Rice Creek Field Station invites the campus community to take a study break (or grading break) and experience a guided Japanese-style forest therapy session led by Wendy Perrone from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6.
The session will include a short walk into the forest, a guided meditation, and will end with a Japanese-style tea ceremony.
"Forest therapy is referred to by many names including Forest Bathing or its original version, Shinrin-yoku," Perrone, a local certified forest therapy guide, writes on her website. "This practice of going out into the forest originated in Japan. They found that being out in the woods connected to nature lowers levels of cortisol, the stress causing hormone, and many other health benefits."
Participants are urged to dress warmly and wear boots. The session will involve slow walking and frequent stops, so warm layers are essential for staying comfortable.
This Stress-Free Zone event is free and open to all. The starting location will be Room 123 at Rice Creek Field Station. Students can take the green shuttle to Rice Creek Field Station, which leaves on the half-hour from Marano Campus Center.
For more information, contact Rice Creek Field Station at 315-312-6677.
-- Submitted by Kristen Haynes