I had the honor and privilege of guiding a Forest Therapy Walk for a group of incredible people. Each participant came with their own story and life experiences, yet they all made a shared decision to take a break from their busy routines and step into a space of stillness and self-care. It was beautiful to witness this collective intention to slow down and be present with nature.
Setting aside 2.5 hours to do nothing but be present, without distractions, productivity, or external expectations - can feel like an extraordinary and almost 'too much' of self-care. In a world that often demands constant activity and achievement, giving ourselves permission to slow down, tune in to our senses, and connect with nature is a powerful act of kindness and compassion toward ourselves, and is much needed. It’s about prioritizing rest, mindfulness, and the experience of simply existing, which can be deeply healing and restorative.
As I reflect on the experience, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the healing that nature can offer and for the trust that participants placed in me to guide them through this journey.
In the following post, I'll share the profound takeaways from our time in nature, the beauty of slowing down, and the transformative power of simple, sensory experiences with the forest.
The Gift of Slowing Down
One of the most significant takeaways from the walk was the gift of slowing down. In our everyday lives, we are often bombarded with distractions like emails, phone notifications, deadlines, and the never-ending to-do lists. Many of us have forgotten what it feels like to be truly present.
During our Forest Therapy Walk, the forest became a sanctuary where we could leave these distractions behind. Time seemed to slow down, allowing us to focus on the simple yet powerful aspects of being in nature. The gentle rustling of the leaves, the way sunlight filtered through the branches, the scent of pine in the air... these were the exact moments that grounded us.
By stepping away from the noise and rushing pace of life, we made space for simplicity and presence. It reminded us that healing and self-care don’t have to be complicated; sometimes, they are as simple as walking slowly and noticing the world around us.
Experiencing Nature’s Invitations
The core of a Forest Therapy Walk lies in its sequence of the experience. Unlike a hike or a nature walk where the focus might be on reaching a destination, Forest Therapy invites us to engage deeply with the natural world. These invitations are gentle prompts that encourage us to use our senses, play, and explore with an open heart.
Each invitation is designed to awaken our senses and bring us fully into the present moment. They allow us to tap into our curiosity, reminding us of the wonder we often felt as children. It’s not about achieving anything or checking boxes; it’s about being open to whatever nature has to offer in that moment.
For example, one invitation involved noticing what is in motion. Some participants observed the gentle ripples and reflections on the lake, while others embraced childlike curiosity, balancing on logs or joyfully jumping in the leaves. The beauty lies in the fact that there is no right or wrong way to experience it. Everyone receives exactly what they need from the moment, and that’s a truly beautiful thing.
Holding Space for Sharing and Connection
One of the most profound parts of the walk was our sharing circles. In these circles, everyone had the opportunity to share what they were experiencing. It didn’t matter whether someone noticed something physical, like the texture of a tree bark, or felt something within, like a sense of calm or relaxation. Each share was valid and valued.
Hearing the different observations and reflections was a reminder of how diverse and beautiful our human experiences are. One person might share a physical sensation, like the cool breeze on their skin, while another might share a deep thought or memory that surfaced. The magic happened in the listening. We held space for one another, creating a sense of community where everyone felt heard and seen.
In today’s fast-paced world, deep listening is rare. We’re often preoccupied with planning our responses or thinking about what comes next. But in these circles, we practice listening without judgment or expectation. It was refreshing and inspiring, and it left me in awe of the simple yet profound connections we can make when we slow down and truly pay attention to each other.
Connecting Deeply with the Forest
The weather on the day of our walk was perfect. The sun was bright, wrapping us in its warmth, and the gentle breeze carried the scent of the forest. It felt as though nature itself was inviting us to stay a little longer and sink deeper into the moment. As we spent more time together, connecting to nature and each other, we began to notice the beauty all around us.
Some participants found pure joy in balancing and playing on fallen logs, rediscovering a sense of playfulness they hadn’t felt in a long time. Others observed the way the leaves danced in the wind, almost as if they were waving at us and saying "hello." We also took a moment to greet the trees, as if meeting new friends. It was fascinating to see how each participant connected in their own way. Some people leaned towards the trees, while others simply placed a gentle hand on the trunk, feeling the life within. A few participants noticed that certain trees felt warmer to the touch than others. It was a beautiful reminder of the uniqueness of every living being in the forest and how much there is to notice when we slow down and pay attention.
The Beauty of Simple Creations
One of the invitations I really enjoyed was when we made leaf bouquets. Each participant approached this invitation with creativity and intention, choosing leaves and arranging them in a way that felt meaningful to them. Some bouquets were vibrant and full, while others were simple and minimalistic.
The act of creating something with our hands, using only what nature provided, felt grounding and relaxing. It was a reminder that even the simplest things can be deeply nourishing. We don’t need to seek out grand experiences to feel connected or fulfilled. Sometimes, the most profound joy can come from creating something beautiful with intention and sharing it with others.
As we shared our bouquets and the intentions behind them, it became clear how powerful simple moments can be. There was a sense of wonder and appreciation that filled the air, and it was heartwarming to witness how nature could inspire so much creativity and connection.
Savoring Connection with Pine Needle Tea
We closed our time together by sharing a warm cup of pine needle tea and some snacks. This was a moment of deep connection, where we felt the forest’s essence enter our bodies. Pine needle tea, with its earthy and grounding flavor, served as a symbol of our integration with nature. As we sipped our tea, we reflected on the journey we had just taken, feeling grateful for the healing and peace we found.
The simple act of drinking tea in the forest, surrounded by the people we had shared this experience with, felt sacred. It reminded us of how important it is to slow down and savor the present moment. We often rush through our days, barely taking the time to taste our food or enjoy a quiet pause. But here, in the heart of the forest, we found a sense of stillness and connection that nourished us on a deeper level.
Gratitude and an Invitation
I am beyond grateful for the trust that each participant placed in me, in the forest, and in the practice of Forest Therapy. It’s not just about walking through nature; it’s about forming a relationship with it, learning to listen, and allowing ourselves to be moved by the experience.
Every walk leaves me inspired and connected, and I feel so fortunate to guide people on this path.
These walks are part of the Bi-weekly Midweek Reset Forest Therapy Walks that I lead every 2nd and 4th Wednesday. If you feel the need to slow down, reconnect, and experience the healing power of nature, I would love for you to join us. You can check the upcoming walks HERE.
Come and let nature be your medicine. It’s a truly magical way to reset, reconnect, and rediscover the beauty in simplicity.
Hope to see you in the forest soon! 🌲
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