Conserving Gabriola’s natural environment isn’t just good for biodiversity—it supports the physical and emotional health of humans too! GaLTT is delighted to offer a Forest Therapy Walk with counsellor and forest therapy guide Janice Furevick.
What’s a guided forest therapy walk?
A forest therapy walk is a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in forests and other natural environments.
Each guided walk invites you to be intentional about your relationship to your environment and to immerse yourself in the nature around you, opening up your senses and slowing down your busy mind.
Forest Therapy was inspired by the Japanese practice of Forest Bathing or shinrin-yoku, which translates as “bathing oneself in the atmosphere of the forest.” Amos Clifford, founder of the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy guides, combined the science of Forest Bathing with his training in psychotherapy, to develop an intentional sequence of invitations led by a trained guide. Each invitation is a practice for your mind, body and spirit in relationship with nature.
What to expect
Don’t expect a simple hike in the woods, or a walk with a naturalist who explains the ecology of your environment! This hike will be a guided opportunity of about 2 hours to
- Immerse your senses in the qualities of the forest and the more-than-human world around you.
- Focus on the relationship between you and nature rather than just taking a walk.
- Experience how partnering with nature calms your nervous system
The details
- Date: Saturday, October 15, 1:30 to 4
- Location: Cox Community Park
- Leader: Janice Furevick, Nanaimo counsellor and forest therapy guide
Cost: Suggested donation is $25/person and can be paid by etransfer to treasurer@galtt.ca or by cheque, mailed to box 56, Gabriola, V0R 1X0. (Janice is donating all money to GaLTT’s Land Acquisition Fund.)
Email programs@galtt.ca to pre-register (space is limited to 20 participants) or if you have questions.
