“The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground – trees that were pleasing to the eye…” (Genesis 2: 9a)
About Our 4 Seasonal Forest Therapy Walks
(also known as Forest Bathing or Shinrin-yoku)
We invite you to experience the natural beauty of God’s creation in the forests of St. Placid Priory. Through guided Forest Therapy walks we’ll rest in God’s presence, immerse ourselves in nature, and enjoy both its beauty and the holistic health benefits God offers there.
Research suggests that Forest Therapy has preventative medicinal benefits, as recognized within Forest Medicine. Studies show that Forest Therapy walks can have lasting effects, with benefits continuing for days or even weeks. Some potential holistic (body, mind, spirit) benefits include:
reducing psychological stress, such as depression and anxiety
boosting immune function by increasing the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, vital in cancer defense
improving cardiovascular health
lowering cortisol levels, enhancing concentration, memory, energy, and sleep (especially with afternoon walks)
becoming more intimately aware of “…God’s invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature…” which are clearly visible in what He has created. (Romans 1:20, NIV)
Reflections on Spring Forest Therapy walks
A Spring Forest Therapy walk immerses us in nature’s renewal. As vibrant flowers bloom and the air fills with fresh scents, the melodies of returning birds and the surrounding vitality awaken our senses, helping to uplift and energize our being. Spring’s gentle warmth invites healing and transformation, offering a perfect time for reflection, growth, and connection. We rest and rejoice in God’s presence with us, amidst the freshness and newness that Spring promotes.
Facilitator
Kathy Holley, -PhD
Dr. Kathy Holley is a speaker, retreat facilitator, educator, and author of: The Prayer of Silence. With a focus on Christian Contemplative Prayer, Wellbeing, and Embodiment, Kathy is dedicated to helping Christians deepen their understanding and practice of resting in God’s presence. Additionally, as the founder of Wellbeing in Nature NW and a certified Forest Therapy guide, she passionately educates and guides individuals through the holistic benefits of forest immersion experiences. https://www.wellbeinginnaturenw.com/who-we-are Learn more about Kathy Holley, -PhD
SISTERS SPEAK: OUR BLOG
Sisters post on our Blog weekly on Fridays. See what our Sisters have to say about living Monastic Life in the 21st Century.
Participate in Boerne, Texas Benedictine Sister Ursula’s mission to migrants on the Texas / Mexico border by donating items needed by people who have nothing. You may also donate money for purchasing what is needed. SEE FLYER FOR MORE INFORMATION
SR. LAURA ON YOUTUBE
See Sr. Laura’s youtube channelfor some of her work in “restoring women to the stories we tell.”
CLICK, TAP, OR SCAN QR CODE WITH PHONE FOR HANDY MAP & DIRECTIONS TO ST PLACID:
Programs
Date & Time Details: Saturday June 28, 10:00 am - noon
Location: The Priory Spirituality Center
Address: 500 College Street Northeast, Olympia, WA, USA
Contact: Spirituality Center
spiritualityctr@gmail.com
360-438-2595
Forest Therapy –Spring/Summer
With Kathy Holley, -PhD
June 28, 2025
Forest Therapy walks at St. Placid Priory
“The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground – trees that were pleasing to the eye…” (Genesis 2: 9a)
About Our 4 Seasonal Forest Therapy Walks
(also known as Forest Bathing or Shinrin-yoku)
We invite you to experience the natural beauty of God’s creation in the forests of St. Placid Priory. Through guided Forest Therapy walks we’ll rest in God’s presence, immerse ourselves in nature, and enjoy both its beauty and the holistic health benefits God offers there.
Research suggests that Forest Therapy has preventative medicinal benefits, as recognized within Forest Medicine. Studies show that Forest Therapy walks can have lasting effects, with benefits continuing for days or even weeks. Some potential holistic (body, mind, spirit) benefits include:
Reflections on Spring Forest Therapy walks
A Spring Forest Therapy walk immerses us in nature’s renewal. As vibrant flowers bloom and the air fills with fresh scents, the melodies of returning birds and the surrounding vitality awaken our senses, helping to uplift and energize our being. Spring’s gentle warmth invites healing and transformation, offering a perfect time for reflection, growth, and connection. We rest and rejoice in God’s presence with us, amidst the freshness and newness that Spring promotes.
Facilitator
Dr. Kathy Holley is a speaker, retreat facilitator, educator, and author of: The Prayer of Silence. With a focus on Christian Contemplative Prayer, Wellbeing, and Embodiment, Kathy is dedicated to helping Christians deepen their understanding and practice of resting in God’s presence. Additionally, as the founder of Wellbeing in Nature NW and a certified Forest Therapy guide, she passionately educates and guides individuals through the holistic benefits of forest immersion experiences. https://www.wellbeinginnaturenw.com/who-we-are
Learn more about Kathy Holley, -PhD
SISTERS SPEAK: OUR BLOG
Sisters post on our Blog weekly on Fridays. See what our Sisters have to say about living Monastic Life in the 21st Century.
WE WELCOME BENEDICTINE EXPLORERS IN JUNE!
MAY 2025 MINISTRY AT THE BORDER
Participate in Boerne, Texas Benedictine Sister Ursula’s mission to migrants on the Texas / Mexico border by donating items needed by people who have nothing. You may also donate money for purchasing what is needed. SEE FLYER FOR MORE INFORMATION
SR. LAURA ON YOUTUBE
See Sr. Laura’s youtube channel for some of her work in “restoring women to the stories we tell.”
CLICK, TAP, OR SCAN QR CODE WITH PHONE FOR HANDY MAP & DIRECTIONS TO ST PLACID:
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Forest Therapy –Spring/Summer
June 28, 2025
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