SHOW / EPISODE

Episode 10 – Forest Bathing: Cultivating Connection with Nature and God with Kim Van Natta

36m | Aug 11, 2026

SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of the show, you can get 25% off Deb Gregory's new book, Spiritual Wayfinding, by using the code IVPOD25 at checkout at ivpress.com. We hope you enjoy this season!

Overview

Discover how forest bathing—an intentional immersion in nature—can deepen your spiritual life and boost your physical health. In this episode, Kim Van Natta, a spiritual director and certified forest therapy guide, shares insights on engaging all your senses outdoors to experience divine connection.

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Main topics:

The essence of forest bathing and its physical health benefits, including immune boosting through phytocides
The spiritual significance of engaging with creation as a means of connecting with God
Practical guidance on how to participate in a forest bathing walk and incorporate it into your spiritual practice
The biblical basis for nature as a pathway to divine encounter, supported by scripture references
The emergence of Wild Church as a community of outdoor believers rediscovering sacred space in creation

In this episode:

How trees release healing chemicals that support immune function and reduce stress
The history and development of shinrin yoku in Japan and its global adoption
The relationship between embodiment, senses, and spiritual awareness
How to create your own forest bathing experience, regardless of location or season
The role of silence, shared presence, and sensory invitations in deepening spiritual mindfulness

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to forest bathing and its health benefits

02:00 - The physical and spiritual 'rest' offered by engaging with nature

03:30 - Exploring the biblical and scientific foundations of nature as divine gift

05:00 - The historical origins of forest bathing in Japan and its global spread

07:00 - Practical steps for doing a forest bathing walk and sensory engagement

10:00 - How biblical scriptures illuminate our connection to creation and God

13:30 - The role of Wild Church and outdoor communities in spiritual renewal

16:00 - The scientific evidence of phytocides' effects on immune health

18:00 - Embodiment and sensory awareness as pathways to divine presence

20:00 - How to start your own practice of forest bathing today

42:00 - Guided natural mindfulness practice: Experience the Pleasure of Presence