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Winter Forest Therapy
Begin the new year – not with resolutions – with restoration.
Saturday, January 10
Time: 1:45-4:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Mary Alice Mastrovito
Location: Sunnybrook Preserve
Step into the new year nourished by rest, reflection, and the steady wisdom of the natural world.
The holidays are over, and the push toward New Year’s resolutions begins. But all around us, the natural world isn’t striving to grow or bloom. As the winter hush settles in, the world turns inward—to rest, to nourish, and to dream. Just as the forest rests beneath winter’s quiet blanket, so too can we.
Take time this New Year to give yourself that same nurturing. Connect with the winter stillness and the gentle energy nature offers now. Gather around the fire to meditate as it shares its crackling warmth and light—a reminder that the warmth and light within us, and within the world, never fades.
What You’ll Experience:
Enjoy an Outdoor / Indoor Experience
This location offers both warmth and connection to nature—with an enclosed, heated pavilion, an outdoor covered pavilion with a fireplace, and a gentle walking path that winds through the winter woods.
Walk the Path with Your Guides
Your journey is led by a certified Forest Therapy guide who will help you unlock nature’s restorative power through proven techniques. The true wisdom keepers are the forest itself!
Awaken Your Senses & Steep in Abundance
This is not a hike—it’s an invitation to rest in the quiet of Winter. Feel the crisp air and the warmth of the fire. Hear the still, small voice of wisdom within.
Enter a Sacred Space for Reflection & Reignition
As you move through the forest, the land holds space for your restoration. Amidst winter’s stillness, you’ll be invited to slow down, listen inward, and reconnect with your own rhythm of rest and renewal.
Gather in Community with Like-Minded Souls
In the presence of ancient beings—both seen and unseen—you’ll share insights and experiences with a small, supportive group, deepening your connection to nature, yourself, and the spirit of the land.
Why Choose Forest Therapy?
Stress. Overwhelm. Disconnection. Modern life pulls us away from our true nature. Research confirms what ancient traditions have always known—time in nature heals. Through guided Forest Therapy, you’ll find mental clarity, emotional balance, and a profound sense of belonging with the earth.
Program Details:
✔ Slow, mindful walking—less than a mile, with frequent stops to engage with nature and the unseen energies around us.
✔ Paved Trail—Expect a gentle, paved trail that winds through the winter woods.
✔ Small, intimate groups – Ensuring a personal, immersive experience.
Investment in Your Well-Being: $35
Shadybrook Members enjoy 20% savings on this program
with their exclusive discount code.
Not a member yet?
Click here to learn more.
FAQs
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Absolutely. This is a slow, intentional journey—no rush, no pressure. We move gently, allowing time for reflection and connection.
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Dress comfortably for the weather. Bring water, wear sturdy shoes, and consider a journal for reflection.
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Forest Therapy can:
✅ Reduce stress and anxiety
✅ Boost the immune system
✅ Enhance focus and mental clarity
✅ Improve sleep and energy levels
✅ Deepen your connection to nature and yourself
Step into this sacred space, reconnect with the land, and rediscover your inner stillness.
Your Path to Abundance Starts Here
Meet Mary Alice
Mary Alice Mastrovito
Certified Forest Bathing Guide
Mary Alice’s professional life began in the fields of music and teaching before moving on to careers in horticulture, including her own garden design and maintenance business. Through it all, she felt an interest in healing in the broadest sense and a deepening personal spirituality. Later, she pursued certifications in Reiki, Flower Essences, Nature and Forest Therapy, and ordination as an inter-faith minister. Through it all, Nature has been her cherished and trusted partner, guiding her through her personal evolution.
Learn more on her website at https://lookingdeeper.com/.