FOREST THERAPY
Imagine wandering gently through the forests and beaches of Victoria, B.C. (Canada), tuning into your senses, slowing down, calming your mind, breathing deeply and noticing everything around you... I look forward to safely guiding you for a gentle walk on one of our many beautiful trails.
Forest Therapy is a practice inspired by the Japanese practice of “Shinrin-Yoku” which translates into “forest bathing.”
This practice was part of a successful Japanese public health program in the 1980’s, when despite economic prosperity, illness, anxiety and depression was growing rapidly.
Over 40 years of global research has proven significant health benefits such as:
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greater clarity of thought, creativity and critical thinking
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a strengthened immune system
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reduced blood pressure
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a reduction in stress and cortisol levels
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improved mood
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increased ability to focus
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improved Executive Function in adults and children with ADHD
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reduced symptoms of anxiety and PTSD
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accelerated recovery from surgery or illness
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higher energy levels
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better sleep
Because Forest Therapy is a gentle way of being in nature, from my experience, everyone can participate in and benefit from this practice - including seniors, individuals with disabilities, people recovering from illness, children, people dealing with grief and individuals striving to improve their mental health. I can accommodate most limitations with some thoughtful planning in advance.
For more information on Forest Therapy, please visit the Forest Library.
Join me for a restorative walk in one of many beautiful forests in Victoria, Saanich or North Saanich, British Columbia. This is a wonderful way to quiet your mind while experiencing the forest through your senses.
Because Forest Therapy is a gentle way of being in nature, from my experience, everyone can participate in and benefit from this practice - including seniors, individuals with disabilities, people recovering from illness, children, people dealing with grief and individuals striving to improve their mental health. I can accommodate most limitations with some thoughtful planning in advance.
“Listening to individuals share what they're noticing in their surroundings has painted visual stories from gardens, parks, homes and forests around the world, creating a beautiful sense of connection..."
Valerie McIntyre-Baird
REMOTELY-GUIDED FOREST THERAPY
Staying connected to the natural world is essential to our wellbeing and resiliency. Being outdoors, breathing fresh air, feeling the breeze against our skin, sensing the sunlight on our face, listening to birdsong and noticing beauty in landscapes simply makes us feel good.
During this time when many of us are experiencing heightened anxiety, uncertainty, and a sense of isolation, a remotely-guided Forest Therapy walk offers opportunities to connect to yourself, others, and to the the natural world around you. I lead these remotely-guided sessions with people around the world via the free audio conferencing platform Zoom. Anyone can participate, regardless of age, ability or access to the outdoors.
You can step away from your screens and simply follow my gentle invitations as you listen to our audio call from your phone or computer. You'll be invited to tune into your senses, slow down, breathe deeply and to give your attention to the natural world around you. Perhaps think of this experience as "noticing and dwelling" rather than walking or hiking to get somewhere.
You're welcome to join from wherever you are. These online gatherings invite you to participate from a safe and familiar outdoor space near you, such as your garden, a local park or a nearby greenspace. If you're unable to leave your home, you can participate by looking at nature through your window, sitting next to an indoor plant and gathering items that represent nature to you, such as rocks, seashells, favourite images of nature, herbs, fruits and vegetables, wooden objects, etc.
The feedback from these remotely-guided walks has been heart warming. Listening to individuals share what they're noticing in their surroundings has painted visual stories from gardens, parks, homes and forests around the world, creating a beautiful sense of connection - and even a sense of "travelling" while travel is limited.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
You'll just need a few simple items to participate in the experience and be comfortable:
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Download the Zoom App on your phone or computer (as this is an audio call, having access to a screen is not necessary)
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For connectivity issues, you can use the “Join by phone” Zoom function as opposed to the computer audio
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A phone and earbuds or headphones allows for the optimal hands-free experience
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If you're wearing ear buds, it's recommended to leave one in your ear and leave your other ear free, allowing you to listen to the sounds of your nearby-nature
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Remember to have a fully-charged phone and mobile roaming coverage(phones that are kept warm in a pocket have a longer battery life!)
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Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes for your weather/climate
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Wear warm layers (more than usual) in cold climates, as we will be moving slowly throughout the experience and will not be doing much to generate heat
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Hand and toe warmers or a warm beverage can help in cold climates
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You may want to bring or find something to sit on
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A travel mug of tea/water to join in the final tea ceremony
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If you need to join from indoors, I invite you to gather various things from nature (pebbles, shells, leaves, pinecones etc.) and find a cozy spot by a window.
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Perhaps give yourself an extra 15 - 30 minutes after our session to reflectand ease back into your day
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Many people like to have a journal and pen/pencil/paints with them to write/paint in after our time together
You'll be invited to tune into your senses, slow down, breathe deeply and to give your attention to the natural world around you.
PRIVATE GROUP BOOKINGS
You may be far apart, but you can still be close together.
A remotely-guided Forest Therapy walk can be a wonderful way to spend time with family, friends or teammates. With sufficient notice, I can coordinate personal gifts for participants to make this experience even more special.
Prices do not include relevant PST, GST or costs of personalized gifts.
