What is Forest Bathing: Exploring Forest Therapy with ANFT

I'm getting certified as a forest therapy guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT)! Every single time, though, people’s response is the same. "Oh my God, that sounds so cool. But what is that?" I get that the words "forest therapy" or "forest bathing" sound vague. Some think it’s like hiking or yoga in the woods, but many can be mistaken.

I spent years focused almost entirely on houseplants. But the deeper I got into plant care, the more I started to see the bigger picture. Plants aren't just decoration, and nature isn't just a backdrop. There's something real happening when we slow down and actually be in it. So I invited Amos Clifford, the founder of ANFT, and the top forest therapy guide and trainer, Nadine Mazzola, to talk about what this practice really is!

 

In this episode, we learn:

• [01:54] Why forest therapy feels so accessible and meaningful to me!
• [03:05] What is forest bathing?
• [06:32] How did Nadine become a forest therapy guide?
• [08:26] The story behind how ANFT was founded!
• [12:07] How forest therapy slowly gained traction
• [13:13] Why forest bathing is gaining cultural relevance
• [15:16] The Productive Garden
• [16:37] How everyone carries stories about nature
• [17:18] What actually happens during a forest therapy walk?
• [21:03] Why participants often experience anxiety at the beginning of forest therapy
• [22:01] How forest bathing helps regulate the nervous system
• [25:40] My first forest bathing experience and the challenge of slowing down
• [26:57] Why having a forest guide matters
• [32:00] What’s the science behind forest bathing?
• [32:42] Amos on the global boom in forest therapy research
• [35:19] Chronic stress and “salaryman” overwork in Japan
• [38:59] How forest therapy differs from other wellness practices
• [41:32] How forest bathing practices differ across the world
• [44:55] Why ANFT guiding focuses on sensory invitations
• [48:32] Inside the rigorous forest therapy guide training!
• [53:05] The relational philosophy of forest therapy
• [55:54] Why is all medicine relational?
• [59:05] How forest therapy addresses our disconnection from the world
• [1:03:16] Where to find Nadine’s work and her book Forest Bathing With Your Dog
• [1:04:18] What is Amos’s next chapter for ANFT and forest therapy?
• [01:10:02] Where to find Amos' work, the ANFT global guide map, and Forest Bathing Finder
• [01:12:50] How my upcoming digital forest therapy sessions will work!

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness by Dr. Qing Li
• Forest Bathing with Your Dog by Nadine Mazzola
• Your Guide to Forest Bathing: Experience the Healing Power of Nature by Amos Clifford
• Guide Directory - Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT)
• Forest Bathing Finder

 

For a deeper dive into the science of forest bathing,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

 

Follow Nadine:

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Follow Amos:

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Thank you to our episode sponsor: Quarto: The Productive Garden by Stephanie Hafferty

Grab The Productive Garden at quarto.com and wherever books are sold.

 

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants)by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

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