Episode 10 – Forest Bathing: Cultivating Connection with Nature and God with Kim Van Natta

Discover how forest bathing—an intentional immersion in nature—can deepen your spiritual life and boost your physical health. In this episode, Kim Van Natta, a spiritual director and certified forest therapy guide, shares insights on engaging all your senses outdoors to experience divine connection.

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Main topics:

• The essence of forest bathing and its physical health benefits, including immune boosting through phytocides
• The spiritual significance of engaging with creation as a means of connecting with God
• Practical guidance on how to participate in a forest bathing walk and incorporate it into your spiritual practice
• The biblical basis for nature as a pathway to divine encounter, supported by scripture references
• The emergence of Wild Church as a community of outdoor believers rediscovering sacred space in creation

In this episode:

• How trees release healing chemicals that support immune function and reduce stress
• The history and development of shinrin yoku in Japan and its global adoption
• The relationship between embodiment, senses, and spiritual awareness
• How to create your own forest bathing experience, regardless of location or season
• The role of silence, shared presence, and sensory invitations in deepening spiritual mindfulness

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to forest bathing and its health benefits

02:00 - The physical and