Walk Into Wonder: Shinrin-Yoku for the Weary

Want to have nothing to do? 

Join us for rest, beauty and community as we stroll on the trails of the beautifully restored Holy Wisdom prairie and woodlands. This fully guided walk is led by trained forest therapist, Valerie Vervoort. The guided walk will include intermittent invitations for optional activities such as deep breathing and using your senses. Purposefully slow and meditative. We will walk a mile or a mile and a half through moderate trails.

Forest therapy has been proven to lower blood pressure, increase natural killer immune cell activity and restore a sense of well-being.

Schedule

• Walk starts and ends at the Retreat & Guest House parking lot.
• There will be several stops, including a time for tea and reflection.
• The trail has been chosen for its gentle grades and maximum distance of a mile to a mile and a half.
• Orientation to shinrin-yoku and what to expect on the walk at the kiosk will be followed by invitations for meditation and relaxation that are easy for everyone and always optional.
• Ends with a tea ceremony to build community.

Leader – Valerie Vervoort

Valerie Vervoort grew up exploring the woods and Mississippi River on her family farm in Northern Minnesota. She earned a master’s degree in education and taught in daycares for many years where she was known for gardening and encouraging kids to explore the outdoors. After retirement she volunteered as the ‘Garden Grandma’ at Fox Prairie Elementary School’s gardens. In 2020, she became an Oblate at Holy Wisdom Monastery, volunteered for prairie workdays and as a trail monitor. In 2024 her interest in the land as a healer lead to getting certified as a Forest Therapy Guide in May of that year. She has since lead Forest Therapy walks for Oblates, Sunday Assembly members and a visiting college choir.

Who can attend this event?

For those 16 years and older. Anyone who is willing to go slow and be quiet. A place for people who are too tired to do anything. People who want to belong.

Cost

$35/person

Register

Please register by Aug. 23, 2025. This offering is limited to 15 people and registration will close when full. There is no refund if you need to cancel your registration.