ENR3195 - Forest Bathing (Shinrinyoku)

Course Description

This session is part of the Kapiolani CC CEWD`s Ku Punawai Series.  

Biography

Dr. Miku Lenentine is a dedicated guide in forest bathing, yoga, and meditation, weaving over two decades of experience in wellness with the deep wisdom of nature immersion. Certified by Yoga Alliance and the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT), Miku combines yoga asana, tai chi, and mindfulness practices in a holistic, nature-centered approach that honors both inner and outer landscapes. Growing up in a tradition of mindfulness, she began meditating at the age of 7 and has been sharing nature-based meditation and movement practices since 2013. Her vibrant, grounded style fosters deep connections with nature, cultivating inner awareness, balance, and resilience.

Passionate about creating spaces for wellness and restoration in educational environments, Miku has shared yoga, mindfulness, and nature connection practices with students, staff, and faculty at the University of Hawai'i’s Center for Teaching Excellence, JABSOM, HSSI, and Kapiolani Community College’s Lamaku program. She actively supports a campus culture of resilience, sustainability, and “wellness for restoration” to help participants renew their spirits, minds, bodies, and connections to the land. Miku feels deeply honored to be part of the first Ku Punawai series at Kapiolani Community College, nurturing practices that connect community members to the healing power of the natural world.

Course Description

Experience Kapiolani Community College's campus in a way you never have before! Join Dr. Miku Lenentine for a unique 1.5-hour forest bathing walk that invites you to connect deeply with nature while exploring the campus's hidden wonders. This guided experience will help you slow down, awaken your senses, and build a meaningful relationship with the natural world around you, offering a refreshing pause from the fast pace of daily life.

As we meander through campus, you’ll have the chance to see familiar spaces anew, discovering a sense of calm and restoration. Our walk will conclude with a peaceful “wild sit” to absorb the beauty around us, followed by a tea ceremony to ground our experience and honor our connection to the land.

This special event is part of the Ku Punawai Wellness Series, dedicated to fostering well-being, resilience, and sustainability among students, staff, and faculty at Kapiolani Community College.

Learner Outcomes

By the end of the session, students will learn:

1. Develop a Deeper Connection to Nature
   Gain a heightened awareness of and appreciation for the natural environment on campus, cultivating a sense of connection to the land that fosters well-being and resilience.

2. Enhance Sensory Awareness
   Practice tuning into the senses to observe sights, sounds, smells, and textures in nature, which promotes mindfulness and helps reduce stress.

3. Experience Campus in a New Way
   Explore familiar spaces with fresh perspectives, learning to recognize the restorative potential of the natural surroundings within the campus.

4. Practice Mindful Reflection
   Engage in a “wild sit” that encourages inner stillness and reflection, promoting personal insight and emotional balance.

5. Cultivate Practices for Ongoing Well-being
   Learn techniques for grounding and centering that can be integrated into daily life, supporting personal resilience and a sense of inner calm.

6. Build Community Through Shared Experience
   Connect with fellow participants in a nurturing environment, fostering a supportive campus culture that values wellness, sustainability, and collective well-being.

Notes

If you are a student with a documented disability and have not voluntarily disclosed the nature of your disability so that we may coordinate the accommodations you need, you are invited to contact the Disability Support Services Office (DSSO) in 'Ilima 107, ph. (808)734-9552, or email kapdss@hawaii.edu for assistance. For students whose primary disability is Deaf or hard of hearing, contact the Kapi'olani Community College Deaf Center, ph. (808)734-9891 / (808)447-3141(VP) or email jfried@hawaii.edu .

Refund Policy:

100% Refund Period: 10 business days prior to the first day of instruction

50% Refund Period: 5-9 business days prior to the first day of instruction

0% Refund Period (non-refundable): 0-4 business days prior to the first day of instruction

Help with Online Registration and Refund Questions Contact:

Kekaulike Center`s Noncredit Registration at (808) 734-9211 or email: kccocet@hawaii.edu