A b o u t Me
Hello, I am Lisa Dawn, a Certified Forest Therapy Guide and a life-long lover of nature.
From a young age I was drawn to nature. Over the hillside beyond our flat fenced-in yard the trees called to me. I spent as much time in the "wild area" as I could. I sniffed the lilac flowers, found treasured rocks, and was mesmerized by the unusual monkey balls. I discovered the different types of bark on various trees and tasted wild strawberries, onions, and grasses. During my teen years, I had the opportunity to explore the Allegheny National Forest regularly. There we roamed through the forest for hours, trekking through the pines, a flowering meadow, alongside boulders and waterfalls all the way to the river. Most trips took place spring through fall but a few times we got to experience the quiet snow-covered mountain. It was glorious!
As an adult, I've had the pleasure of camping in Indiana, New Mexico, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Pennsylvania. Some of those trips were with family and friends but many were as a cub scout and girl scout leader for our children's pack and troop. Spectacular hikes took place in those states as well as Montana and Scotland. To hear the birds chirping and the sound of water flowing over the rocks fills me with joy. I still marvel at wild life, butterflies, and the tiniest bugs just as I did as a child. The rich greens of the tree canopies overhead and mosses under foot, the colorful flowers and mushrooms all lift my mood and make me smile. Breathing the scents of the soil, the pines and cedars, and the earthy decay of leaves on the ground rejuvenates my senses. Taking in the energy of the forest around me brings a calm that I can find nowhere else. When I discovered Forest Therapy, I knew without hesitation that it was the perfect fit for the next step in my journey.
I hope to help others experience the depths of nurturing that I have felt in nature. To just be, and absorb the abundant positive elements of the forest. To notice minute details within each of our senses and allow them to transform our mindset. Now more than ever it has become necessary for us to unplug from the fast pace of the digital world for our well-being. Returning to nature as often as possible helps us physiologically, psychologically, and even spiritually. My wish is for everyone to discover the health and wellness benefits awaiting us... beyond the entrance to the forest!
The history of Forest Therapy
Forest therapy, rooted in Japan, originated in the early 1980s as a response to the increasing pace of modern life and a growing disconnection from nature. Emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of spending time in wooded areas, this practice, known as "Shinrin-yoku" or "forest bathing," gained recognition for its potential to reduce stress, enhance well-being, and improve mental health. Over the years, forest therapy became well-established in Japan, with numerous studies affirming its effectiveness. In 2017, the concept made its way to the United States, where it has since attracted attention from wellness enthusiasts and mental health professionals alike. Today, forest therapy programs are flourishing across the country, inviting individuals to immerse themselves in nature and reconnect with their surroundings, all while promoting holistic health and rejuvenation.