On December 21, Newtown Forest Association sponsored a “Winter Solstice Celebration” at Holcombe Hill Nature Preserve, 65 Great Hill Road. Fourteen participants spent time in a quiet circle of introduction and reflection and then participated in a warm-up activity. The event ended with guided hikes through sections of Holcombe Hill’s walking trails for a “forest bathing” activity.

Forest bathing is known as Shinrin-yoku in Japanese. Shinrin-yoku is “a therapeutic practice of immersing oneself in nature using all five senses to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost well-being. It is not hiking or exercise, but a slow, mindful, and technology-free experience designed to connect the mind and body with the natural environment.”

The session was led by Donna Vella, who is a “positive psychology educator, Kripalu Mindful Outdoor Guide, Grateful Gatherings host, and a Newtown resident.” According to Vella, she “guide[s] individuals and groups in reconnecting with the natural world as a pathway to wellbeing, resilience, and meaning. My programs integrate mindful outdoor practice, seasonal ritual, and nature-based creativity to nurture calm, clarity, and a deeper sense of community.”