The Forest: Your Companion for Health and Wellness

Discover the power of nature and the forest to nurture and heal your body, mind, and soul…

We know intuitively that nature can nurture us and yet we fail to make time to
disconnect from our busy lives and immerse ourselves in nature. Studies have shown
that as little as 15 minutes in a forest can improve one’s mood and relieve stress and
anxiety. Research demonstrates physical, mental, and spiritual benefits are found in
nature and yet we rarely allow time for nature to nourish and restore our health and
well-being.

This weekend retreat will inspire and empower participants to connect with nature,
themselves, and the peace of The Osage Forest. Participants will be invited to slow
down, quiet their mind chatter, silence their inner critics, listen loudly, walk softly,
encourage their curiosity, and engage their senses to connect with nature.
The intention for our weekend in the forest will be to experience the natural world with a
childlike sense of awe, sacred wonderment, and a spirit of infinite possibility. Under the
gentle guidance of Certified Forest Therapy Guide and Eco-Spiritual Director Emmie
Brenzel, participants will learn how to connect more deeply with earth’s healing energies
and tune into the subtle rhythms of the symphony of life in the forest.

What kinds of experiences does this retreat offer?

This retreat will offer a variety of indoor and outdoor classroom options and activities,
group and solo experiential exercises in nature, along with quiet time for reflection,
introspection, and meditation. Our weekend adventures include Forest Bathing and
work with Nature Journaling, Haiku Writing, and Mandalas. Options will be available to
accommodate forest access, mobility concerns, and/or extreme weather conditions. The
Osage Forest grounds has hiking trails, a Zen Garden, and Labyrinth for your weekend
use and Spiritual Direction can be arranged if requested in advance.
Benefits of Nature and Forest immersion include:
 Improved immune function
 Lowered blood pressure and resting heart rate
 Mood enhancement and reduced depression