About the Book
A guide about forest bathing with your dog, this book is also a bit of a love story about our relationship with our dogs and the forest. This book brings together the deep connection we have with our dogs and nature by uniquely incorporating our dogs' natural ways with the practice of forest bathing. A beautiful layout, a fun and easy read with plenty of how-to tips.
Is forest bathing for me and my dog? Yes! You don't need swimsuit--no special attire required. Forest-bathing is accessible to all levels of fitness and mobility. It is a new type of restorative stroll in the woods with your dog.
Why do forest bathing with my dog? If you feel like you are bouncing from one thing to the next, never relaxing, forest-bathing will reduce your stress, reset your nervous systems, have lasting positive effects on the your immune system, and increase the well-being of both you and your dog. This is another way of being outdoors that your dog will love, and I think you will, too.
What is it like to forest bathe with my dog? It's a natural fit. You don't have to go far. More of a meander or sitting that pairs easily with the natural rhythm of your regular routine. The aim of forest-bathing is to slow down, become immersed in the natural environment, and use your senses to tune in to the smells, textures, tastes, and sights of the forest.
It's love story. While this book is a guide about forest bathing with your dog, it's also a bit of a love story about your relationships with your dog, the forests you walk in, and the land you live on.
About the Author :
Nadine is a triple award winning author, winning awards from both the Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY) and the prestigious New England Book Show for her book "Forest bathing with Your Dog". She is a Certified Forest Therapy Guide, founder/director of New England Nature and Forest Therapy Consulting based in Massachusetts and also a trainer, mentor and advisor for the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT). Her book, "Forest Bathing with your Dog" combines the practice of forest therapy with our practice of walking our dogs and elevates the depth of both. Nadine's training includes special knowledge in guiding people of all ages in Shinrin-Yoku, "Forest Bathing," walks and the body of scientific knowledge demonstrating the benefits of spending time in nature as a wellness practice and an effective way to manage stress. Nadine has been featured on PBS multiple times, ABC network, and in the Boston Globe and Boston Magazine among other media. As a breast cancer survivor, practicing good self-care is Nadine's most important guiding principle for herself. She has come to know the healing and support that nature can offer us through her own personal wellness journey. Nadine has a business and marketing background and was formerly a world professional pocket billiards player competing on the Women's Professional Billiard Tour. Also an artist, she facilitates Expressive Arts classes at the Virginia Thurston Healing Garden, often incorporating elements of forest therapy throughout. She works with a wide variety of populations including the corporate business world, wellness professionals, people affected by cancer, students and seniors. A Massachusetts native who loves spending time wandering and exploring in nature, she is joyous to be sharing forest bathing and creating environments for forest therapy. Nadine is available for consulting, private or group forest bathing half-day and full-day workshops, and speaking engagements. Melanie Choukas-Bradley is an award-winning nature book author and Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide (Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs). Melanie leads forest bathing walks and tree tours for the Audubon Naturalist Society, the United States Botanic Garden, Smithsonian Associates, the Rock Creek Conservancy, the Nature Conservancy, Casey Trees, Politics & Prose, the Aspen Institute and other organizations. Melanie's most recent book is The Joy of Forest Bathing--Reconnect with Wild Places & Rejuvenate Your Life (2018). She is the author of the IPPY award-winning book, A Year in Rock Creek Park--The Wild, Wooded Heart of Washington, DC (2014); City of Trees--the Complete Field Guide to the Trees of Washington, DC (2008); An Illustrated Guide to Eastern Woodland Wildflowers & Trees--350 Plants Observed at Sugarloaf Mountain, Maryland (2007); and Sugarloaf--the Mountain's History, Geology and Natural Lore (2003). Melanie has traveled throughout Japan, participating in forest bathing walks led by shinrin-yoku guides. Melanie's forest bathing walks have been featured on NPR, on the Travel Channel website, in National Parks magazine and many other print and online publications. She is a frequent guest on NPR's Washington, DC affiliate, WAMU, and she is a long-time contributor to The Washington Post and many other publications.
Review :
"Lovely in many ways: The book, The subject, The practice, The author."
--Willem Lange, PBS host of "Windows to the Wild"
"A truly lovely read with plenty of helpful information. The author's expertise, love and passion shine through. Really wonderful!"
-- Susan Baracco, Story Architect for Women
"A beautiful layout that makes for a fun and easy read."
-- Diane Faulkner, Editor
"After reading this book, I understand the genius behind Nadine's innovative combination of forest bathing and dog walking, a combined practice that elevates the meaning and joy of each! As a person with a lifelong appreciation for the power of immersing oneself in nature and one who has been lucky enough to experience guided walks led by Nadine, I'm so glad you've picked up this book! In exploring the world through the eyes of the wise and playful duo of Nadine and Juliet, your life is also apt to take a rejuvenating turn."
-- Melanie Choukas-Bradley, Author of The Joy of Forest Bathing--Reconnect with Wild Places & Rejuvenate Your Life
"Nadine, your journey has provided me with new eyes when out with our dog, Brooke. Brooke is truly a project dog--she is intelligent and impulsive--both of which can get her in a pickle in human society. Forest bathing for Brooke helps her cope and keeps her sanity in check."
-- Sue Schiemer, Certified Forest Therapy Guide, Educator, and Student of Positive Reinforcement Training
"I'm so grateful for what you've shared about forest bathing with a dog. Luna and I had a GREAT time! I felt very attuned to her, and I believe she felt the same toward me. One of the best moments was when Luna was exploring an old stone wall. She spent considerable time sticking her nose into all the spaces between the rocks--and snorting and smelling in a highly attentive way. It actually made me think of the way human detectives seek clues regarding who has been in a place and what has happened there. I loved participating as a silent sharer in Luna's quest to explore the inner spaces of the stone wall. This made me so grateful for you!"
-- Candace Anderson, Artist
