Friendly Territory Claimed

Friendly Territory guides public and private Forest Bathing sessions.  Although a typical session last for 2.5 hours, shorter versions are also available.  In terms of private Forest Bathing sessions, we have worked with a wide range of groups including high-stress professions, veterans, church groups, garden clubs, schools, and wellness retreats.  Having conducted over 700 sessions, the company operates primarily in New Jersey through a network of arboretums, retreat centers, and local parks.   In addition to the basic 2.5 hour session, the company also operates weekend retreats centered on nature's restorative, healing power. 

The cornerstone of our approach is a 20-minute guided meditation that has proven effective at helping participants enter into a state of embodiment.  This is a state in which the intellect has quieted and the senses awakened.  Simply put, the guided meditation helps participants to 'get out of their heads'.  Following that, a series of invitation aid participants in forming a deeper connection to the more-than-human world absent the narration that is constantly running in our heads.  Each invitation ends in a sharing circle - the most powerful part of the practice.  In these sharing circles, participants often see themselves better through the comments and insights of others.  

While for the most part we operate in quiet and peaceful nature preserves, this practice isn't about escaping the noise and chaos of life.  Rather, it is a path to becoming more conscious and connected within it.

We have one simple mission across all our sessions:  Our wish is for our participants to leave feeling more alive and connected to all of life.  This mission is deeply rooted in our belief that we are nature, not separate from it.