Forest Therapy
A mindful, embodied experience in forests and other nature settings
What is Forest Therapy?
We take a gentle, slow and safe walk opening our senses and awareness through a series of ‘invitations’, bringing us into Presence, into the here-and-now. The invitations are crafted in such a way that the constant chattering mind is disengaged and we come into connection with nature, with ourselves, and with the more-than-human world. We slow down and regulate our nervous system, breathe more easily, and relax.
The walks are very slow, enabling a deep sensory experience, and an expanded consciousness. We discover that we are nature.
Forest therapy emerged from the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, known as forest bathing. The walker ‘bathes’ in the forest or nature and through this immersion, experiences a multitude of healing benefits.
We can use our privilege and power to protect, nurture and cultivate respect for those Beings of nature with whom we share our journeys.
Benefits of this practice
Simply being in nature for as little as 20 minutes:
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is restful
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lowers blood-pressure
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deactivates an over-sensitised nervous system
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lowers heart rate
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lowers cortisol and inflammation levels
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boosts our immune system
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is linked with brain protection and the production of cells that fight cancer.
The list goes on!
Ongoing research is uncovering a myriad of benefits. And then there are all the non-researchable elements ... connecting with the 'dream-time', with the land, with ancestors, and being in communication with the more-than-human world.
Spending longer periods of time in nature, and especially in an embodied and intentional way, the benefits are significantly increased.
Forest therapy is immensely calming and rejuvenating. It brings us to stillness, to connect with the vast spaces within, and without. It brings us back into a direct and reciprocal relationship with nature.
It is emotionally and psychologically restorative, and spiritually nourishing.
How we do it
Walking with Invitations to Presence is a 2-3 hour immersion and is a welcoming and enabling space for diversity and all levels of mobility. We walk slowly, we sit, we discover and become playful with nature. We bring all of ourselves, and often leave with a gift from nature.
Participation in invitations or sharing is optional, there are no expectations or goals. The space will open for what you need. Come dressed for all weathers and bring a water bottle.
I invite you to put down your worries and walk with me - awake and in wonder.
Victoria trained and is certified through ANFT (Association of Nature and Forest Therapy), is trauma informed, and safe trail-oriented.