“Return to Nature. Follow Nature. Be a good companion of the four seasons.” – Matsuo Basho (1644-1694), master haiku poet
Shinrin-yoku (森林浴) is a Japanese term first coined in 1982 which literally translates as “forest bath” – a modern, poetic way of referring to the practice of immersing oneself in the atmosphere of a forest for purposes of experiencing the medical and psychological benefits of time spent in Nature. Though this terminology is new, the practice of connecting with Nature is not. To the contrary, connecting with Nature is a root practice of ancient spiritual traditions worldwide. In this half-day workshop, we will explore shinrin-yoku from the vantage points of physical and mental health as well as creativity and spirituality. Along with a summary of the many benefits of “forest bathing” discovered by medical science, we will embark upon an experiential exploration of our own connection to Nature, and work with a series of different shinrin-yoku and Nature-connection practices in a forest environment. At the conclusion of this program, participants will depart with a list of resources for further exploration including a list of good places for forest bathing in the Atlanta area.
WHAT TO BRING: Please bring a pen, notebook or journal, a pair of walking shoes or hiking boots, a rain poncho (in case of autumn rains), and a small blanket to sit on.
Frank Inzan Owen, M.A. is a Wayfarer of a Nature-oriented spiritual and creative path whose roots are found in ancient traditions of East Asia. His work is influenced by meditation in the Sōtō Zen tradition, numinous practices of dreaming, and the Jungian understanding of the soul (psyche). He has a M.A. in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado and facilitates a form of spiritually-directed innerwork he calls contemplative soulwork through his organization, The School of Soft-Attention (www.schoolofsoftattention.com)
Even though we had to close our historic office for the time being, our counselors are now available to the larger community for telemental health counseling.
Future clients can still call TACC at 404-876-6266 #1 and ask to be seen by one of our counselors.
As long as the person inquiring has access to the internet or phone and qualifies for the criteria of telemental health counseling, our counselors will be able to provide online or phone mental health care to persons in need of emotional, mental and spiritual support.
Our clinical director Nineshia Mont-Reynaud and our counselors worked tirelessly the past month to set everything up for our clients to be able to be seen by video or by phone.
TACC (Mailing Address)
435 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30308
TACC @ St. Luke’s
*98 Currier Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30308
https://www.stlukesatlanta.org/
*Please don’t mail to this address*
TACC @ Columbia Presbyterian
711 Columbia Drive
Decatur, GA 30030
https://cpcdecatur.com/
Hours: M, T, F 8:00am–6:00pm
W & TH 8:00am–8:00pm
(404) 876-6266
info@taccatstlukes.com
If you need immediate assistance, please reach out to #988. Here you can access 24/7 emotional support and will be connected with a caring counselor.