A Conversation on Shinto, Sacred Nature, and Forest Bathing
with the Rev. Ann Evans
Wednesday, October 7, 6 – 7 p.m. ET
Donation-based registration ($25 suggested)
What does it mean to treat the forest itself as sacred? In Shinto, the natural world is alive with kami (the spiritual beings of the universe), nature is scripture, and shrines can be found in sacred groves of trees. Join us for a virtual conversation with Rev. Ann Evans, Guji (High Priest) of the Shin Mei Spiritual Centre and a certified ANFT Forest Therapy Guide, as she explores the contemplative heart of Shinto: its acknowledgement of the sacredness of all creation.
Rev. Evans will share how these ancient teachings inform her work as a forest bathing guide, and how shinrin-yoku (the practice of forest bathing) offers a structured, sensory path into the same qualities of stillness and connection that Shinto cultivates through ritual. We’ll discuss what it means to let the forest itself be the therapist, how contemplative traditions and modern nature-connection practices intersect, and what this convergence might offer those seeking a deeper relationship with the more-than-human world.
This live conversation will be held on Zoom; after registering, you will receive a link to join the session.
***The Zoom link will be emailed within 24 hours of signing up*****
SPEAKERS
Rev. Ann Evans is a Shinto priest and is the Guji, High Priest, of Shin Mei Spiritual Centre. She is affiliated with Tsubaki Grand Shrine near Suzuka, Japan and is the founder of Matsuri Foundation of Canada.
She has studied for 25 years under the tutelage of the Chief Priests of Tsubaki Grand Shrine in Japan; Guji Yukitaka Yamamato was the 96th generation priest in his family. His son, Guji Yukiyasu Yamamoto continues the tradition and serves on the Board of Directors of Matsuri Foundation.
She teaches Shinto practice and principles as a way of finding joy and brightness in our daily lives. She has authored Shinto Norito: A Book of Prayers which provides western readers with a romanized pronunciation of the Japanese prayers as well as a translation.
She is also a certified ANFT Forest Therapy Guide based the tradition of Shinrin Yoku, or Forest Bathing—a guided practice leading us to awaken our senses. In the setting of the Forest, we can quiet our mind and find a deepened connection with Great Nature and our selves. Your guide will take you through a structured experience with a sequence of invitations. Moments of silence, meditation, solitude and sharing build a rich experience where the Forest is the therapist, and the guide opens the door.
Fruzsina (Fru) Molnar is Garrison Institute’s Senior Development and Strategic Projects Manager. At the Institute, she is engaged at the intersections of growing initiatives and programs, donor and grant stewardship, special events, and executive support. She is also a certified forest bathing guide with ANFT (Association of Nature and Forest Therapy guides), leading contemplative, deeply embodied experiences of nature immersion designed to reawaken our innate sense of belonging and reciprocity with the more-than-human world. She holds a BA in English Literature from Dartmouth College.