Looking to chill out in nature? Scott County's got your back this April. Snag a spot for some zen in the great outdoors as the county hosts a session of Forest Bathing, and yeah, it's exactly what it sounds like—minus the tub and bubbles. This Japanese practice, known as "Shinrin Yoku," is all about soaking in the forest vibes with your five senses leading the charge. The stress-busting shindig goes down at Cleary Lake Regional Park Visitor Center on April 20, from 9 to 11 in the morning. Just remember to lock it in 24 hours before it kicks off.
The mind behind this leafy relaxation rodeo is David Motzenbecker, an ANFT-certified guide from Motz Studios, who's gonna guide your senses through Mother Nature's playground. Unlike those brutal gym workouts, this exercise doesn't ask for burpees—just your full attention to what’s around you, from bird tweets to the rustle of leaves underfoot. Scott County promises a series of laid-back exercises meant to dial down life's noise and amp up the nature volume. But don't dawdle—spots are limited and they don't do walk-ins.
If you're scratching your head about what exactly goes down during Forest Bathing, think of it as a meditative stroll on steroids, sans the speed. You're not there to sweat out miles but to let the forest do its magic. Said magic has been studied, and surprise, surprise, it turns out that breathing in that pine-scented air and getting friendly with the ferns can lower your stress levels and boost your mood. Not a shabby way to spend a Saturday morning, if you ask me.
So, who's ready to leave the phone at home, forget about those work emails, and go hug a tree—figuratively, if not literally? To reserve your spot among the oaks and maples, head over to Scott County's website and sign up before Friday hits. It's first come, first serve, and given our collective need to decompress, you can bet these slots will disappear faster than a squirrel dodging your dog. For more information on what you're getting into, check out the details online and start looking forward to some quality time with Mother Nature.
