Tree Huggers Wanted

Step into the forest, breathe deeply, and awaken your senses. Welcome to Dharma Wilding, a unique, heart-centered practice offered by the Buddhist Faith Fellowship (BFF) from April through October on select weekend mornings and afternoons. Created and guided by Rev. G.R. Lewis, Dharma Wilding Guide and BFF teacher with over 35 years of experience in Buddhist practice, this experience blends the proven restorative power of forest immersion with time-tested Buddhist teachings.

Dharma Wilding is not traditional Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing). It is deeply inspired by it—yet goes further. In the serene woodlands of central Connecticut (primarily Middletown-area parks), you will slow down, open your senses, and rediscover a profound sense of presence, belonging, compassion, and interconnection. Through gentle mindful walking, breathwork, sitting meditation, and creative visualization, Dharma Wilding invites you to feel the living dharma all around you—in the rustle of leaves, the flow of a brook, and the quiet strength of ancient trees.

Whether you are new to nature practices or a seasoned forest bather looking for something deeper, Dharma Wilding offers a fresh, transformative experience that nourishes both body and spirit.

The Benefits of Dharma Wilding

Dharma Wilding delivers all the well-documented gifts of forest bathing plus three powerful Buddhist-inspired benefits that go beyond standard nature therapy:

  • Reduces stress and lowers blood pressure through mindful time in nature.
  • Boosts mood and enhances mental clarity through sensory immersion.
  • Strengthens the immune system and supports overall wellbeing.
  • Cultivates non-judgmental awareness and presence in each moment.
  • Fosters interconnectedness with all living beings, seen and unseen.
  • Deepens compassion and loving-kindness toward self and other sentient beings.
Practices You Will Experience

Each Dharma Wilding session weaves together short, accessible guided practices drawn from the 18 original exercises Rev. Lewis developed—practices that will be featured in his upcoming book. Examples include:

  • Tree Hugging Meditation
  • Breath by the Brook
  • Tonglen with Nature
  • Mindful Walking with the Woods
  • Breath of the Canopy
  • Forest Shikantaza

… and many more gentle, sensory-rich explorations that invite you to listen, feel, and awaken in the company of trees.

Important Details

Age: Sessions are open to ages 13 and older.

Accessibility: The trails are generally easy and relatively flat, but they do include bumps, roots, and gentle inclines. This experience is not suitable for every mobility level—please assess your comfort with uneven natural terrain before registering. Modifications for sitting practice are available.

What to Bring:

  • Comfortable layered clothing appropriate for the weather (the woods can feel cooler than open areas).
  • Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes suitable for natural trails.
  • Water and any personal snacks.
  • A lightweight foldable chair or sitting pad if you prefer not to sit directly on the ground during meditation (you will not need to carry it on your shoulder for long distances).
  • Insect repellent and sun protection as needed & remember to always check yourself for ticks after the experience.

Weather: Sessions proceed in light rain (dress accordingly). However, for any adverse weather conditions or trail issues, session will be postponed. See web site Event Post, two hours before each session for any postponement.

No Trace: We practice Leave No Trace principles and ask everyone to respect the forest and one another.

Suggested Donation: $20–$30 per person: Your generous support in this range helps sustain the Buddhist Faith Fellowship’s mission of offering accessible teachings and outreach. Payment is made at the trailhead — cash is preferred (no processing fees), or you may use our QR code for Venmo or PayPal. Attendance is confirmed upon receipt of the suggested donation.

Locations: Scenic parks and trails in central Connecticut, with most sessions in and around Middletown. For exact dates, times meeting points see event web posts. Use GPS, Google Maps or Mapquest for directions.

Dates: Offered on select weekends April–October.

Events: See the BFF calendar or individual event posts for the current schedule.

Ready to step into the woods with presence and wonder? Tree Huggers Wanted. We look forward to sharing the forest with you.