Last week, I was very privileged to be among the first eight people in New Zealand and Australia to be trained as a Nature and Forest Therapy guide by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programmes.
Nature and Forest Therapy is based on Shinrin Yoku, or forest bathing, which was developed in the 1980s by the Japanese government in response to stress in their society.
Nature and Forest Therapy is about leading people on sensory or mindful walks in nature to slow them down, reduce stress and connect to themselves and nature. It is a deceptively simple but powerful way to de-stress, unplug and get increased benefit from being in nature.
Our training was led by Amos Clifford and Nichole Daspit from the United States, and Vicky Kyan from New Zealand, and the venue was Cascades Kauri Park in the Waitakere Ranges.
If you are interested in coming on a mindful nature walk or arranging for a group to do so, please contact us as we will be beginning to offer this option shortly.
Main photo: Susan Love
