About "Walks" with Keri

Start the journey of bringing balance and serenity to your body, mind, and life.

The experience typically lasts two hours. They take place in a safe, natural environment, such as a well known trail or park. The practice is a slow, mindful way of walking, which allows participants to engage their senses and reflect. It is not about covering miles, but rather focuses on walking through nature with the intention of taking it all in. As we move along, I offer a series of invitations, or simple suggestions of ways to use certain senses to connect with our surroundings. At first, it can be challenging to "unplug" because we are used to moving at a fast pace and multitasking. That's where a guide can help, slowing you down and introducing you to methods that lead to all of the wonderful and proven health benefits of Nature & Forest Therapy. Plus, it awakens the playfulness in all of us!

Benefits greatly increase with regular practice, especially with the expertise of a certified guide.

Some benefits include the following:
  • Enhanced health and wellbeing
  • Mood boost, mitigation of depression, and emotional balance
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Reduced anxiety and stress levels
  • Improved quality of sleep
  • Increased attention
  • Disconnection from technology
  • Sparking better immune function
  • Finding your authentic self
  • Having fun!

Learn more

About Your Guide, Keri

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Hello! I'm Keri Nelson, the founder of TreeHappy Nature & Forest Therapy Guiding. I've always been passionate about spending time outdoors. I fell in love with trees at a very young age and learned to appreciate the healing, calming qualities of nature. It was not only a place of solace, but also a source of joy and creativity.
As I got older, I thought I was still connected to nature because I enjoyed it through recreation such as hiking, backpacking, running, biking, swimming, and many other activities.
When I discovered Nature & Forest Therapy (inspired by Shinrin-Yoku in Japan), I got very excited and couldn't wait to learn more. After becoming a guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, I learned what I was missing, and realized I was not as connected as I had thought.

Participating in a nature therapy walk, you have a more immersive, sensory experience that allows you to be mindful and present.
I still LOVE all activities outdoors, and encourage anyone to enjoy being outside in every way they can. However, spending thoughtful time in natural surroundings is a reciprocal relationship. I am convinced the natural beings there enjoy us as much as we enjoy them. We only need to bring the spirit of gratitude and love.

One way to do that in a meaningful way is through Nature & Forest Therapy. My hope is that I can create that experience for you as your guide. Through TreeHappy, I want to share my own gratitude and love of nature with you!

In addition to being certified with the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy, I am a teacher at heart (master's degree in education), and a massage therapist. I stay active volunteering through my church, and in my community. My two dogs bring me joy, as does my fun, beautiful family, and of course, trees! They make me happy... TREE HAPPY!

Who practices Forest Therapy?

Anyone who is looking to slow down and participate in a nature connecting activity. It can boost restorative effects of nature for health and wellbeing, deriving benefits from the relationship between ourselves and the rest of the natural world. It allows us to take a break from our busy day to feel grounded.
Invitations are open-ended. There is no expectation for what participants should experience or receive. Rather, participants spend time in silence, listening and feeling with a quiet and accepting presence. They become reconnected with their senses and their innate creative potential is tapped, which allows the imagination to awaken.

How do you practice Forest Therapy?

In Forest Therapy, people are guided through a clearly defined sequence of invitations to slow down, allow the senses to open, and experience the environment to deepen the reciprocal relationship between participants and the forest. This supports the wholeness and well-being of both. These slow walks in the forest are typically one- to two-kilometers long and fit for all ages and physical conditions.