nature connection

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Forest Therapy Guiding Talk at HopeClub: Monday, June 5, 2017

I understand this is a late announcement, but my new day job has kept me from social media almost entirely.  Please pass this on to anyone you think might be interested.

The American Cancer Society’s local HopeClub in Latham offers programs “for anyone whose life has been touched by cancer.”

This free evening presentation/experience includes dinner, so please RSVP to me and I will get the word to them you are joining us!

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“The Forest is the therapist; the guide opens the door.”

An Introduction to Nature and Forest Therapy

Monday, June 5, 2017, 6 to 8 pm The HopeClub, One Penny Lane, Latham

Unplug.

Breathe with clouds, trees, water, flowers.

Come, live in the untamed world for a while.

Do you feel intuitively that being outdoors in nature can make you feel better or centers you?

Have you heard about Japanese shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” and wondered what it might be like to experience? Would you like to know more about this scientifically researched restorative practice and try it for yourself?

Diane Kavanaugh-Black, Nationally Certified Forest Therapy Guide, yoga instructor and local writer, will talk about what a Guided Forest Walk is, what it isn’t, and why you might participate in one! We’ll try it out with a short nature invitation and then together choose where Diane will lead a full Guided Walk this summer for HopeClub.

 

HopeClub Ask the Expert Forest Therapy 06-05-17

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Forest Therapy Walk August 21st

At the minimum, I had hoped for a lovely day among the shady apple trees, next to the pond and tiny bubbling stream–even out on the hot July grass. As we slowly moved past water lilies and the nodding raspberry bushes, then shared in a circle later, the morning expanded into an even larger and more important experience for everyone, far beyond what I had hoped for.

This is some of what the participants shared after my first forest therapy walk in July:

[I have] become more aware of the small and large beauty around us, and the greater possibility and actuality of greater PEACE.

You would only be helping yourself [to do a walk]; you have to disconnect to reconnect.

Wonderful for helping you take yourself to another level of mindfulness…

I am calmer. Slowed down. More peaceful.

Won’t you join me on Sunday August 21 from 10 am to 1 pm in Troy on the next walk?  

It’s FREE. (More information below and in the pdf flyer.)

****Use the Contact Us tab above to register for the event.*****

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NATURE & FOREST THERAPY WALK

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016, 10 AM TO 1 PM

at a six acre private residence in Troy NY

Led by Diane Kavanaugh-Black: Forest Therapy Guide, yoga instructor, local writer & photographer

This introductory walk is FREE, though donations will be happily accepted.

**Forest Therapy is a series of guided sensory invitations into a deeper connection with nature, that takes place in state parks, nature preserves, arboretums, gardens and private spaces. Light hearted and yet potentially profound, the approach slows us down and opens us to possibilities.

**Forest Therapy allows individuals and groups to experience the healing effects of the outdoors and is accessible to everyone, regardless of age or physical condition. The walks are generally under a mile and on easy terrain. No special knowledge or background is needed.

**Nature and Forest Therapy is a research-based restorative practice which comes out of Japanese shinrin yoku or “forest bathing.” Among other benefits, it has been shown to lower blood pressure, decrease cortisol (stress hormone) levels, and increase immune function. You may have seen recent articles in the Washington Post, Yoga Journal, USA Today or U.S. News & World Report, or on National Geographic Explorer channel.

**Further information and links to scientific research and media reports about Forest Therapy can be found at the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs .

08-21-16 Forest Therapy Walk flyer

Forest Therapy Walk in July

Mandala: bird's foot trefoil.

Mandala: bird’s foot trefoil.   ~~ Let nature do the healing.~~

Here is the first of the promised summer walks in upstate New York, and a .pdf to pass on to anyone who might be interested.

July 22 Forest Therapy Walk flyer

**Please indicate your interest through the “Contact Us” link at the top of this site, and more information will follow.**

Light over the water: breathe in the calm.

Light over water: breathe in the calm.

NATURE & FOREST THERAPY WALK

FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016    10 AM TO 1 PM

at a six acre private residence in Troy NY

Led by Diane Kavanaugh-Black: Forest Therapy Guide, yoga instructor, local writer & photographer

This introductory walk is FREE, though donations will be happily accepted.

**Forest Therapy is a series of guided sensory invitations into a deeper connection with nature, that takes place in state parks, nature preserves, arboretums, gardens and private spaces. Light hearted and yet potentially profound, the approach slows us down and opens us to possibilities.

**Forest Therapy allows individuals and groups to experience the healing effects of the outdoors and is accessible to everyone, regardless of age or physical condition. The walks are generally under a mile and on easy terrain. No special knowledge or background is needed.

**Nature and Forest Therapy is a research-based restorative practice which comes out of Japanese shinrin yoku or “forest bathing.” Among other benefits, it has been shown to lower blood pressure, decrease cortisol (stress hormone) levels, and increase immune function. You may have seen articles in the Washington Post, Yoga Journal, USA Today or U.S. News & World Report recently, or on National Geographic Explorer channel.

**Further information and links to scientific research and media reports about Forest Therapy can be found at the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs .