Retreat into the Forest
Forest Therapy retreat in Norway
11-14 July 2024
Come join us for a 4-day retreat in Norway, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Scandinavian forests. The daily schedule is designed to blend self-reflection and nature connection, focusing on the elements of earth, fire, air, and water.
Begin your mornings with yoga and meditation, followed by a wholesome breakfast. Engage in therapeutic workshops inspired by concepts from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to gain clarity and self-awareness. Afternoons offer the chance to immerse yourself in nature through guided Forest Bathing walks and lake swims. Besides this, there will be plenty of free time for relaxing, personal reflection, or connecting with others.
Evenings bring a variety of relaxing activities, from sauna and bonfires to song circles and ceremonies. This retreat provides a balanced mix of introspection, nature connection, and communal experiences, allowing you to connect with yourself and the stunning Norwegian surroundings, while also enjoying delicious healthy food.
This nature retreat includes:
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3 nights of accommodation in Opaker Gård
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3 yoga classes suited to all levels and guided meditations
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9 nourishing, vegetarian meals prepared by a chef
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3 therapeutic workshops for self-reflection
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3 guided Forest Bathing walks
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1 song circle
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1 sauna evening
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use of yoga mats & other materials
What is Forest therapy?
Forest Bathing is more than just a walk in the woods; it’s a mindful and meditative experience where you engage your senses (vision, hearing, touch, smell, and taste) to fully connect with the natural world. In our modern, fast-paced lives filled with constant demands and bustling activity, we are often overwhelmed, overstimulated, and experience a lack of time for ourselves. The practice of forest bathing can help us to slow down, disconnect from our devices linked to the urban world, and rediscover balance and tranquility in nature.
Forest Therapy has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, boost immunity, and enhance overall mental and emotional well-being and there is ongoing research going on to further prove its efficacy for different populations and (mental) health issues.
About the teacher:
With a background as a Clinical psychologist in mental health, Mirte Knieriem has worked with challenges like addiction, depression, anxiety, and stress-related issues. She has worked in rehab facilities in both the Netherlands and South Africa and currently works as an online therapist for people with different backgrounds and requests for help. Mirte is also a certified yoga teacher trained in India, blending psychological insights with the principles of yoga philosophy for a balanced approach to healing and mental well-being.
Beyond her professional life, Mirte finds sanctuary in nature. As a certified Forest Bathing guide and Forest Therapy practitioner trained by the Forest Therapy Hub, she leads therapeutic group and individual sessions, encouraging others to reconnect with the healing power of the natural world with her company Feeling the Forest (www.feelingtheforest.com). She describes the forest as her personal therapist and refuge, teaching her about principles such as hope, change, and resilience. Her other passion is music, with which she shares her soft voice leading singing circles and kirtans.
Mirte's approach to mental health is both intuitive and grounded in scientific knowledge and experience. By blending evidence-based practices with the exploration of spirituality and alternative healing modalities, she strives to provide a holistic approach to mental well-being.
Accommodation:
The retreat will be held at the beautiful sustainable farm of Opaker Gård, which is located on a hill at the foot of Finnskogen with a great view over Solør. There is a beautiful forest right at our doorstep waiting to be explored.
You can find more about the story of the farm on their website: https://www.opaker.no/
Both single as well as double rooms are available at different rates. Some rooms have a private bathroom and some have a shared bathroom. All are tastefully and traditionally decorated, combining the rustic with comfort.
Price:
Special last-minute offer until 15 June: 15% discount on the total price!
Double room (shared): 5500 NOK (with last-minute discount: 4675 NOK)
Single room: 6850 NOK (with last-minute discount 5822 NOK)
Dates: 11-14 July 2023
Schedule:
*Kindly note that schedule adjustments may occur due to adverse weather conditions.
Thursday:
14:00 - 15:00 Arrive & settle in
15:30 - 18:00 Opening circle in the forest & nature activity
19:00 - 20:00 Dinner
20:00 - 21:00 Evening activity (Song circle, Sauna/Fire, Ceremony)
Friday:
08:00 - 09:00 Morning yoga & meditation
09:00 - 10:00 Breakfast
10:30 - 12:30 Therapeutic workshop
12:30 - 13:30 Lunch
13:30 - 15:00 Free time
15:00 - 17:30 Nature-based activity (Forest bathing/therapy)
17:30 - 19:00 Free time
19:00 - 20:00 Dinner
20:00 - 21:30 Evening activity (Song circle, Sauna/Fire, Ceremony)
Saturday:
08:00 - 09:00 Morning yoga & meditation
09:00 - 10:00 Breakfast
10:30 - 12:30 Therapeutic workshop
12:30 - 13:30 Lunch
13:30 - 15:00 Free time
15:00 - 17:30 Nature-based activity (Forest bathing/therapy)
17:30 - 19:00 Free time
19:00 - 20:00 Dinner
20:00 - 21:30 Evening activity (Song circle, Sauna/Fire, Ceremony)
Sunday:
08:00 - 09:00 Morning yoga & meditation
09:00 - 10:00 Breakfast
10:30 - 12:30 Therapeutic workshop & closing circle
12:30 - 13:30 Lunch
What is not included:
Transport to and from the retreat center.
Pick-ups are possible at Kirkenær or Kongsvinger train station at extra cost.
Travel insurance (please make sure you have your own travel insurance)
Booking & Cancellation policy:
For booking or more information about this retreat contact: mirteknieriem@gmail.com
A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
The deposit is non-refundable if the booking is canceled.
The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
Cancellation policy
In case of cancellation between 30 days to 5 days before the start of the retreat after full payment is made:
50% of the total cost of the retreat will be returned.
Less than 5 days notice: 0% of the total cost of the retreat will be returned.
