I had the unique opportunity to bring a slice of nature indoors at a corporate wellness fair. As a Forest Therapy Guide, I’m used to guiding people through wooded trails, open meadows, and healing gardens—but this time, I was called to do something different. I was invited to adapt the practice for an indoor space. A busy, fluorescent-lit, conference-room-kind-of-space.

And honestly? It was both exciting and nerve-wracking.

This is the story of how I brought forest therapy into a corporate setting, how the experience unfolded, and the beautiful reminders it gave me about presence, connection, and showing up as myself—even in unexpected spaces.

The Planning Process: Piecing Together Inspiration

Bringing the essence of Forest Therapy indoors took weeks of planning, reflection, and creative problem-solving. I wanted to offer something immersive and meaningful, even with the limits of time and space. So I began gathering natural materials—stones, pinecones, pieces of bark, dried leaves—anything tactile and grounding that could spark sensory connection.

I drew inspiration from other guides in online spaces, the clarity I find during my own time in nature, and past sessions I’d led outdoors. I recorded a short invitation guiding participants through a sensory experience with the natural items, set to gentle nature sounds like rustling leaves and bird calls. It wasn’t a forest, but it was something real. Something they could feel.

I also brewed spruce tea to offer participants after their experience—a warm, grounding taste of nature to help close their journey. Every detail mattered, and every moment was designed with care.

Navigating Self-Doubt and Showing Up Anyway

I’d be lying if I said I showed up completely confident. Driving to the event, I found myself thinking:
“What if nobody’s interested? What if it’s too weird? What if I don’t belong here?”

Imposter syndrome crept in fast. I was stepping out of my usual environment and into a corporate space filled with polished booths and professional attire. And here I was—with a basket of pinecones and a Halloween sweater.

But I reminded myself why I do this. I’ve witnessed the power of nature to calm the mind, regulate the nervous system, and reconnect us with what truly matters. I didn’t need to prove anything. I just needed to extend the invitation—with presence and authenticity.

Crafting the Experience: From Forest Textures to Spruce Tea

As the wellness fair opened, curious people began wandering over to my table.

I welcomed them in, shared what Forest Therapy is all about, and explained how even a few minutes of sensory connection can shift our state of being. Many were intrigued. Some sat down right away, others observed for a while before joining in.

Each participant chose a natural item—a “forest being”—to hold in their hands. Then, with headphones on, they listened to a guided invitation asking them to explore that being using their senses. To notice the texture, the scent, the sound. To allow their thoughts to slow down. To simply be.

To help block out the distractions of the conference space, I offered soft eye covers, creating a more immersive bubble of presence. For about nine minutes, people sat quietly with their forest being—and themselves.

When they were done, they were invited to share a word or phrase on a community board about what they noticed. Many wrote about peace, grounding, nostalgia, and curiosity.

And then came the tea. As the aroma of spruce filled the space, we sipped and talked. One person said the scent reminded them of childhood hikes with their grandfather. Another simply said, “I didn’t know I needed this.”

Connection in Unexpected Places

What struck me most was how deeply people engaged—even in a crowded, bustling room. The moment they put on the headphones and held a pinecone in their hands, something shifted. Their shoulders relaxed. Their breathing slowed. They gave themselves permission to pause.

This reminded me that the healing power of nature isn’t limited to forests or fields. It’s in the act of slowing down. In noticing. In opening our senses. The setting may change, but the invitation remains the same: Be here. Be present. Be with yourself.

A Lesson in Authenticity

One of the most surprising takeaways for me was how freeing it felt to show up as myself.

In a room full of sleek setups and business suits, I stood there with my little basket of pinecones and my cozy sweater. I didn’t pretend to be something I’m not. I showed up grounded in my purpose—and people felt that.

Authenticity is magnetic. And when we allow ourselves to be real, we create space for others to do the same.

Inviting Forest Therapy Into Your Space

This experience lit a fire in me to keep expanding the ways I offer Forest Therapy—not just in parks and trails, but in boardrooms, hospital gardens, classrooms, and community events. Wherever people are, nature can meet them there.

Whether you’re planning a wellness event, looking to support your team’s mental health, or just want to offer something different, I’d love to co-create an experience that fits your space and your people. Forest Therapy doesn’t have to be complicated. It can begin with a pinecone and a few minutes of quiet attention.

If this speaks to you, reach out. Let’s bring nature into your world, together.