Arkansas Forest Therapy
Hello & Welcome!
I am Jennifer Bopp, a certified forest therapy guide based in the beautiful state of Arkansas.
I have always loved being in nature. Just the thought of nature brings relaxation into my body and mind.
This is where I went and wandered as a carefree child: nature.
This is where I continue to go as an adult when the world isn’t as carefree as it once seemed: nature.
I find healing here.
For me, it’s where peace is found. Among the trees. The sound of my friends: cicada, cricket and bird. The smell of trees, moss, and wetness.
And among the ocean. The sound of crashing waves surrounding my being. The smell of the salt spray.
I hope you too have experienced the healing effects & peace found so generously within nature.
Our connection with water, mountain, tree, the elements - it runs deep, it is ancient and is primal. It is deeply embedded in our DNA to be connected to this world, our home.
So when I found myself in Costa Rica in October of 2023, participating in my first forest meditation, I knew it would be healing, but little did I know it would actually change my life. I had such a profound and beautifully healing experience that I knew I wanted to learn these tools that would invite others to share in such an experience. I enrolled in the next online certification course and received my certification in May of 2024.
Each time I guide a walk I feel like I’ve truly found part of my calling.
I look forward to meeting you soon and experiencing this beauty of nature together.
With forest love,
Jennifer
About me
In our modern society it can be difficult to connect with nature, but yet this is such an important part of our human experience and vital for us thriving both in body and mind.
Studies have shown the many health benefits of interacting with nature. It is my belief that most - if not all - the ailments of society can be traced back to our disconnection with nature.
If you have felt the effects of this disconnection and you’d like to begin to nurture this relationship again, you can send me an email to schedule a private or group guided forest therapy session that I led at the Crystal Garden in beautiful Mt Ida or at one of the guided walks I lead at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs.
What exactly is Forest Therapy?
Foresty Therapy, sometimes referred to as Forest Bathing, started in Japan and is also known as Shinrin-Yoku. It was developed in response to the rapid health decline they observed when people transitioned from working outside in nature to working indoors in stressful, sedentary environments with artificial lighting. Over the years they have studied this extensively and the benefits of having intentional times immersed in nature include lowered stress, boosts in creativity and concentration and even improves immunity-just to name a few. The roll of a guide is to create a slow paced guided meditative experience through a forested or natural environment. It is a 2/3 hour experience with a series of ‘invitations’ to connect and observe nature and then a time of gathering to share experiences. I start each walk with a Sensory Awareness Meditation that allows the participants to relax and be in the present moment for our time together. This is a wonderfully relaxing activity to do while in the area for crystal mining or after enjoying the hot springs.
My services:
these walks are geared towards adults with any mobility level, if bringing children or handicapped/wheelchaired adults please inform me in advance so I can curate the walk to suit these needs.
Private Group Sessions
Are you a manger or team leader in a high stress environment? A group FT experience is a wonderful modality to add to your stress reduction/mental health program.
Public Group Sessions
Join one of the already scheduled group sessions by contacting the Crystal Garden. This is a wonderful way to end your crystal mining vacation while here in Mt. Ida.
Private One-on-One Sessions
If you would like a more personal experience, I offer one on one sessions here at the Garden. Contact me for availability.
Themed Walks:
Full Moon Night Walks, Singing in the Rain, Watch the Flowers Grow, Girls Night Out…the themes are endless and I’d love to curate a specially themed walk for your group.
Planning a retreat or festival? I would love to discuss how we can add Forest Mediation as a modality at one of your events.
To book a walk or if I can answer any questions, send me a message
"Nature doesn't hurry, yet everything is accomplished" Lao Tzu
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"Nature doesn't hurry, yet everything is accomplished" Lao Tzu ·
Testimonials
“I had the opportunity to be led in a forest bathing by Jennifer in the very beginning of Spring as the trees were still barren but the violets were already peaking out from the ground. Jennifer’s voice is incredibly soothing and her grounded presence allowed me to feel safe in exploring the forest and my inner world at the same time. I was able to feel deeper gratitude, notice things I had not noticed before, and felt like I was floating for the rest of the day. I highly recommend forest bathing with Jennifer!”
Natalie, Instagram figure and podcast host
“The forest meditation experience left me rejuvenated, deeply relaxed and in a state of emotional balance and mental peace. Jennifer is a wonderful guide and her calm, sweet presence adds perfectly to the magic of the interaction with the surrounding natural world. Her well-curated words, shares and prompts revealed new insights and a deep connection that will stay with me forever.
I highly recommend booking a forest meditation with Jennifer. It is a healing and very nourishing experience that will leave you feeling recharged, inspired and deeply connected to your own self and nature.”
Dominik, owner of The Crystal Garden and the host of YouTube channel Crystals of Arkansas
“I was so lucky to get a spot in Jennifer’s forest meditation during the solar eclipse festival at the crystal garden. And it is hard to put in words what I experienced. Jennifer was able to create a very peaceful and connected space and the words from the other people during the shared moments together touched my heart deeply. Something loosened up in my inner self and tears were running while really feeling my surroundings. Thank you so much for this special experience, Jennifer!”
Juliane, teacher
"Participating in the forest therapy session with Jennifer was a truly beautiful experience. Her deep sensitivity to nature and the way she held the space created the perfect environment for a profound connection and meaningful exchange. The session allowed me to immerse myself fully in the process, facilitating a deep sense of healing and clarity. I would absolutely love to join another session with her in the future."
Gabbo, Forest Therapy Guide
Jennifer is not only a wonderful Forest Therapy facilitator, but a also a sensitive human with a deep connection to Nature. Through her subtle prompts and invitations, she guides you to explore your connection to the natural world, and thus your connection to parts of yourself that are not often available... finding peace and heart-centered presence . A true Gem!
Amber Quetzalli, Integrative therapy
Benefits of Forest Therapy
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Psychological
Stress Reduction
Improves Mood
Increases Creativity -
Physical
Lowers Blood Pressure
Lowers Stress Hormones -
Immunity
increases natural killer cells
Current View of The Crystal Garden
I work in partnership with the beautiful permaculture giftshop The Crystal Garden. This 15 acre property is nestled in the Ouachita Mountains upon the largest singular quartz deposit in the world. Conveniently located on the “Crystal Loop”, there are multiple crystal mines within a short drive from the property. The property features wooded paths that wind along a year round flowing creek, fields that come alive with wildflowers through the spring and summer months and a food forest is being developed here. Based on permaculture principles, Dominik is developing parts of the property to include a food forest, organic gardens, and a living library of a variety of trees, herbs and plants.
Dominik Schley is the current caretaker of The Crystal Garden. He is host of the popular YouTube channel, Crystals of Arkansas.