"We often forget that we are nature. Nature is not something separate from us. So, when we say that we have lost our connection to nature, we've lost our connection with ourselves." -Andy Goldsworthy
What is Snail Walks?
Snail Walks represents an unhurried, deliberate 2.5 hour guided, sense-based nature connection experience with certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, Taffany Martin.
Why Snail Walks? While spending time observing and lying next to a tiny mollusk, I noticed after it accomplished climbing over a huge leaf, it stopped to take a nap for a bit. Thinking to myself, it's odd for something so tiny and slow to also need rest. We all need a breather at times, no matter the pace on our journey.
As human beings with buzzing schedules, every day we are always on the go. Sometimes forgetting that we too need to slow down, take a rest, and disconnect to reconnect with nature, ourselves, and each other.
What is Forest Bathing?
🌲In the 1980s, the Japanese culture was feeling the weight of business expectations, busy lifestyles, and hustle culture. This is a feeling that many of us can relate to in the United States.
🌲Forest Therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, which translates to “Forest Bathing.”
🌲Forest Therapy is a practice of immersing oneself in nature using our five senses: sight, touch, smell, taste, and sound. It is a structured and research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness.
Meet Your Forest Guide
Hey friend!
Thank you for taking the time to stop by.
My name is Taffany Martin. I am a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide with the Associations of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs and founder of Snail Walks.
Nature has always been my go-to for resting and rejuvenating my mind, body, and soul. The calming senses and solitude of the forest has spoken volumes to me since I was a child. I am of Mexican and Native American descent. I enjoy exploring and learning about the natural world with my husband and daughter through hiking, kayaking, traveling, and nature photography.
As a Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, my core purpose is to not only curate a sacred space for nature connections, but to also support your well-being by guiding you to slow down, use your five senses, and connect or reconnect with the natural world.
"The World Health Organization (WHO) calls stress the health epidemic of the twenty-first century. And finding ways to manage stress - not just for our own health but for the health of our communities, at home and in the workplace - is the most significant health challenge of the future." -Dr. Qing Li
The Benefits of Forest Bathing Practices
🌲Reduced stress
🌲Reduced symptoms of depression
🌲Increased creativity and memory
🌲Increased immune strength
🌲Richer sensory awareness
🌲Deeper relationships with the More-Than-Human-World
🌲Enhanced relationship to human beings
🌲Greater appreciation for life
Due to heat and summer schedule, walks will begin after September 2nd, 2024.
Book And Schedule A Walk
Private Walk 1:1 $85
Couples Walk $65 ea.
College Student $45 ea.
*3 or more, please contact for group rate*
*Student(s) must have proof of school ID*
📧 For info and booking, email info@snailwalks.com
Testimonials
"Taffany is an adept nature guide. Her exquisite knowing makes the experience a true immersion into timeless inter-being with the sentient world. She escorts the seeker toward a widening awareness of how gently we are supposed to treat our universe. Taffany has my highest regard in this matter of coming home to ourselves."
-Mary O.
"Guided forest bathing with Taffany is a wonderful experience to help one's self reconnect with themselves through the peace and serenity of the nature that surrounds us. She guides and assists us into becoming one with the forest. Allowing ourselves to relax further into our being and into our connection with nature."
-Olivia A.
"I loved having Taffany as my guide, her invitations allowed me the opportunity to slow down and engage more with my surroundings. It felt really nice to pause my day and take a few hours for myself being in nature. I truly believe everyone can benefit from a guided forest walk."
-Soraya V.
"Taffany is very knowledgeable about and passionate about nature. My experiences with her were calming and joyful. Nature connection can be very powerful. Research shows that it can improve spiritual, physical, and mental health."
-Diane W.
holding sacred space for nature connections