Nature and Forest Therapy

At Sport + Spirit Wellness Retreat, we look to our surrounding forest, offering us the opportunity slow down and drop in to receive it. Curious about what gifts the forest has for you?

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– ABOUT THIS ACTIVITY –

Nature and Forest Therapy

NOTE: This is a 3-hour workshop and will only be offered on Sunday, September 15, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (Camp Activities) - see Wellness Program Schedule).

Nature and Forest Therapy, often called Forest Bathing, is inspired by the Japanese practice Shinrin-Yoku. This practice helps us to feel balanced and to reconnect us to our place among all things.

While immersed in nature we slow down, tune into our senses and invite deep connection, introspection, reflection and sharing. We cultivate the practice of stillness as we focus our attention within ourselves and the natural environment around us. Different from hiking a path or trail, we don’t travel far on a Forest Therapy Walk, as this is all about the journey not the distance covered.

During the experience, you will be guided by a certified Forest Therapy Guide. The guide will offer a series of sensory invitations facilitating explorations in nature. Participants can expect to spend time independantly exploring the natural environment for periods up to 20 minutes at a time. Participants have time to voluntarily share what they notice.

Each participant has the chance to have their own unique experience as each receives the invitations in ways that feel right for them. There is no incorrect way to receive an invitation. As we cultivate connection to the non-human elements in our natural environment we intuitively connect with ourselves a little deeper.

Forest therapy is a practice that ultimatley allows individuals to connect with nature and bring themselves to the true essence of their being. Because of this, the body and mind have the opportunity to be in the same space simultaneously bringing awareness to the present moment.

When we are present, our bodies respond to the natural surroundings and our internal systems slow down, blood pressure lowers, our stress level drop and we begin to heal.

While there is a great deal of scientifically proven positive effects of nature on humans, this relationship between humans and trees and nature has been widely practiced for thousands of years.

Based on registration, Allison will be supported by Beth Montgomery (Restorative Yoga Instructor). Beth is also a Forest Therapy Guide and Coach.

What part of your story is still calling out to you?

Allison Easton began Graceful Roots after a culmination of lived experiences and educational pursuits, and in her words allowing her to flourish gracefully.  

After a lengthy recovery from a major surgery, Allison used yoga, meditation and nature to heal.

During this time she felt called to follow her heart and travel to Costa Rica where she completed her 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training with The Marianne Wells Yoga School. Immersed in the jungle, she was pulled even deeper into her connection with trees, animals and nature.

As a volunteer hike leader, with Rainbow Routes Association, Allison has led countless hikes on local trails in her home town in Northern Ontario.

Studying her local plants with curiosity, Allison found a deeper passion for nature and an undeniable calling to connect with plants. She undertook and obtained a 375 hour certification in foraging edible and medicinal wild herbs through the Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine.

In 2019 another calling from the Forest, Allison joined the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT) intensive training in British Columbia and received her certification as a Forest Therapy Guide.

Forest Therapy impacted Allison personally in a profound way and through Grace Roots she offers guided Forest Therapy Walks in the Greater City of Sudbury allowing others to receive healing from the Forest.