Slow Down And Connect
Nature Therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, which translates to forest bathing. It is a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in forests and other natural environments. Studies have demonstrated a wide array of health benefits, especially in the cardiovascular and immune systems, and for stabilizing and improving mood and cognition. Research shows that just the sight of trees allows the parasympathetic nervous system to switch on, calming the entire body and making us more relaxed. The evergreen trees like Pines and Cedar's also oak emit phytoncides and terpenes which are aromatic compounds. Breathing in phytoncides has been shown to Improve the immune response by increasing the numbers of Natural Killer cells in the body’s circulatory system having an inflammatory modulating effect.
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Sensory nature connection offers a reciprocal and therapeutic relationship with the natural world. Communing with the forest is more than a walk; it's an experience that leads to a release of stress and revitalization. I will offer you invitations to activities that connect you with nature or the elements in a deeper way. It is an open-ended process, there is no prescription for what a person “should” experience, or what benefits they “should” receive. Instead, it is a practice of developing a deepening relationship with the natural world.
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Nature has the ability to improve our mood and provide positive distractions from everyday woes, through being softly fascinated with the awe of Nature, our minds can relax and restore.
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The positive benefits of nature connection are:
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Stress Reduction
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Improved Sleep
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Improved mood
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Lowered blood pressure
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Boosted Immune System
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Increased Energy
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Accelerared Recovery from illness
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And so much more.
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These walks will take place at Knettishall heath near Thetford, on walkways that are slightly unlevel. It is suitable for people from all walks of life but especially beneficial for those that are stressed and would like to reconnect with nature and come into the present moment fully experiencing being in the present. It may not be suitable for people with mobility issues due the terrain we will cover, please contact me if you have mobility issues before booking.
Toilet facilities are located in the parking area and on several days of the week a van selling snacks and hot drinks is open.
A forest walk with me will last about 2 hours although in that time we will only be walking about 1/4 of a mile. You will be offered a series of sensory invitations sometimes sitting in a sit spot for a period of time. We will end the walk with a herb tea (foraged from the land depending on the time of year) and time for discussion and thoughts if you choose, before you head off home.
A guided sensory walk will be an energy exchange of £15 per person.
Walking along the muddy trails with the rain beating down, I was struck by the beautiful tiny buds on the trees Hawthorn, Blackthorn all coming forth. For a moment, I caught a glimpse of a young ash tree it's branches reaching out like arms with tiny buds appearing, and raindrops suspended hanging on the buds. It was beautiful like a lighted Xmas tree, only the drops were transparent filled with light. I stood mesmerized, suspended in time, just watching a drop fall and another cling, hanging on the buds as the rain fell. Time passed before I moved on my way over deep muddy verges, rain falling heavy. I loved the sound of the pattering rain falling through the branches and off my jacket. Again, I was mesmerized suspended in a sensory moment of connection with the natural world. As I continued walking through the muddy terrain, water soaked in through the holes in my boots and I could feel it soaking into my socks and touching my feet, this wet coldness. I must say I was feeling a giggle come as it made me reminiscent of times passed. (As a child Walking home after a day in the woods covered in mud wet from the rivers with a bunch of wild flowers in my hands). I walked on noticing deeply everything around me, the vibrancy, life and the new growth. Lords and ladies unfurling their shiny leaves gather in clusters, almost chattering together. Purple dead nettle coming up here and there with beautiful splashes of purple as the flowers begin to display. Cleavers green in the young stages of growth looking vibrant and refreshed nourished by the rain. I walked on taking moments to just take in the beauty all around me and catch the colours on display. No words can explain these moments, this was a truly beautiful sensory walk with nature.
