New program from the City of Edmonton that lets you connect with nature

For some Edmontonians, the urban and industrial lifestyle can be overwhelming.

“We’re confined to being in our cars or offices, or buildings. And you know, there is time to be out there, but it’s definitely a majority of the time. You’re not in nature, you’re more of a manufacturing,” said Marvin Recinos-Barrera, a first-timer of forest bathing.

Recino-Barerra is taking a break from city life in the Whitemud Ravine to reconnect with nature through the City of Edmonton’s free program.

Forest bathing does not involve bathing in the forest — this type of forest therapy is from a Japanese term shin-rin-yo-ku, which helps to connect people to nature. The session consists of exploratory walking, meditation, and reflection.

“We know that there are clear physical benefits related to the organic compounds that are released by trees. We know that there’s a reduction in heart rate, breathing rate, and a reduction in stress hormones such as cortisol just by being around trees,” said George Szilagyi, urban forester and forest bathing guide

For Recino-Barrera, it is an experience to hear the sound of nature compared to his job working near oil rigs.

“In remote areas where I work, there’s a real mix of it being remote, but at the same time very industrialized because it’s a lot of oil lease sites, so you’re surrounded by trees, but at the same time, there’s a drilling rig there,” he explained.

The sessions are being held every Tuesday and Thursday within five Edmonton parks until September. Training for the guide is federally funded by the 2-billion trees program, and with the session fully booked for this year, the city sees this as a success. It is one of the ways to slow down after a fast-paced day.

“A release of tension is very typical, just an overall sense of well-being. Sort of like rebooting themselves,” said Szilagyi.