Tree Huggers Wanted

Step into the forest, breathe deeply, and awaken your senses and heart. Welcome to Dharma Wilding – A Buddhist-inspired forest bathing experience, a unique offering from the Buddhist Faith Fellowship (BFF) running regularly from April through October on select weekend mornings and afternoons.

Created and guided by Rev. G.R. Lewis, M.A., Dharma Wilding Guide and BFF Guiding Teacher with over 35 years of experience in Buddhist practice, this experience gently blends the restorative power of mindful immersion in nature with profound Buddhist-inspired teachings.

Dharma Wilding is not traditional Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing). It is deeply inspired by it—yet goes further. Held in the serene woodlands and parks of central Connecticut (primarily around Middletown), participants slow down, awaken their senses, and rediscover a living sense of presence, interconnectedness, and belonging. Through gentle mindful walking, breathwork, sitting practice, and creative visualizations, you will encounter the dharma alive in the trees, the brook, the soil, and the quiet rhythm of the forest.

Whether you are new to nature-based practices or an experienced forest bather seeking a deeper dimension, Dharma Wilding offers a fresh, transformative way to nourish body, mind, and spirit. No prior experience with meditation or mindfulness is needed — beginners and non-Buddhists are warmly welcome.

The Benefits of Dharma Wilding

Dharma Wilding provides all the science-backed benefits of forest bathing plus three distinctive Buddhist-inspired gifts that extend beyond standard nature immersion:

  • Reduces stress and cortisol levels, promoting deep physiological relaxation and clearer thinking.
  • Lowers blood pressure and heart rate, supporting cardiovascular health and vitality.
  • Strengthens immune function through exposure to forest phytoncides and fresh air.
  • Cultivates compassion and interconnectedness, helping you feel genuinely linked with all living beings and the earth.
  • Deepens insight into impermanence and equanimity, building inner resilience and peace that travels with you beyond the woods.
  • Fosters non-judgmental awareness and a lasting sense of belonging, integrating Buddhist wisdom into daily life.

Practices You Will Experience

Each Dharma Wilding session weaves together short, accessible guided meditative 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
  • Contemplative Visualization
  • Mindful Walking with the Woods
  • Breath of the Canopy
  • Forest Shikantaza
  • Closing Mindful Tea Practice

… and many more sensory-rich explorations that invite you to listen deeply and awaken in the company of the living forest.Important

The Details

Age: Sessions are open to ages 14 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 attending. 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 sitting meditation (you will not need to carry it on your shoulder for long distances).
  • Insect repellent and sun protection as needed.

Postponements: Sessions proceed in very light rain — please dress accordingly. However, in cases of very inclement weather or trail issues, the session will be postponed. To confirm, please check the individual event post on the BFF website approximately 2 hours before the scheduled start time. If there is no update about a postponement, the session will go ahead as planned.

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

Suggested Donation: $20–$25 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. Exact meeting points and directions are provided on the individual event posts.

Time & Dates: Usually 10 AM Offered on select weekends April–October. See the BFF calendar or individual event posts for the current schedule.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour & 30 minutes. There is no set exact time. We just move with the flow.

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