Urban Forest Bathing: A Guided Meditation Session

Ready to slow down and experience the serenity of nature amidst the city's hustle?

Join us for a guided sensory meditation at the 401 Richmond Building’s rooftop garden. You'll be guided by Emma Rooney from Blooming Caravan, an expert in the art of “forest bathing.”

This is your chance to recharge your mind, body, and spirit with a unique “nature prescription.” Engage in mindfulness, gentle movement, and deep breathing exercises in the heart of urban life.

End the experience with your new friends with an exclusive opportunity to see our exhibition.

Here is an excerpt from Ontario Parks:

"Forest bathing, forest therapy, or , was developed in Japan in the 1980s.

The idea is that when humans spend time in a natural setting, especially under the canopy of a forest, they experience rejuvenating benefits to the mind, body and spirit.

This is not a novel concept. Traditionally people sought the restorative benefits of the forest as part of their everyday life."

Check out what these sources have to say about forest bathing.

1. Time Magazine,
2. National Geographic,
3. Association of Nature & Forest Therapy.

While you won't be immersed in a forest for this session, Emma Rooney will be guiding you through a sensory meditation with the principles of forest bathing — all from the urban oasis of 401 Richmonds rooftop garden.

Emma Rooney is a certified forest therapy guide with the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy.

"I’ve been fortunate to work with many innovative local organizations, from the High Park Children’s Garden to Greenest City in Parkdale and Ecosource in Mississauga. As a community programmer, I’ve enjoyed using my skills to support diverse populations and age groups with getting involved in important environmental and social justice issues. I’m the horticultural therapy practitioner at Copernicus Lodge LTC, a Toronto Master Gardener, and a volunteer at the High Park Nature Centre. I’m also a certified forest therapy guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy."

She is the founder of Blooming Caravan, an organization built on the idea that aging at home can be graceful, playful, and meaningful. Explore the experiences offered by Blooming Caravan here.

We offer experiences that tell the histories of Toronto. Enjoy our programming in our downtown exhibition space, throughout the city, and online.

Museum of Toronto is Getting Toronto, Together. We are made possible with the generous support of Diane Blake and Stephen Smith.

is our latest exhibition.

Toronto Gone Wild explores the city as a multi-layered habitat — starring the animals, plants, and insects that call Toronto home.

You will venture through different Torontonian terrains from city streets to burrows, hives, and nests, all seamlessly woven together in our downtown exhibition space.

See for yourself just how much we share with our animal neighbours in the struggle for food, housing, and community. You may have more in common with that white squirrel at Trinity Bellwoods than you think.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Museum of Toronto, 401 Richmond Street West, Toronto, Canada