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The Practice
What is forest bathing?
Forest Bathing, also known as Shinrin Yoku, is a Japanese practice of therapeutic relaxation that involves immersing oneself in nature and engaging all available senses.
There is no specific goal or destination, instead, it is a form of mobile meditation that allows for slow, mindful presence and a deep sensory connection to the environment.
One of the best aspects of this practice is that it can be adapted to all ages and abilities.
"The art of forest bathing is the art of connecting with nature through our senses."
— Dr. Qing Li, Shinrin-Yoku: The Art and Science of Forest Bathing
Benefits to mind, body & soul
Small pauses. Deep effects.
There is now a wealth of data that proves the practice of forest bathing can:
Reduce blood pressure
Lower stress
Improve cardiovascular
and metabolic health
Lower blood-sugar levels
Improve concentration and memory
Lift depression
Improve energy
Boost the immune system
Increase anti-cancer protein production
Source: Dr. Qing Li, Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness (Viking, 2018).
Our nature-centric approach
A path made by walking slowly.
Natural spaces have always been a happy place for me growing up, but then I forgot. Spending time in natural settings became less of a priority, and that tether I had to the wild world began to disappear. As children, we are naturally curious and find awe in the most ordinary of places. Unfortunately, as we get older, we tend to lose touch with that feeling and ease within the natural world. For me, an ever-present unease settled in and a feeling for which I could never quite find the words, until recently. After my first Forest Bathing Walk experience with a talented guide by my side, I remembered and found all the words and then some. I continued to go on walks, and they became part of my personal wellness routine, and before too long, I knew that this was my missing piece. I signed up for the certification course with the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy to become a guide so that I can share this beautiful practice, which has both comforted and inspired my mind, body, and soul, with others.
Credentials & recognition
Degrees
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Master of Education, Early Childhood, Cambridge College, Cambridge, MA., 2013
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Bachelor of Science, Retail Mgt./Marketing, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY., 2002
Don’t underestimate the power of First Places or formative childhood landscapes.
“Paying attention is a form of reciprocity with
the living world, receiving the gifts with
open eyes and an open heart.”
— Robin Wall Kimmerer
Weekly practices & bespoke retreats
Come wander with us.
Wild Wisdom is honored to offer walks, classes, workshops and retreats on the grounds of Beckoning Path, a private wellness retreat tucked away in Armonk, NY in Westchester County. Reservations and payments are handled through PunchPass, see the full calendar below.
We humbly practice on the ancestral homelands of the Lenape. The pond on this land is called Cobamong which stems from the Algonquin language, historically translated as "beautiful hidden place".
Private & bespoke walks
Gather your own circle.
Beyond the weekly calendar, I design private walks and gatherings for groups of every kind. Reach out and we'll shape something together.
Corporate retreats
A grounding practice woven into your team's offsite or wellness day.
Schools & wellness field trips
Nature-based classes and mindful outdoor experiences for students.
Private celebrations
Birthdays, milestones, family reunions — a quiet way to gather in the woods.
A gift of rest
For caregivers and loved ones who need permission to slow down.
Kind words
From those who have walked with us.
"As a special education teacher, I was very excited for my students to have this opportunity to embrace mindfulness in a beautiful, nature-based environment. Danika was wonderful in how she thoughtfully and warmly guided the kids through a truly unique learning experience that was perfectly tailored to their needs. Would highly recommend her to anyone looking for an immersive Forest Bathing experience!”
Max Sage-Robinson
Special Education Teacher, Villa Maria School
"Danika led a remarkable forest bathing session that was a highlight of our company leadership retreat and off-site. It generated all kinds of (mostly curious and excited) questions among the executives and medical professionals involved-- what exactly was forest bathing and what to expect? It exceeded expectations. The sensory walk on the stunning Beckoning Path grounds got everyone much more attuned to their senses and powers of observation, and what you notice in slow silence. The breathing exercises made us all more present. And then the "solo" meditation time and closing tea ceremony all brought it together. Not that far from New York City, but a world apart. And to get access via Danika to this very private space and architectural gem made it all feel special."
Jeff Glueck
CEO, Salvo Health
“Danika’s Earth Day mindfulness walk was fantastic! It gave me permission to step away from my to-do list and the busyness of my mind. She created such a thoughtful experience, weaving in beautiful poems, delicious tea and inspiring prompts to connect more deeply with myself and Mother Earth. I left feeling more like myself again, and I slept better that night than I had in weeks. I cannot recommend Danika’s healing, mindfulness walks enough.”
Jen Dorf
Holistic Health and Mindset Coach
"We couldn't have fathomed a more ideal location for our first company retreat. Danika guided us on a magical forest bathing walk in the morning. It was not only a high quality and unique bonding experience for the team, it also put us in the absolute perfect mindset for the day ahead. We then moved indoors to have a full day strategy session replete with inspiring views and all the amenities we needed. It was by far one of the most productive we've had to date. I can't recommend this special location or team highly enough."
Joanna Hall
CEO, Wildr Places
Stay connected
The best way to stay up to date with what Wild Wisdom is offering at Beckoning Path is by signing up for the weekly newsletter — a gentle note from the woods with upcoming walks, classes and small invitations to slow down.
Connect With Us
Questions, custom gatherings, or a quiet hello, send a note through the woods and we'll write back soon.
Service area
SOCIAL MEDIA