Rooted Presence

Rooted Presence offers guided nature and forest bathing walks in the beautiful, diverse landscape of Central Oregon. Our mission is to transform the ways in which people relate to forests and other natural spaces so that they feel deeply connected to those places. Beyond this, we also aim to transform the ways in which people relate to themselves, to others, and to the present moment in such a way that they feel deeply connected. Part meditation, part nature connection, forest bathing is a therapeutic wellness practice that can help you tame your mental chatter and embrace the sensations you feel in your body, helping you find yourself in the present moment. This deep dive into sensory experience activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping you relax and restore your body. It is a practice of developing a deepening relationship of reciprocity, encouraging the remembrance of belonging to nature and building deeper connections and healthy relationships with the more-than-human world. These slow walks in the forest are typically one- to two-miles long, approximately two and a half hours in length, and fit for all ages and physical conditions. Many of us instinctively know that time in nature is good for us. A growing body of research demonstrates that forest bathing can deliver a range of health benefits including lowering heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels, boosting immunity, improving mood, memory, and cognition, and enhancing creativity. Forest bathing is a wonderful way to celebrate special occasions and deepen existing relationships. For those with accessibility needs or limited mobility, forest bathing may be conducted indoors or tailored to fit your needs.