Help Guided Forest Bathing Reclaim its Roots

Hi!

My name is Lucy Szczesniak! I am of Polish descent, the daughter of Malgorzata Chlebowska and Waldemar Szczesniak, who were both born and raised in Czestochowa, Poland and immigrated to Canada on June 4th, 1984. It was here, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada which is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, that I, Lucy was born.

I am grateful for these lands. I am grateful for the forests, rivers, streams and lakes. I am grateful for the birds, mammals, insects, and all the critters that reside on this Earth. I spent many a day exploring the natural world alongside my two sisters, and sometimes with my parents. I extend much gratitude to all those who came before me, and all those who will come after me. I recognize that I am a mere visitor on these lands, yet while here, I can appreciate nature and offer my gratitude. I thank those who have stewarded these lands. I hope to honour the natural world and its beauty, gifts and the true wisdom of the land and the first peoples of this Earth.

I completed my studies in Botany, Biology and the Sciences at the University of Toronto. I completed my Honours Bachelor of Science where I enjoyed learning about plants and connecting with their beauty and wisdom. I also completed my Master of Information and Master of Forest Conservation at the University of Toronto. I enjoyed learning about the different varieties of trees and their benefits.

In March 2020, when the COVID pandemic struck, I was working as a Forest Ecologist for a municipality, taking care of Forest Stands. At that time I was guided to find peace and solitude in nature. I was lucky to have a dear friend who drove me far onto Crown Land (freely accessible forest, for all to enjoy), where I chose to isolate alone in nature for ten days on my first occassion, and embarked upon many other journeys following this for total of two months. It was in that moment of communion with nature that I recognized the resilience of the natural world and her medicine. She reminded me that we can heal; we can turn to plants, the natural environment and nature and ask for support along our journeys. This is what led me to connect more deeply with the practice of Guided Forest Bathing and to share this with others. In this practice, breath, senses, and body meet the beauty, safety and nurturing qualities of the natural environment and allow for a deepening of connection to self and nature.

I now host Guided Forest Bathing Walks in Toronto, with the knowledge I have gained through my studies, passion and experiences in nature.

It is my goal, hope and dream to offer this practice with greater depth and integrity and to connect with the original wisdom of this practice which originates in Japan - to study Shinrin Yoku where it was first coined, officially practiced and even prescribed by doctors!

I am also hoping to pioneer the research surrounding the benefits of this practice as they apply to North American conditions and populations. There is an abundance of research in Japan, and a window of opportunity to bring research around this practice to North America. In order to commit to this research, funding is required - so any and all support is much appreciated.

Shinrin-Yoku can help us connect with ourselves and to develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Any support is deeply appreciated as it makes future Guided Forest Bathing events possible and supports deepening the field of research around this modality. Guided Forest Bathing supports both human wellness and cultivates a love of nature well beyond what words can describe, and leads to environmental conservation efforts.

My intentions are to deepen my understanding of the practice of Guided Forest Bathing, to contribute to the field of research around this practice and to namely highlight the connection between intact, healthy natural environments and how they support and enhance human health. Ideally, this results in increased investment in and stewardship of our shared natural areas, and perhaps similar results as we see in Japan: doctors prescribing this practice to their patients for preventative health.

With my utmost appreciation, I thank you in advance for taking the time to read this and thank you for any financial contributions you are able to offer!

My very best regards,

Lucy Szczesniak, Hon. Bsc., MI, MFC

IG: invitation_to_the_forest

Email: [email redacted]