everyone, no matter the location or time constraints.
If you’re part of an organization that could benefit from this practice, I’d love to explore the options with you. Forest therapy offers so much potential for personal growth, team cohesion, and overall wellness, and I’m passionate about bringing this practice to those who need it most.
A Path Toward Healing and Connection
As I reflect on the morning’s walk, I’m reminded of the power of nature to bring us back to ourselves. In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, forest therapy offers a simple but profound way to find balance. It’s a practice rooted in the understanding that we are part of something much larger than ourselves, and that connection to nature is not only beneficial but essential for our well-being.
Together, we can begin to heal—not only as individuals but as communities, teams, and organizations. We can create a world where self-care is not a luxury but a necessity, where connection to nature is a regular part of our lives, and where we take the time to care for ourselves and those around us.
If you’re curious about experiencing forest therapy for yourself or bringing it to your team, I’d love to get on a call and explore the possibilities together. Whether through virtual sessions, workplace programs, or private gatherings, forest therapy has the potential to transform the way we live, work, and connect.
See you out in nature! 🌿✨
Comments