Seeds of renewal
Connecting with Nature for 40 Days
Remember
Winter is more than a season - it’s an invitation. In the quiet stillness, nature shows us the power of rest and reflection. Yet, how often do we pause to embrace it?
Pause. Reflect. Renew. Grow with Nature
Join us for a transformative journey of 40 days to nurture your inner world, plant seeds of intention, and prepare for spring’s awakening. Through daily sit spots (more on this below) in nature, shared experiences, and weekly gatherings, we’ll explore the profound renewal that comes from slowing down, connecting with the earth, and aligning with the rhythms of the season.
What is a sit spot practice?
First off, what is Shinrin-yoku?
Shinrin-yoku, or "forest bathing," is a Japanese practice that invites us to slow down and immerse ourselves in the natural world through all our senses. It’s not about hiking or exercising but simply being present with the sights, sounds, smells, and feel of the forest. This practice has been scientifically shown to reduce stress, boost immunity, and enhance overall well-being by fostering a deep connection with nature.
What is a Sit Spot Practice as Part of Shinrin-Yoku?
A sit spot is a specific place in nature where you return regularly to observe, reflect, and simply be. The practice involves finding a quiet spot, sitting still, and noticing the details of your surroundings—the rustle of leaves, the call of birds, or the warmth of sunlight. Over time, this daily ritual deepens your relationship with the land, heightens your awareness, and cultivates a sense of peace and presence.
Program components
Cost: $100 for entire experience
Finding your sit spot
Your sit spot is a place in nature you return to daily, a sanctuary where you observe and connect with the rhythms of the earth. Early in the program, we’ll explore how to choose and settle into this special space, turning it into a cornerstone of your practice.
Setting intention
Before embarking on your journey, we’ll guide you to reflect on your intentions for this period of rest and renewal. What seeds do you wish to plant in your life? How do you want to grow as spring approaches?
MAKING OFFERINGS
Drawing on cultural nature traditions, we’ll discuss how to give back to the land, whether through physical offerings like seeds, flowers, or water, or symbolic gestures of gratitude and reverence for nature’s gifts.
DEvotion to the practice
Committing to your sit spot daily is an act of devotion. We’ll encourage practices like mindfulness, deep listening, and grounding exercises to strengthen your bond with the earth and yourself.
Journaling
Writing is a powerful tool for reflection. Participants are encouraged to journal after each visit to their sit spot, capturing observations, emotions, and insights as they arise.
Making foraged tea
Learn the art of foraging and creating tea from the land. Each week, you’ll be invited to prepare a cup of tea from locally foraged ingredients to enjoy during our virtual gatherings, fostering a deeper connection to the natural world.
sharing with the group
Every Wednesday evening, we’ll gather on Zoom to share our experiences, reflect on the week’s practices, and build a sense of community. Participants will also be paired with a partner to exchange insights and support each other throughout the journey.
Closing ceremony
On the final day, February 23rd, we’ll come together for a closing ceremony, reflecting on the growth nurtured during the winter. This will be a time to prepare for spring, honoring the seeds planted and celebrating the journey.
VIRTUAL Schedule
Zoom Sessions: Every Wednesday from 7:00–8:30 PM EST
January 15th: Welcome & Finding Your Sit Spot
January 22nd: Setting Intentions & Devotion to the Practice
January 29th: Offerings & Connection Practices
February 5th: Journaling & Deep Observations
February 12th: Foraged Tea & Sharing Rituals
February 19th: Reflections & Preparing for the Closing
February 23rd (Sunday): Closing Ceremony
FAQs
What kind of person is this program for?
This program is for anyone, regardless of age or background, who feels called to connect more deeply with nature and themselves. It’s for those seeking renewal and reflection in the winter season, as well as for individuals preparing to take inspired action in the spring. Whether you are completely new to forest therapy or have years of practice, this experience is open to everyone.
How much time do I need to commit to my sit spot each day?
The sit spot practice is flexible and designed to fit into your life. It can be as short as 15 minutes or as long as an hour—whatever feels manageable and meaningful for you. The key is consistency and creating a practice that works for your own schedule and needs.
What if I don’t have access to a natural environment?
If you don’t have outdoor access, you can create an indoor sit spot. This might include a dedicated area with plants, natural elements, and calming objects that help you connect to nature. The goal is to cultivate a space of mindfulness and connection, wherever you are.
What happens if I miss or stop sitting at my sit spot for a while?
There’s no punishment for missing days. This program is about showing up as best as you can, with no rewards or penalties. The group container is here to encourage and support you, no matter where you are in your practice.
What if I want to quit early?
While we encourage participants to stay for the full 40 days to honor the collective container, you are free to leave early if needed. Simply let Bala know. Please note that there are no refunds for the program.
What are the benefits of this program?
Spending time in nature, even during winter, offers immense physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits. Forest therapy has been shown to reduce stress, improve immunity, and alleviate symptoms of depression. This program will also nurture reflection, creativity, and connection with the earth during the quieter season of winter.
Do I need prior experience with forest therapy or Shinrin-yoku?
No prior experience is necessary! We’ll provide an introduction to Shinrin-yoku, forest therapy, and the sit spot practice. The program is designed to support beginners and experienced participants alike.
Are journaling and other components mandatory?
Not at all! Journaling, making foraged tea, and other components are entirely optional. These activities are here to enhance your journey, but you can choose to participate in whatever way feels right for you.
What will the online sessions include?
The weekly online sessions will be a time for the group to come together and share experiences. We’ll drink foraged tea, honor our sit spots, and explore weekly themes centered around rest, renewal, and connection. Each session will be unique and rooted in the collective energy of the group.
Do I need to be located in a specific area to participate?
Not at all. While the online sessions will take place in Eastern Standard Time (EST), participants can join from anywhere, nationally or internationally. This program is designed to connect people across the globe with nature and the Just Love Forest community.
Do I need to visit Just Love Forest to participate?
No, this program is fully virtual. However, participants are welcome to arrange a visit to Just Love Forest if they wish. Options include a day trip, an overnight stay, or even a longer retreat. Please contact Bala directly to discuss timing and costs, as accommodations will be made accessible during this time.
Why should I do this?
The world needs more people who realize that they are part of nature. Be part of that change!
optional reading
Wintering is a reflective exploration of the quiet, restorative power of winter, both as a season and as a metaphor for life’s difficult or introspective periods. Katherine May invites readers to embrace the cycles of life that require us to slow down, let go, and find renewal. Through her personal experiences and insights into nature, folklore, and cultural traditions, she highlights the beauty and necessity of rest and retreat.
How It Relates to Seeds of Renewal:
This book beautifully complements the journey we’ll embark on in Seeds of Renewal. Like the sit spot practice, Wintering encourages us to embrace stillness, observe nature, and honor the rhythms of life. It reinforces the idea that winter is not a time of inactivity, but rather a sacred period of restoration and preparation for what’s to come.
By reading this book, you may find inspiration for your daily practice, a deeper understanding of the themes we’ll explore together, and gentle reminders of the value of patience and quiet growth. While it’s not required, Wintering offers an enriching perspective that aligns seamlessly with the intentions of this program.
“In the stillness of winter, we find the wisdom of the earth whispering to us. This is our time to pause, plant the seeds of intention, and trust that in rest, renewal quietly unfolds. Nature teaches us that every season holds its purpose—let’s honor this one together.
— Bala
Meet your guide
Bala
Head steward, Just Love Forest
About Bala
Bala is a dedicated meditation teacher and certified forest therapy guide, committed to helping individuals rediscover their heart's truth and align with their highest purpose. Through personalized 40-day sadhana programs, he guides participants in transcending the ego, cleansing the heart, and living in harmony with true purpose.
At Just Love Forest, Bala offers deep nature therapy experiences, group meditations, and personal sessions, creating a sacred space for self-discovery and spiritual growth. His approach is spiritually secular, focusing on the unique journey within each individual's heart.
In the "Seeds of Renewal" program, Bala will journey alongside participants, engaging in his own daily sit spot practice within the serene environment of Just Love Forest. His personal commitment to this practice exemplifies the program's essence of rest, reflection, and preparation for spring's renewal.
Bala's teachings emphasize living life with intention, reciprocity, and service, guiding individuals to fall back in love with living and find purpose through deep listening to the heart's intentions.
Participants can expect a supportive and transformative experience under Bala's guidance, as he shares his insights and practices cultivated through years of spiritual exploration and dedication to love.
For more information about Bala and his offerings, visit www.bala.love.