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Forest Therapy Class: Nature’s Medicinal Benefits

Location icon
500 College Street Northeast, Olympia, WA, USA
Date
July 21, 2025

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

“The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground –   trees that were pleasing to the eye...” (Genesis 2: 9a, NIV)

In a world that moves at a sometimes overwhelming pace, the forest offers us a sacred pause: a place where we can listen deeply, breathe fully, and simply be present. Join us in this introductory class discussing the amazing holistic health benefits of the contemplative practice known as: Forest Therapy, Forest Bathing, or Shinrin yoku.

St. Placid Forest Therapy Class

In our Forest Therapy introductory class, set amidst the serene beauty of St. Placid Priory’s forest, we will explore Forest Therapy and Forest Medicine, their scientific and holistic foundations, and the growing body of research highlighting the mental, physical, and spiritual benefits.

We’ll discuss ways in which this simple, yet powerful practice, can influence us in many ways including:

Reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression
Boosting immune function by increasing the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, vital in cancer defense
Lower blood pressure and cortisol levels, improving cardiovascular function
Enhance memory, focus, and sleep quality
Foster a deepened sense of peace, gratitude, and spiritual connection with God and creation

Forest Therapy is recognized globally as a preventative medicine and a growing practice within the field of Forest Medicine. Studies show that the holistic benefits of Forest Therapy walks can last up to several weeks, depending on the duration of the forest experience.

Come learn (and walk) with us.

Whether you are seeking healing, peace, clarity, or simply a deeper connection with God and creation, we warmly invite you to join us in our Forest Therapy class (and additionally our Forest Therapy walks). Let the forest be your wellbeing sanctuary.
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made...”
(Romans 1:20 NIV)
 

Getting Here

Location icon St. Placid Priory, 500 College Street Northeast, Olympia, WA, USA

Directions

Traveling north from Portland, on I-5:
Take Exit 109
Turn left onto Martin Way at end of exit
Stay in the far right lane
Turn right at second light onto
College Street NE
Turn right at St. Placid sign
(second possible right turn)

Traveling south from Seattle, on I-5:
Take Exit 109
Turn right onto Martin Way at end of exit
Stay in the far right lane
Turn right at the light onto
College Street NE
Turn right at St. Placid sign
(second possible right turn)

Accommodation

We have ten retreat bedrooms, most of which are equipped with two twin beds. The rooms may be shared if you are coming with a friend or partner, but generally there is just one person per room. Our building is set back among the trees so the rooms stay fairly cool. There is heat in each room for the colder nights. Each room has a sink, mirror, chair, desk, and small closet area. Towels and linens are provided, but please bring your own toiletries. Bathrooms are shared and showers are available. Retreatants are welcome to join the Sisters for Mass, Praise, and meals. There is wi-fi available in the Priory Library from 8:30am-8:00pm everyday. The Priory Store is also open on Fridays and Saturdays. Plenty of walking trails wind around the Priory's property and are open to retreatants. Spiritual Direction is available upon request at an additional charge.

Program Price
Program and Lunch
Program, Lunch & Forest Therapy walk 1-3 PM

Venue & Amenities

Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent
The Priory Spirituality Center is an ecumenical Christian ministry that encourages those of all faiths to discern the voice of God in their lives and in the world. A ministry of St. Placid Priory we reflect Benedictine values: peace, hospitality, community, learning and prayerful discernment.

We offer a peaceful and contemplative setting for personal reflection. We encourage and challenge people to know the presence of God in their lives through classes, workshops, retreats and individual spir

Meals

Menu Types

On-your-own breakfast: Center Kitchen. Eggs, milk, bread, cereal, fruit provided. Your own food welcome, may be cooked in Kitchen. Lunch/Dinner served, main dish+salad bar. Sun coffee hour after Mass

Customer Reviews

4.86 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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Retreat
Everything one needs for quietude, rest and time out for reflection is at St. Placid’s. The grounds for walking are inviting, the food is healthy, everyone is welcoming, the accommodations are clean and comfortable.

5.0
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Serenity
When I need time to quietly be, to regain my serenity from living in a world of turmoil, St. Placid Priory is my choice. Here I can simply be, listen to the birds, listen to God.

5.0
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A very special place
St. Placid Priory feels so warm and welcoming. Such a wonderful place to get away from the hustle and bustle for a bit.

5.0
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Quiet Welcome
My time at the Priory provided me with the much-needed rest and pause for my sabbatical. The grounds breathe with a Spirit-filled serenity that I continue to carry with me, even after I've left. The best part is the welcome by the Sisters and Janice who are willing to open up their home and lives to their guests.

5.0
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Better than an Airbnb :)
I have been coming to St. Placid Priory & Spirituality Center for over a decade. It’s been a well of rest and refreshing. The moment I arrive, I feel at peace, grounded, and open to what my time here will be. Through the chaos and noise of everyday life, this is a place that has been healing and nourishing for my soul. There’s not many places that provide true respite, but I’ve been thankful to find that here.

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