CHICO — Heading through upper Bidwell Park on a five-mile forest therapy walk Saturday, participants searched for items to gift each other. Leo O’Neill found unexpected meaning in her gift.
O’Neill received a Noodle brand golf ball with the number three on it. “Noodle,” was her childhood nickname, because she had curly hair, and three is her favorite number. She said she was grateful for “the synchronicity.”
Forest therapy walks are guided out door experiences that aim to promote wellness. The walks are put on regularly by the Chico State Ecotherapy Program. Proponents of the practice say it provides multiple benefits including boosting the immune system, fostering creativity and reducing stress.
The walks center around “invitations,” which certified forest therapy guide Josh Trout described as “opportunit(ies) to explore nature with your senses.”
Saturday’s walk featured 17 participants — the most Trout has guided so far — and consisted of four invitations. For the first, called “pleasures of presence,” participants sat on the ground near Big Chico Creek. Most people brought a blanket or cushion to sit on.
Trout guided participants through each of their senses in a “grounding” exercise. He invited everyone to see what was around them, then tap into their smell, hearing and sense of touch.
“The whole idea here is to get out of your head and into your body,” Trout said.
After the exercise, participants passed around a rock in a “sharing circle.” Once a participant held the rock, they had the option to share about their experience, or simply pass the rock to the next person.
Next, Trout introduced the second invitation: “What’s in motion?” Participants had 10 minutes to walk on their own and observe anything that moved. Trout called the group back with a coyote call, a long loud howl that participants echoed before returning for another sharing circle.
For the third invitation, “Nature gift,” when O’Neill received her golf ball, participants broke into groups and searched for anything in the forest to gift each other. After about 10 minutes and another coyote call, participants returned with various items: rocks, leaves, a slingshot made of trash and twigs, flowers, the golf ball and a highly coveted crown made of leaves.
“I think it’s super cute,” said the recipient of the crown, Jaina Sanfilippo. “I’m going to keep it.”
Finally, Trout introduced the final invitation: “Sit spot.” Participants simply found a spot to either sit, stand or lay — and just be there.
The walk concluded with hot tea and snacks.
‘Gentle meandering’
As everyone began sipping their tea and chatting, a few light drops of rain began to fall.
“Our timing was impeccable,” Trout said.
Participant Karen Hansen said she was expecting a hike but would describe the walk as a “gentle meandering.” She said it would be good for people with moderate physical disabilities or those who are less able, due to the “gentle” nature of the walk.
“I would definitely come back. He’s great,” she said gesturing toward Trout.
Chico State student Presley Cole went to the walk alone and was surprised to meet four other people from her major, social work. She said the grounding exercises in the walk greatly translate to her studies.
“I was very emotional this morning,” Cole said. “And then when I came, I was like, ‘Well, I feel a lot more calm and less overwhelmed,’ which is nice.”
The walks are funded through Chico State Basic Needs and a grant from the North Valley Community Foundation’s Butte Strong Fund, according to Chico State Eco Therapy program manager Blake Ellis. Due to low enrollment, Chico State is making budget cuts, Ellis said, so the organization needs funding.
The forest therapy walks are free and open to anyone. Ellis said it is important they don’t have a “financial barrier” for participants. Ellis encouraged people to donate and said businesses that want to set up services for their staff or clients should reach out and consider making a contribution.
“I always felt uncomfortable when it comes to talking about money,” Ellis said. “But the truth of the matter is, like, we’ve been doing a lot of great work in the community, and folks are really utilizing our services.”
The next forest therapy walk will take place March 13 (a Wednesday) at Bidwell-Sacramento State Park at 5:30 p.m.
