We wanted to create a place where guests can book a stay, relax and restore their well-being in ways that feel good to them. We wanted to invite guests to walk our forest and drink in its benefits that nurture the spirit and soul. The forest should be experienced with all of your senses.
The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku is what is known as forest-bathing. It is now widely known all over the world to support both physical and mental well-being. It is known to reduce stress hormone production in your body, open you to creativity and inspiration and even lower your heart rate.Many in Japan think forest bathing can accelerate healing and even cure illnesses.
Our forest awaits you. It is on private property that sits in a remote part of Strafford, Vermont so it will not be over-crowded or loud. There are three all-season cottages that have kitchens and bathrooms and comfortable beds. There are beautiful views and privacy.
Within the forest sits tiny hideaways that are summer/fall camping sheds with large windows, small decks and composting toilets. They offer even greater privacy and quiet
Along the main driveway sits a barn-space where daily yoga classes are held and special events like workshops that are educational as well as creative engagements for writers, musicians and artists. Special programs include life coaching events, specialized yoga workshops, book talks and poetry readings by authors, talks by visual artists and music events like kirten and folk and Celtic. There will also be daily meditation offered in this space as well as meditation spots within the forest where you can sit. One such place is Meditation Hollow next to the cottage we named Grace. Drumming and seasonal events will be held on the land led by mystics and shamans and other teachers and mentors and forest guides.
The isolation of the forest and option to attend events on the land and in the event space can be a re-birthing or transformational experience that brings greater awareness to a deeper place in your soul.
We hope our guests are those who seek the quiet within the forest to inspire their work, their self-reflection and their self-care.
We hope artists find us and rent space here to nurture their creativity and feel inspired by the forest and events here.
We hope those who seek a small intentional community will find Kumari of the Woods to be their home away from home.
We hope professionals within the healing arts will spend time here for their own self-care and to reflect and remove themselves from busy lives and healing practices that consume them.
And if guests wish to stay and self-isolate in a cottage or hideaway, that is perfectly fine, too.
We will offer larger weekend long or week-long events as possible packages for our guests to bundle a stay with a special program.
We look forward to sharing our forest with you. Here are a few more resources you can read to understand and appreciate the benefits of forest bathing.
