Why does a walk in the woods often leave us feeling more at ease, clearer of mind, calm and content? In this course, we will explore some answers to this question both through experience and in the classroom. We will learn about some of the amazing scientific evidence emerging concerning the positive effects that being in the forest has on our physical and mental health and sense of wellbeing. We'll learn stories and views about nature from other cultures and, for those who wish to share, listen to each other's stories about encounters with the forest, trees and other beings in nature. We will go on two Forest Therapy walks in nearby woods and see and feel what we might mindfully notice about our experience perhaps for the first time. Tamera Helms is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy offering Forest Therapy Walks to individuals and groups of all sizes in the Harrisonburg area.

The second and fifth classes are planned field trips to local forested areas for experiential walks in the woods. Although the walks will be short, 1/2mile or less, and participation will greatly benefit class members, the walk in the woods experience can be modified for participants with mobility issues who have access to a smart phone or computer with Zoom capabilities.

Tamera Helms has training as a Nature and Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and will be fully certified April 1, 2023. She is a practitioner of the 3Keys Model of Personality Type and Healing work and a certified practitioner of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and trained as a Spiritual Director. She has served as staff at Springbank Retreat for EcoSpirituality and the Arts in Kingstree, South Carolina. Tamera holds a B.A. in psychology and a Masters of Divinity degree.