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I believe in the healing power of nature, how it calms and energizes us, holds us through hard times, and rejuvenates our souls. I invite you to join me! |
In Northern Cook County
and Lake County, Illinois
[email protected] 847-920-8238 |
What Is Forest Bathing/Forest Therapy?
It's based on the Japanese practice of "shinrin-yoku," which is a form of therapeutic relaxation in which your senses are immersed in nature to relax, heighten awareness, and form a deeper connection to nature. What To Expect
Evidenced-based Benefits
Who Is It For?
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Testimonials
Gayle, Thank you so much for the invitation to the forest bathing you guided us through. It was so great to meet like-minded people and to share the experience with everyone that was there. I thank you because it took me out of my daily routine. It was magical. I got lost in just being and forgot about doing. The rest of the day, I felt relaxed and at ease and the feeling actually lasted into the weekend. I hope to be able to join you again soon.
- S.T., Mt. Prospect, IL
My team of hard working therapists found total respite in Gayle's forest bathing program. She helped us select the ideal location for the team's needs (the first of many examples of how thoughtful she is). Gayle's energy is so calming in itself, we were at peace the moment we sat down with her. She led us through a meditation we deeply needed. Our nature-loving therapists are quite well-versed in the health benefits that nature provides, yet Gayle opened us up to so many new ways to deepen our connection and knowledge. We felt deeply relaxed, grounded and inspired to do more. Thank you Gayle, we can't wait for our next event!
- Marnie L., Founder of Best Self Inc., Chicago, IL
Gayle led our team in an incredible 'forest bathing' experience that everyone absolutely loved. It was a unique and refreshing break from our usual routines, allowing us to disconnect from our desks and technology. The activity inspired us to think about creativity and inspiration in an entirely new way. Highly recommend this experience!
- E. A., Glencoe, IL
Gayle led our group on a forest bath in Ryerson Woods. It was a great experience - she helped us experience nature in a new way: focused, attentive and reflective. Her prompts were thoughtful and purposeful. As the time went on, you could feel yourself relaxing and paying more attention to your surroundings. We went over our allotted time as we were such a reflective group, but Gayle did not make us feel rushed and let us enjoy the day at our pace. She definitely responded to “our group vibe”.
It would be interesting to do the forest bathing at different times of the year and at different locations. And it seems like a great activity for team building, small groups, families or anyone who needs a break from their routine!! As someone who is not always a nature person, I loved being in nature and led thru this experiential journey!
- S.M., Deerfield, IL
I had the opportunity to experience forest bathing for the first time last weekend. I have a very stressful career and I am always looking for new ways to decompress. I was skeptical at first but through Gayle's guided meditation and invitations, I quickly realized that this was an effective tool to embrace nature and the world around us. Gayle was such a wonderful host. I had not met the others in our group and Gayle immediately made all of us feel at ease and comfortable so we could get the full experience of forest bathing. I would highly recommend trying forest bathing and thank you Gayle for making this such a positive and meaningful experience for me”.
- J.G., Deerfield, IL
I just got back from an amazing forest bathing experience with Gayle, and I can’t recommend it enough! Most of us love being in nature, but we rarely take the time to really focus on ourselves without distractions like phones or conversation.
Gayle’s approach made this experience introspective, collaborative, creative and, for those open to it, spiritual. She encouraged us to look closely at nature, which prompted us to think about our place in it - which is something I usually don’t think about on regular walks with friends. Plus, sharing our thoughts and feelings with the group (if you wanted to) really deepened the experience, helping me connect with nature in a different way.
Gayle's knowledge and expertise shine through in every aspect of the program. Her stories and examples from other groups enhanced our enjoyment and understanding, making the experience all the more meaningful. Incorporating Japanese traditions into the day was a bonus, enriching the experience even further.
If you get the chance to join one of her sessions—whether you go with friends or solo - do it! It’s a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature and yourself in a way you won’t find in a typical outing.”
- A.S., Deerfield, IL
I had no idea what a forest bathing walk was. Gayle is a wonderful guide who has an amazing ability to bring us to the moment, to let us be present to explore in nature, and to connect with each other in a safe, calming way. Absolutely recommend!
- A.B., Deerfield, IL
I attended Gayle’s forest bathing experience with 3 co-workers and a friend. Gayle immediately made us feel comfortable and introduced us to the other participants, while providing an overview and the history of forest bathing. Her low key, yet informative style and approach to the experience was perfect. She created a “space” for all of us to fully embrace the experience and gently encouraged sharing of feelings and thoughts throughout. We all left feeling that the trees were greener, the sky was more blue, and our heart rates and anxiety were down! Thank you, Gayle, for an amazing experience!
- M.E., Elgin, IL
My daughter and I had a lovely Forest Bathing Experience with Gayle at Heller Nature Center in Highland Park. We didn’t know what to really expect since it was our first time, but every step and every detail of the experience was so enjoyable and inspiring. We learned so much and it was such a treat to be in the midst of nature and using our senses in different ways. We would love to repeat the experience in the same location, in a different location and try it in the other three seasons. Gayle is a great teacher/guide through the experience. She is there in the moment to help her attendees enjoy the experience. I highly recommend her and her Forest Bathing experiences.
- B.S., Highland Park, IL
I recently had an opportunity to try forest bathing with Gayle Byck. Admittedly, I didn't quite know what to expect. The experience exceeded anything I could have imagined. Gayle encouraged us to appreciate nature in a way that I haven't enjoyed since I was a child. It was the most calming and relaxing way to spend an hour that I've experienced in a long time. Gayle finds a way to authentically connect with each member in her group. I strongly recommend forest bathing with Gayle Byck!
- Michelle G., Bloomfield Hills, MI
THANK YOU…THANK YOU…THANK YOU for such a powerful and special experience today. I have been feeling the trees with me all day… The group today was a really special group,…It was also just what I needed today, cleared my head and made me feel empowered.
- K.E., Deerfield, IL
Being in nature was just the respite I needed. Gayle masterfully led us through a guided meditation that helped me get grounded. And then, she invited us to explore on our own. The sounds and colors of the forest all helped me to relax, and simply be. A true gift!
- Heather R, Deerfield, IL
My experience with forest bathing was really beautiful. It was exactly what I needed at the time. Stepping into nature grounds me and feels soothing. Being guided by Gayle added the special sauce to the experience. I recommend this to anyone wanting to connect to nature and themselves.
- N.Z., Wilmette, IL
I did a Forest Bath with Gayle and I absolutely loved the experience. It was well thought out, intentional, and it helped me relax in nature and be in tune with all my senses. Afterwards, I felt refreshed and would highly recommend this. It’s a great small group activity!
-J.K., Highland Park, IL
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Upcoming Public Walks
Wednesday, August 28th from 9:00-10:30am Riverwoods To register for the above walk, please email me your name and the date you are interested in. I will confirm and let you know the exact location. $25/walk |
Articles about Forest Bathing
REI, There's No Running in Forest Bathing, www.rei.com/blog/hike/theres-no-running-in-forest-bathing Vogue, Why Everyone Should Try Forest Bathing https://www.vogue.com/article/why-everyone-should-try-forest-bathing Harvard Health, Can Forest Therapy Enhance Health and Well-being? https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-forest-therapy-enhance-health-and-well-being-2020052919948 'Better than medication': prescribing nature works, project shows https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/sep/04/better-than-medication-prescribing-nature-works-project-shows Get Wild: Forest Bathing in Winter? https://www.summitdaily.com/news/get-wild-forest-bathing-in-winter/ |
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