Of all the senses, your sense of smell is the most primeval. None of the other senses has such a direct effect on our minds and bodies. Smell affects our mood and behavior. It can have an immediate impact, but it can also have an effect that lasts long after it has gone.

We offer two types of corporate and community group events that engage you with your sense of smell. 
Whether you wish to reconnect with nature or unleash your creativity, your mind will thank you.

Forest Bathing

The Japanese art of Shinrin-yoku, also known as forest bathing, is the art of consciously and intimately connecting with nature through our five senses. Forest bathing has been scientifically proven to boost the immune system, increase energy, reduce stress, rebalance and restore. 

When we consciously use our five senses to open up, we begin to connect to the natural world in a whole new way. Trees help us think more clearly and they can help us to change the way we think about things; see them in a new light. We pay attention differently when we are in nature. It takes our breath away and breathes in new life. 

Our forest bathing excursions are designed to be between 2-4 hours of full immersion in a pre-determined forest environment in the Bay Area. We have scouted various locations to ensure an optimal healing forest. The intension of the session is to help improve and restore one's feeling of wellbeing both physically and mentally from the time you arrive to when you leave. We measure this through a detailed, scientifically-proven questionnaire participants fill out before and after the session.

Forest bathing is not a form of hiking or exercise. In fact, it is the opposite. It is about strolling, wandering aimlessly and letting nature enter through your ears, eyes, nose, mouth, hands and feet. It is about stillness, quiet and coming into the present moment. We will be your guide in teaching you how to use your five senses, particularly your sense of smell, to gain optimal wellbeing. 

The Art of Blending

Bring out your creative side and learn to blend with essential oils. This is the "art" in aromatherapy, where you get to use your imagination and express yourself through nature's aromas. Each person connects differently with scents and there is no right or wrong way to blend. That is the beauty and freedom. It's about an intimate, emotional connection between you and the soul of aromatic plants - the essence - namely essential oils. 

We offer both 1/2 day and full day group sessions. The structure is a combination of both teaching and hands-on activities. Participants will gain a general understanding of what is involved in essential oil blending, including learning about olfaction, the language of scent, how to structure a fragrance, blending guidelines and dilutions, as well as the classic "drop-by-drop" blending technique used in aromatherapy. 

Each participant will learn to smell and "read" the aromatic nuances of a wide range of essential oils and can immediately take this newfound knowledge and create their own personal and unique blends.  These blends can then be used in various applications, including in your diffuser, in an aromatherapy inhaler, as well as a massage oil. 

The objective is not to become a perfumer, although we admit it is fun to try. It is about letting yourself go, engaging with your sense of smell and connecting with nature. All in the name of emotional wellbeing and fun!