I’m part of several communities in life and I guess to an extent, there are several different versions of me that people get at those communities. Business; Forest Therapy; peer support; family - but who gets the most honest version? For a very long time, quite simply, no one - but that has changed….
Nowadays, the trees get the most honest version of me.
I often bang on about how the trees don’t judge, it’s true, they really don’t and they support and shelter us when we most need it. When I discovered forest therapy in 2019, there was that magic moment when I realised how much it aligned with my values and beliefs. I knew this was going to be part of my future. Today, it’s a massive part of my life.
Forest Bathing allows us time to take a break from the daily whirl of demands and expectations. Each session develops it's own mini-community as we move through the trees and support and respect each other, let's call it a 'communi-tree'. Even just for one invitation, we can switch off for 15 minutes and allow the land to support us. This weekend during our annual Guide Gathering, I was reminded how important it is that as guides, we also take time to let the land support us.
12 years ago, life was pretty 'grey', I couldn't see the colours around me anymore, something had to change. I asked for help, I put one foot in front of another and made massive changes in my life - I started to recover and am still recovering. A few months later, the colours came back, I remember seeing the yellow flowers on the gorse bushes, smelling their familiar scent and hearing the bees - awesome! I had found a community, long before I found Forest Therapy. That community loved and supported me, much like the trees do today.
During a 'sit spot' last weekend, the sun was on my face and the birds were belting out their song and I noticed the green. Not just one green, but multiple greens around me! 12 years ago I couldn't see the green, today I see it all, every last bit of it and burst with gratitude that I am here to see it. The tears flowed, but this time for happiness and that is OK.
I never want to take this for granted.
Where do you find your community?
Monthly Community Forest Bathing Group, Grantown on Spey
We meet at the Grantown on Spey Health Woods, next to the Medical Centre at 10:30 for approx. an hour – first Sunday of the month.
Everyone is welcome! Please make sure you are dressed for the weather and that includes shoes, warm trousers, layers and a warm jacket and gloves / hat etc..
Why come?
It’s FREE!
We are a really friendly bunch of people and it’s just a small group
You do not need to walk far, at most approx. 50m if you don’t want to go further
There is plenty of benches to sit on
Nature is flipping awesome for your health - science says so!
We finish with tea made from the trees around us and snacks
When I trained as a Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, I wanted to make sure people who could benefit from this practice really could, without barriers. This group is part of my way of making sure you can without worry of cost, ability, fitness etc.
Come and join us or get in touch if you want to have a chat before coming along.
Our Basic Group Expectations
how we care for each other during a session....
Connectedness - We support compassionate social interaction. There is no pressure to share anything with the group when invited, but the group does support you to do so.
Hope and optimism – During our session, the forest and nature around you is the therapist and your guide merely opens the door. We encourage you to let nature support you.
Identity - Everyone has a voice and when sharing please be mindful of time and use appropriate language. We avoid stigmatising or terms that may cause offence.
Empowerment – We understand that life can affect us all differently and if a challenge arises, we take personal responsibility to let the guide know. Some people can find the peace that a Forest Bathing sessions brings can bring on an emotional reaction. If there is need in the group for support, we share this, being mindful of confidentiality.
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