'Forest Bathing with Beth': Retired Barrie, Ont. teacher shares love for nature
A former teacher in Barrie, Ont., traded in her lesson plans to spend more time outdoors while still positively impacting the community.
Beth Foster retired from teaching to start her own business, taking people on guided walks through the many forests in Barrie.
"Forest Bathing with Beth" focuses on nature therapy said to have important health benefits. Foster studied them while becoming a certified nature and forest therapy guide.
"Forest bathing is the literal translation of the Japanese word Shinrin-Yoku … it means to take in the essence of the forest," Foster said.
"You are not bathing in a traditional way, but you are bathing in all the goodness of the forest."
She said it’s an experience like no other and one she loves to share with other people.
"It's not a hike, and we're not identifying trees. It's a slow and intentional connection to nature through all your senses," Foster said.
"People are invited to smell cedar, taste it, and even taste snow. There is robust research now that shows it lowers anxiety and lessens the effects of depression."
Foster said people are often pleasantly surprised following one of her walks.
"It's so slow that people can look more closely and listen more intently," Foster said. "People are often really surprised. It reminds them of their childhood or what they used to do when we used to all be more connected with nature."
Some of Foster's walks are free through Barrie's "Hello Winter" event running until March 20.
Foster said Forest Bathing leads to more happiness and enhanced wellness. Further information regarding her business can be found on her website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6979388.1722030190!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga, Ont.: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Ont., Peel police say.
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six-figure water bill.
FBI says Trump was indeed struck by bullet during assassination attempt
Nearly two weeks after Donald Trump’s near assassination, the FBI confirmed Friday that it was indeed a bullet that struck the former president’s ear, moving to clear up conflicting accounts about what caused the former U.S. president’s injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Turpel-Lafond won't sue CBC over Cree heritage report that took 'heavy toll': lawyer
The lawyer for a former judge whose claims to be Cree were questioned in a CBC investigation says his client is not considering legal action against the broadcaster after the Law Society of British Columbia this week backed her claims of Indigenous heritage.
Major Canadian bank experiences direct deposit outage on payday
Scotiabank says it has fixed a technical issue that impacted direct deposits on Friday morning.