Discover the Healing Power of Eco-Therapy
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our nature center and animal sanctuary. Discover the transformative power of eco-therapy and create your own path to healing and wellness. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or a revitalizing adventure, our sanctuary offers the perfect setting to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit.
- Wilderness Walks
Engaging in mindful walks through natural settings to reduce stress and improve mood.
- Grounding
Connecting physically with the earth by walking barefoot on natural surfaces to enhance physical and emotional health.
- Forest Bathing
Immersing oneself in the forest atmosphere to boost mental clarity and reduce anxiety.
- Animal Therapy
Interacting with animals to elevate mood, reduce loneliness, and promote emotional healing.
What is
Eco-Therapy?
Eco-therapy, also known as nature therapy, involves immersive experiences in natural settings to promote mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Unlike traditional therapy, eco-therapy harnesses the natural environment to facilitate healing and personal growth.
Why Eco-Therapy?
Mind
Reduces anxiety, depression, and stress as well as enhances mood and cognitive function.
Body
Lowers blood pressure, boosts immune function, and increases physical fitness.
Spirit
Fosters a sense of peace, purpose, and connection with the natural world.
Opportunities for Eco-Therapy
Gardens & Orchards
Wander through our vibrant garden, which features an orchard, greenhouse, berry bushes, and an herb garden. The sensory experiences of sight, smell, and touch in our garden contribute to grounding and overall well-being.
Private Forest
Explore our extensive network of trails (17 miles!) winding through lush, tranquil forests. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or an invigorating hike, our trails offer a perfect setting for wilderness walks and forest bathing.
Animal Sanctuary
Spend time with our delightful animals, including over 30 alpacas, a gentle horse, playful sheep, friendly dogs, and curious chickens. The joy and comfort of animal interactions provide a powerful form of therapy.
The Benefits of Eco-Therapy
Promotes Psychological Well-Being
Spending time in nature has a fantastic impact on our emotional well-being – including easing stress, anxiety, and depression! It naturally lowers blood pressure, cortisol levels. heart rate, and strengthens cardiovascular and metabolic health. It also boosts positive emotions, while decreasing negative ones, as well as lessening rumination. (1) (2)
Enhances Human Spirituality
Spiritual health is what gives our life purpose, keeps us motivated in tough times, and leads to greater fulfillment. Time in nature allows the body to return to its natural state, to the breath, to the senses. It gives us time to reflect. In fact, time in nature may enhance or actualize spirituality, by giving us time to experience awe which connects us to each other & the earth. (3) (4)
Improves Sleep & Reduces Fatigue
The end to burnout, mental fatigue, and exhaustion! Forest bathers report improve wake-sleep cycles, as well as an easier time falling asleep, staying asleep, and in sleep quality. Just 2 hours of forest walking has shown to improve sleep time, immobile minutes during sleep, sleep quality, and self-reported depth of sleep. (5)
Improves Focus & Memory
Boosts Creativity & Problem-Solving
Surprising as it may sound, time in nature boosts our social skills, making us more friendlier, kinder, and generous. It also increases our high-level cognitive functioning, resulting in improved creativity and problem-solving. We experience a break, which allows our minds to play with ideas and consider new avenues. (7) (8)
Supports Immune Health & Energy Levels
We invite you to experience the profound healing and rejuvenation that eco-therapy offers. Nestled amidst serene landscapes and teeming with friendly animals, our center is a haven for those seeking solace, balance, and a deeper connection with nature.
Cost: Donation-based
We also have an Amazon Wishlist if you’d prefer to directly support the center.
Tell us when you’d like to visit and ask any other questions you may have!
HOUSE OF LIGHT GLOBAL NATURE & RENEWAL CENTER
474 Ingalls Road, Rochester, Washington 98579, United States
(Gated property- please contact us beforehand)
HOURS OF OPERATION
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Mon |
9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
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Tue |
9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
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Wed |
9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
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Thu |
9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
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Fri |
10:00 am – 5:00 pm |
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Sat |
10:00am – 5:00 pm |
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Sun |
Closed |