Researchers are starting to learn more about the evidence based powerful benefits of spending time in nature, and to quantify those benefits for personal health (mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health), social connection, focus and productivity and even economic gain. In the UK, where physicians can prescribe time in nature, their Green Prescribing program saves the taxpayers in other health costs.

On a simplest level, the benefits of reducing stress invites us into higher levels of human experience including creativity, clarity and focus, insight and joy.

When we combine the natural benefits of spending time in nature with a simple personal practice that reinforces the neurology of connection, we amplify those benefits for a lifetime, and build resilience in our daily life.

A Nature Connection Practice invites us to slow down to the present moment, listen deeply through our senses, engage through curiosity and playful connection, value contemplative moments and inspires meaningful engagement. It is slow and contemplative. It is appropriate for all ages, can be adapted for all levels of mobility, no previous experience is needed, and does not require a particular world view.

At the core is a practice that is sometimes referred to as Forest Therapy, Nature Connection Therapy, Forest Bathing, Sylvotherapy, or Shinrin Yoku, though in our programs we build and broaden that work as a personal practice.

Nature connection work is a powerful personal healer, …..and it also has the potential to heal on a cultural level as well.

When we feel more resilient and connected, we are also healing our sense of separation from ‘other’.

All the ways we describe ‘other’-  the natural world and people around us, ourselves as other, or the divine ….however you understand that. I believe this is the work of our times.

I value the way the philosopher Charles Eisenstein has presented that understanding of humanity’s core pain, and the way teachers like Thich Nhat Hanh talk about the opposite state of ‘interbeing’, and how Joanna Macey helps us find the courage to lean in with our whole heart to be the change we want to see.

This work is about connection.

Learning to listen deeply, with our whole self and having the wisdom to respond to the truths we know when we are in that state of connection.

Nature connection work is a gentle path forward into this journey of reconnection or deeper connection.

There is no judgement, no expectations, simply the grace of the present moment, where we can be fully present and where healing begins.