Episode Details

What if your next Adirondack adventure had no summit, mileage goal, or destination at all?

We sit down with New York State outdoor guide Nathan June, founder of Nathan’s Nature Navigations, to explore forest bathing and the simple practice of slowing down enough to really notice the woods around you.

Nathan’s relationship with nature changed dramatically after a major health crisis and liver transplant in 2016. During his recovery, quiet visits to parks and places around Lake George helped him experience the outdoors differently. That eventually led him to forest bathing, mindful outdoor guiding, and training through Kripalu’s School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership.

From “soft fascination” and sit spots to unexpected encounters with Adirondack wildlife, Nathan shares ways to experience the forest without worrying about conquering it. And you don’t need to disappear deep into the High Peaks to try it. A patch of woods, a local park, or even a quiet spot beneath a few trees can be enough to begin.

Whether you’re planning an Adirondack getaway, looking for a gentler outdoor experience, or simply curious about experiencing familiar trails differently, this conversation might convince you to leave the summit goals behind for an afternoon.

What you’ll hear in this episode

• What forest bathing actually looks like.
• How Nathan’s recovery changed his relationship with nature.
• Why slowing down outdoors can feel surprisingly difficult.
• The idea of “soft fascination” and learning to notice more.
• How sit spots can change the way you experience Adirondack wildlife.
• Why Inman Pond on Lake George’s east side remains special to Nathan.

Resources:

• Nathan’s Nature Navigations
• Inman Pond / Lake George Wild Forest
• Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership
• SUNY Adirondack Outdoor Education
• Association of Nature and Forest Therapy

Produced by NOVA