{"id":83962,"date":"2026-01-11T15:31:09","date_gmt":"2026-01-11T15:31:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/83962\/"},"modified":"2026-01-11T15:31:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-11T15:31:09","slug":"lehigh-valley-forest-bathing-where-to-try-shinrin-yoku-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/83962\/","title":{"rendered":"Lehigh Valley forest bathing: Where to try shinrin-yoku in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Several chances to experience the Japanese art of forest bathing<\/a>, or shinrin-yoku, are scheduled in coming months in the Lehigh Valley.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t worry about the risk of wintry chill; there\u2019s no disrobing required for this kind of outdoor bathing \u2014 just slowing down in the moment, practicing mindfulness, reflection.<\/p>\n

The Japanese term translates to \u201cbathing in the forest atmosphere,\u201d according to the description for one upcoming session at Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center. <\/p>\n

Jacobsburg\u2019s forest bathing outing is on Valentine\u2019s Day, and the state park outside Nazareth is calling it \u201cForest BAEthing\u201d<\/a> \u2014 a play on the modern term of endearment, bae<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis program is intended to cultivate a sense of mindfulness and appreciation for our loved ones<\/a> using a slow forest walk as the modality,\u201d park officials wrote on their events page. \u201cA traditionally \u2018coupled\u2019 pair is not required \u2014 best friends, families, and individuals are all welcome to join!\u201d<\/p>\n

Wildlands Conservancy hosted forest bathing sessions in 2025, including during a Bike & Boat Adventure on the Lehigh River in September. The Emmaus nonprofit has more sessions planned to coincide with seasonal changes \u201cfor wellness and recovery,\u201d according to its website, wildlandspa.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

They\u2019re scheduled for March 27, a week after the spring equinox, and on the summer solstice, June 21, the website says.<\/p>\n

Wildlands\u2019 forest bathing partner is Stacey M. Vinci<\/a>, a therapist based in Willow Grove.<\/p>\n

\u201cForest bathing to me is an embodied experience that supports physical health, emotional wellness, and holistic healing while helping participants strengthen their relationship with the natural land,\u201d Vinci says in a forest bathing feature at wildlandspa.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Wildlands and Jacobsburg forest bathing sessions are offered free, but registration is required. Find full details and registration links at wildlandspa.org<\/a> and events.dcnr.pa.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n