Forest Therapy Ottawa

A double-header this Thursday! With two groundbreaking Canadian scientists to re-set our understanding of trees & forests. At 7 pm EDT, Dr. Diana Beresford-Kroeger shares her insights & stories. Always entertaining and enlightening. At 8:30 EDT, Dr. Suzanne Simard speaks on Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest as part of CanGeo Talks. Link in Comments below.... https://fb.me/e/3yvspiVCC

In the doldrums? Lots of us are feeling really "flat" these days, with the ongoing challenges of the pandemic. Even if our personal situation might seem relatively good, we're collectively carrying great stress and uncertainty. Every time I connect with nature and the energy of the earth, I feel that heaviness lift a bit. How about you? And when I sign up for a session with a gentle guide -- like forest therapy, yoga or meditation -- I re-discover the depths of calm, connecti...on and support that are available. Even when we can't be together. A remotely-guided forest therapy walk offers the same potential. Come join me this Sunday at 5:00 pm, and see what you discover. It's via Zoom, but you can just dial in and don't need to be on screen (again). You can be outdoors or indoors near a window. Free for frontline healthcare providers. #foresttherapyottawa #forestbathing #stressreliever #natureheals #naturetherapy #ParkRx #gratitude https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/turn-to-nature-in-times-of-stre

It almost always works.

Final day to sign up for the last walk in the "Teachers 2-for-1" series. Sunday at 10 am. We connect by Zoom, each in our own park or yard or even indoors. Feel the heaviness of the pandemic lift as you find support in nature's gifts. Everyone's welcome, even if you're not a teacher!... #gratitude #ontarioteachers #natureheals #stressreliever #thankyouteachers #naturetherapy #forestbathing #foresttherapyottawa https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/nature-therapy-to-rest-re-charg See more

I was stopped in my tracks by a magnolia in bloom. Here are some beauties in the rain in the Arboretum in Ottawa.

New date added to this week's walks. Sun. April 18, 10 am to 11:30. Teachers still 2-for-1.New date added to this week's walks. Sun. April 18, 10 am to 11:30. Teachers still 2-for-1.

Sounds of forests and woodlands from all around the world. Ahhh.... Here's another way to travel, with the sensations of sound and imagination. Like the original sounds in the wild, these recordings are an open source library, for anyone to access and create from.... Here's one from France: https://soundcloud.com/wild_rumpus/oiseaux-soir-2 #natureheals #naturesgifts #soundhealing #foresttherapyottawa #soundsofnature #soundsoftheforest

Have you been noticing the birds more during the pandemic? Quite a few people have told me they're hearing birdsong better, thanks to less traffic noise, and that watching the birds is easing their stress. Here's a way to get outside and give back to the birds-- even if you don't consider yourself a birder. #gratitude #backyardbirdcount #birds #natureheals #foresttherapyottawa #urbannature #birdscanada

Day 1 Sessions on The Nature Talks: Opening Session 9 - 9:45 AM PST The Nature Talks Team - Welcome ... Fredy Puma Quispe Singona - Opening Ceremony Join spiritual leader Puma in an invocation of deep Earth Wisdom and intention on the top of Peru's Antakillka Mountain. . Geoff Robb - Music of the Trees Award winning composer and guitarist Geoff will take us on a journey of story and music into the essence of trees. Evolutionary Activism 10 - 10:45 AM PST Mario Trigueros, Managing Director of Pachamama Alliance Radical Honesty, Now More than Ever 11 - 11:45 AM PST Conversation with the founder of Tree Sisters, Clare Dubois, to reflect honestly and courageously on our individual impact on the planet and on what we are willing to change in our behavioral patterns and attitudes for the greater benefit of all beings on the planet. Finding our Power to Make a Positive Difference in the World by Connecting Deeply with Nature 12 - 12:45 PM PST Alan Watson Featherstone "In this talk I'll be drawing on my personal experience of reclaiming a missing human birthright - a profound connection with wild Nature - and working with that to allow the power of love that is in each of our hearts to energize and implement meaningful positive purpose in our lives. I'll be giving examples from my own life, of how I acted on what I felt was the call for help of a dying forest in Scotland to create an award-winning conservation charity that has planted over 1.5 million native trees and has changed the lives of many of the thousands of volunteers who have taken part in its work. " Meeting Wildfire Disasters with Resilience 1 - 1:45 PM PST Panel Discussion Every year, the wildfire season is becoming longer and increasingly devastating in vast areas of the world. This affects millions of people's lives in a very direct way. What can we learn from nature about recovering from these often catastrophic environmental disasters and adapting to a changed world? Hear from the firsthand experience of two seasoned wildfire experts. Community Sharing Circle 2 - 3:00 PM PST An opportunity to reflect on the day's experience in community. Sharing and listening to the wisdom inherent in each individual and the group. Full schedule and sign-up here: https://thenaturetalks.com/

The eddy of January: before the creek froze I noticed the eddy here, where some water slips out of the fast current and moves slowly upstream before returning to the fast channel. In a canoe, after paddling rapids, we often "eddy out" into calmer waters and drift gently upstream, just like the bubbles you see here. We catch our breath, look back where we've been, get our bearings. We wait for the rest of the group and make sure everyone's safely through the rapids before continuing together. I gave myself January as eddy time. For many of us, those not on the frontlines or stretched by other demands, this lockdown might be offering time to "eddy out". If you watch the waters of the creek, what do you notice? What speaks to you? #naturewisdom #gratitude #foresttherapyottawa #naturesgifts #whitewater

Ready for a deep dive into the conversation and experience of nurturing nature connection? This free event is organized by three of my fellow Forest Therapy Guides and features many stellar leaders sharing insight from a number of perspectives and backgrounds. https://thenaturetalks.com/

I'm so often awed by the perfection of the world. Here's wild aster gone to seed, tall enough to stand above the snow all winter, offering food for birds. And many seed heads will last until spring, providing soft material for birds as they prepare their nests for the next generation. #naturalwonders #harmonycreekoshawa #noticelooklisten #whyistheworldsobeautiful #foresttherapyottawa #NatureGifts

Thank-you Margaret! Contact me to order a gift voucher for somebody special. Details in comments.

I had to laugh at myself this morning. Arriving at the park I thought I might be the first one making tracks in the fresh snow... ! Skiing along beside the tracks, I sensed the echoes of the ones who had passed that way earlier. Who goes before you on the trails?... #foresttherapyottawa #naturegifts #winter2021 #harmonycreekoshawa #animaltracks

Tuck this gift certificate into somebody's stocking with a sprig of white pine or balsam fir, and put a smile in their heart. Contact me to order and I'll email you a custom certificate with your unique one-time discount code. The certificate can be applied to a public walk, private walk or remotely-guided walk. #foresttherapy #natureheals #foresttherapyottawa #shinrinyoku #forestbathing

I walk past the houses, down onto the playing field and across the baseball diamond, and then I enter another world when I pass through the single row of spruce trees planted alongside the creek. An instant dropping of stress and upwelling of gratitude. This pair of mallards found their sanctuary there too. #harmonycreekoshawa #natureheals #makewayforducks #foresttherapyottawa #naturemedicine #gratitude

Great tips here to help you be comfortable and happy outdoors this winter! https://www.npr.org//how-to-retain-your-heat-and-stay-upbe

I'm hearing a lot of people saying they're craving some time to rest. I count myself in that category. It's been a long haul, this pandemic. Can we give ourselves permission to rest, to lean in to the invitation of winter?

A gift for National Tree Day: 15% OFF all walk registrations today! The future looks so uncertain. May the trees bring you to the clarity of the moment. The days feel disjointed.... May the trees knit you back together. Everything feels unstable. May the trees bring you to the strong roots of your self. See the walk calendar and registration links on my website and use the code NTD2020 when you register, to get 15% off until midnight: http://www.foresttherapyottawa.ca/public-walks--events.html

It's National Tree Day! In honour of the trees, this documentary is free to view all day. An invitation to discover "the forgotten wisdom of trees" and hear the song of the power of nature. "Visionary scientist and acclaimed author Diana Beresford-Kroeger explores the science, folklore, and history of this essential eco-system reminding us that when we improve our profound human connection to woodlands we can not only restore our health - we can restore our planet."... Here's the trailer, and you can find the vimeo link in the Comments below: https://youtu.be/45jwIzO6D60 #NationalTreeDay #NTD2020 #natureheals #calloftheforest #naturetherapy #foresttherapy Call of the Forest

Sunshine and warm temperatures on the horizon! Join me Sunday afternoon on the Crazy Horse Trail on the edge of Kanata. This walk involves a little bit of hiking and lots of slowing down. Only 6 spots available, so that we can respect physical distancing (but you CAN get close to the trees!) https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/crazy-horse-trail-hike-forest-b

Mega-gratitude to @LisaPatersonYoga for this post. And always grateful for how Lisa shows up in the world, with such honesty and grace.

Get insights into great places to hike in Ottawa in this webinar tonight. With Ecology Ottawa. #ottawahikes #OttawaNature #natureheals

New date to give you more notice! Hope you can join me Sunday Sept. 20th in the afternoon. I love this trail -- it's a bit more up-and-down than most places I guide so it's perfect if you're looking for more exercise to go with your forest bathing.

A rectangle of sunlight caught my eye, framed on a tree trunk like an 8.5 x 11 poster. I went closer to read the message and it called me to rest on a rock in the flowing stream. "Sit, breathe and simply be," it said. "And invite your friends!" Would you like to sit in the stream with me for a minute? #healingwater #gatineauhills #singingwaters #wisdomofnature #forestbathing #foresttherapy

Walking into and through the fog in the Meech Creek valley last evening was unlike anything I've ever experienced before. Beyond words, so I'll try with photos... (This is close to the Gatineau River in Quebec.)

A little gem of a film (5 min.) from Canada's National Film Board, that beautifully conveys the essence of forest bathing: https://www.nfb.ca/film/attuned/ Thanks for the link Linda Rendezvous Rupert! #nfb #natureheals #forestbathing #foresttherapy #nature

Join me Monday and I'll show you some of my favourite hiding spots in the Arboretum! You can join by Zoom from a place outdoors and show us what you discover there, in your place. Or join from indoors and see the world out your window -- or through your screen -- in a whole new light. #dominionarboretum #canadensis #natureheals #Ottawanature

Wise and gentle advice from my friend Lisa Paterson.

When plants and people get together, something wonderful often happens! Gardening in the alleyway brought these neighbours together.

I love walking in the rain and discovering the treasures that rain and leaves co-create!

People who have a strong relationship with nature often acutely feel both the joy of that connection and the grief and worry too. I've found that The Work That Re-connects, pioneered by Joanna Macy, helps me be grounded, connected and clear in my purpose. That's why I've worked towards being able to guide others in this work, and am so pleased to co-facilitate this upcoming webinar series with Robin Macdonald of Heart Land. I'm pleased to answer any questions if you'd like more information.

So much to celebrate about this post from the Canadian Museum of Nature!

Today I celebrate roadside flowers! I remember a time when the edges of highways and country roads were regularly mowed or sprayed with herbicides. I love seeing the wildflowers growing now along the highways -- they're a sign that we can change our priorities and make better decisions and let the wild ones be.

This week's Virtual Nature Walk will be hosted from Britannia Conservation Area, a green gem right in the city. A boardwalk crosses a pond where turtles sun themselves and ducks and herons make their homes. Past the pond tall pines shade the pathway. You can hear the voice of the Ottawa River nearby too. You can join the walk from anywhere -- outdoors in a favourite nature spot, in your yard or on a balcony, or indoors in front of your computer. At 1:50 pm, before the walk officially starts, I'll begin sharing the sights and sounds of life at the pond (Mud Lake).

On this first day of summer and National Indigenous Peoples Day, a gift from Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of the bestselling Braiding Sweetgrass. Here, she shares the Potawatomi Creation Story and reflects on the question "What does the earth ask of us?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4nUobJEEWQ

From a participant on this week's Virtual Walk: ... I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated your forest walk... The gentle and knowledgeable process opened me up to new perceptions and ways to respond to nature... It was great to see and 'sense' nature - that came more easily in the virtual environment than I expected. I found myself relaxing into the beauty, and restored by the end of our time. - Julia G.... Join me while I host you from the incredible Gillies Grove! #natureheals #forestbathing #natureconservancyofcanada #galileecentre

Join me Monday afternoon on a virtual walk through Fletcher Wildlife Garden, past the pond and through the butterfly meadow, as part of Garden Days 2020, June 13-21. This is a FREE walk for older adults, sponsored by Bronson Hub and Flo's Seniors. Join by Zoom, by phone or computer, indoors or out. I'll be guiding more free virtual walks every Monday in June, July & August, from various locations. #gardentime #GardenDaysCanada #ottawanature #naturetherapy #shinrinyoku #natureheals #fletcherwildlifegarden

"... instead of going into the forest to observe it, we also need to sit and let it observe us... The real medicine comes in the stillness." https://www.cbc.ca//nova-s/shalan-joudrey-nature-1.5590273?

You can still sign up for the Monday June 8 free Virtual Nature Walk for older adults, sponsored by the Bronson Hub and Flo's Seniors, from 2 - 3:15 pm. This week I'll be guiding the walk from Thickson's Woods Nature Reserve in Whitby, Ontario -- home of the last old-growth pines on the north shore of Lake Ontario. Details and sign-up info here: https://bronsoncentre.ca//virtual-workshop-calendar-for-j/

Free Virtual Forest Therapy walks for older adults in Ottawa! I'm pleased to be guiding these walks, sponsored by the Bronson Hub, in collaboration with Flo's Seniors. Every Monday in June, July & August, from 2 - 3:15 pm, connecting by phone or computer using Zoom. Registration info here: https://bronsoncentre.ca//virtual-workshop-calendar-for-j/

A voice for our times, on behalf of all life. Highly recommended reading! https://www.theguardian.com//robin-wall-kimmerer-people-ca

Two delightful minutes for your Sunday morning. I re-discovered this gem recently. And yes, you are allowed to sing and move along with her! My Roots Grow Down! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYFsbxdaJSg

Ahhh....Spring dancing into summer.