I-Edge EnviroSomatics™
About Environmental Somatics
Reconnect with nature, heal your body, and nurture your soul.
Environmental Somatics is a transformative practice that bridges the body and the natural world to promote deep emotional and physical healing. Rooted in Shirin Yoku (or forest therapy) and biophilic ecotherapies, this approach invites individuals to immerse themselves in nature, using mindful movement, breath, and sensory awareness to deepen their connection with the environment. Through the integration of mindful walking, qigong, guided imagery, and vagus nerve techniques, participants activate the body’s natural healing systems, releasing stored tension and fostering emotional balance. By engaging all the senses and harmonizing with the earth, environmental somatics cultivates a profound sense of well-being, relaxation, and inner peace, allowing the body and mind to recalibrate in alignment with nature's rhythms.
Shinrin-Yoku Forest
Therapy
Shinrin-Yoku is a scientifically-backed Japanese practice of immersing in nature to promote mental and physical well-being by connecting with the environment through enveloping all five senses.
Biophilic Positive Emotional Resilience
Biophilic Positive Emotional Resilience refers to the ability to adapt and thrive emotionally by developing a deep connection and appreciation of nature and by enhancing well-being through natural elements and the environment.
Environmental Somatic Integration
Environmental Somatic Integration is the practice of harmonizing the body and mind with natural surroundings through sensory awareness and embodied experience of nature and self
Climate Anxiety & Eco-Stress Release
Climate Anxiety & Eco-Stress Release involves managing environmental distress through developing emotional resilience, nature connection, and learning ways to shift perceptions.
THE SCIENCE OF NATURE THERAPY & ITS POSITIVE EFFECTS
Environmental & Nature Therapies have a range of positive effects on both mental and physical health. Benefits include:
• Reduces Stress & Anxiety – Being in nature lowers cortisol levels,
helping to calm the nervous system.
• Boosts Mood – Exposure to nature increases serotonin and dopamine,
improving emotional well-being.
• Enhances Focus & Creativity – Time in nature improves concentration,
memory, and problem-solving skills.
• Alleviates Depression – Studies show that nature walks reduce
symptoms of depression more effectively than urban walks.
• Lowers Blood Pressure & Heart Rate – Spending time outdoors can
improve cardiovascular health.
• Strengthens the Immune System – Exposure to natural environments
has proven to increases white blood cell activity.
• Encourages Physical Activity – Walking, hiking, and outdoor activities
improve overall fitness.
• Enhances Sleep Quality – Natural light exposure helps regulate
circadian rhythms for better sleep.
• Fosters Connection – Being in nature promotes a sense of belonging
and connection to the environment.
• Reduces Loneliness – Group activities like forest bathing, group nature
hiking or community gardening create social bonds.
• Encourages Environmental Awareness – Spending time in nature
fosters a deeper appreciation for the planet which we are a part of.
The Power of Connecting with Nature Can Heal
There are Three Wonderful Ways to Experience Environmental Somatics
Guided Local Nature Experiences
These localized environmental somatic workshops will allow you to explore your mind-body-nature somatic stress release and integration close to home. These workshops will be given throughout the year in various locations and as weather permits. Designed to immerse your local flora and fauna, you will find a combination of mindful walking, gentle somatic exercise & guided meditation work. See what is available in your area - go to our Workshop section for more details on coming events.
Edge EnviroSomatic™
Adventure Retreats
To gain the full Edge EnviroSomatics™ experience, these extraordinary experiences will immerse you in handpicked nature adventures. Walk with aboriginal guides in Australia's rainforests or New Zealand's majestic nature, experience the beauty of Japanese bamboo forests or Thailand's rich nature offerings, or perhaps experience the healing nature of European destinations. Whatever the adventure, you will find inner peace, restorative centering and a deeper connection to being human on Earth.
Weekend Rejuvenation Retreats
Along with our localized and more immersive travel retreats, Edge EnviroSomatics™ will periodically be offering shorter weekend retreats to deliver a combination of somatic release, restorative movement and nature therapy. These weekend retreats might include spa and retreat destinations.
You can check out our workshop and retreat page for more information or keep up to date with the latest by joining our mailing list.
Some Quotes about the Power of Shinrin Yoku
and Environmental Somatic Therapy
“In clinical studies, we have seen that 2 hours of nature sounds a day significantly reduce stress hormones up to 800% and activates 500 to 600 DNA segments known to be responsible for healing and repairing the body.”
— Dr. Joe Dispenza
“When you bring your attention to a stone, a tree or an animal, something of its essence transmits itself to you. You can sense how still it is and in doing so the same stillness rises within you. You can sense how deeply it rests in being, completely one with what it is and where it is, in realizing this, you too come to a place or rest deep within yourself.”
— Eckhart Tolle
“There are increased benefits of spending more time in nature and leaving technology behind such as improved short term memory, enhanced working memory, better problem solving, greater creativity, lower levels of stress and higher feelings of positive well being.”
— David Strayer, Professor of Cognition and Neural Science
