Photogallery

contemplative_forest_bathing

🌿We had an awesome Accessible Nature Wellness P

🌿We had an awesome Accessible Nature Wellness Program on Sept 18th! Thanks to all who participated!

🌿Nature, Neuroscience and Resiliency: Bringing Forest Bathing to Urban Parks was the focus. We engaged in nature-connection activities and concluded our community gathering on a bed of moss with strawberry leaf tea.

💚A Brain Resiliency Practice:
I designed this practice to counter our brain’s tendency to regularly focus on potential threats. This is referred to as the negativity bias that keeps our sympathetic nervous system activated.

💚Invitation:
As you watch the video (or connect to nature in any other way) think: Expand, Absorb and Honour.

1. Expand🦋
- open your available senses and take in pleasing details

2. Absorb🦋
- linger in the aspects of the experience most pleasant & gently absorb this, noticing how it feels in your body

3. Honour🦋
- honour yourself for engaging in self-care and express gratitude to the earth for her many gifts

🌿During our closing circle participants were asked to share one word to describe their experience:

Calmness
Connection (to nature, self & one another)
Community
Oneness
Bonding
Love
Gratitude
Purpose
Focus
Restful
Meaningful
Nurturance
Refreshing
Restful
Inspiration
Fantastic

🌿One participant explained, “It was a good reminder of the value of being centered and still.”

Number of participants: 36
Number of volunteers: 9

🌿This free program was offered by the EcoWisdom Forest Preserve in partnership with the Individualized Funding Resource Centre and Technology for Living. It was designed to be accessible to/ inclusive of people with physical disabilities.

🌿We are grateful to have received a TD Park People Grant, enabling us to remove financial barriers to participation.

#accessibilityforall
#tdreadycommitment
#parkpeople
#parkppl
#tdparkpeoplegrant
#nature
#neuroscience
#negativitybias
#resilience
#selfcare
#Greenprescription
#greenRX
#forestbathing
#forestbathing🌲🌲🌲
#shinrinyoku
#shinrinyokustudies
#mindfulnessmeditation
#inclusion
#unlikelyhikers
#onlinecare
#caringcommunity
#resciprocity
#reciprocalcare
#naturewellness

🌿”A journey of healing on the land: Knowing m

🌿”A journey of healing on the land: Knowing my place among trees”🌿

Join us for the next Eternal Forest Conversation with Dr Kari Krogh of the EcoWisdom Forest Preserve

Oct 20 2021 at 1pm EDT.

💚Would you like to join me for a rare opportunity to hear my personal story of finding wholeness and wellness in nature after acquiring a severe disability?

💚I will pause in the telling of my own story, so that you can try some of the nature-immersion and contemplative practices that help me manage symptoms and heal holistically, in a manner attentive to mind, body and soul.

💚To register or for more info see link in bio, go to EcoWisdom.ca “EVENTS” or see @eternalforestglobal (link to website in their bio, go to “NEWS”)

By donation: 50% of the funds will go to forest conservation efforts on the EcoWisdom Forest Preserve and 50% will be allocated to the Eternal Forest Project.

💚🌳💚🌳💚🌳💚

#forestconservation #reciprocalcare
#healingjourney #forestlife #naturemedicine #forestmedicine #integrativemedicine #health #wellbeing #natureconnection #natureconnectionpractices #mindfulnesspractice #meditation #recovery #mindbodysoul #mindbodyspirithealth #forestbathing #forestbathingtherapy #shinrinyoku

Be surprised & support your brain’s resiliency.

Be surprised & support your brain’s resiliency.

The next time you go for a walk in nature, be surprised!

You will be:

💛Practicing seeing with fresh eyes

🧡Finding calm and pleasure in the present moment

💛Supporting brain health & resiliency

I regularly visit these three sister oak trees (see last slide) for quiet contemplation. I was surprised, captivated and delighted by this new discovery!

💛🙏💛May you awaken to beauty and awe today

Nature, Neuroscience & Resiliency: Our Sept 18th program will be integrating direct-nature connection experience with information on neuroscience and resiliency.

This is a popular program so please add your name to the waitlist and we’ll be in touch when/if there is an opening.

This program is free, thanks to a TD Park People Grant.

EcoWisdom Forest Preserve is offering this 2.5 hr virtual program in partnership with the Individualized Funding Resource Centre, and Technology for Living.

🌿NEW PROGRAM: Oct 20 2021 at 1pm EST🌿

💚”A journey of healing on the land: Knowing my place among trees”

💚Join us for the next Eternal Forest Conversation with Dr. Kari of the EcoWisdom Forest Preserve.

💚For more info or to register go to link in bio “EVENTS” or @eternalforestglobal.

💚By donation: 50% will support conservation efforts on the EcoWisdom Forest Preserve and 50% goes to the Eternal Forest Project.

#neuroscience
#noveltyinnature
#natureandbrainhealth
#natureconnection
#fresheyes
#beautyandawe
#forestbathing #foresttherapy
#brainhealth
#concussionrecovery #shinrinyoku
#parkpeople
#tdreadycommitment #tdparkpeoplegrant
#naturewellness
#virtualprogramming

Free Accessible Nature Wellness Program #3: Nature

Free Accessible Nature Wellness Program #3: Nature, Neuroscience and Resiliency - Bringing Forest Bathing to Urban Parks

Register at EcoWisdom.ca “Events” (link in bio)

Funded by a TD Park People Grant

-do you live with a physical disability/chronic illness?
-do you find spending time in nature, or gazing at nature images, brings you a sense of calm?
-would you like to understand the science & practice of Shinrinyoku or Forest Bathing so that you can take in into a local park or use with houseplants?
-are you seeking new ways to experience stress reduction and wellness?

Please join us for this free program.

Sept 18th
2:00- 4:30 Pacific Time
5:00- 7:40 Eastern Time

This program is being offered by EcoWisdom Forest Preserve in partnership with the Individualized Funding Resource Centre and Technology For Living.

TESTIMONIAL:
(Participant from Accessible Nature Wellness Program #2)

I loved the sense of community and calm. I will remember the healing power of nature and the science behind it. I am now motivated to practice nature mindfulness regularly.

The EcoWisdom programs are inclusive to all and the facilitators are very welcoming. The best part was feeling like I was part of a community!

#tdreadycommitment
#parkppl #tdparkpeoplegrants
#neuroscienceofnature
#brainhealth #communitybuilding #concussionrecovery
#forestbathing #resilience #foresttherapy #forestbathing🌲🌲🌲 #shinrinyoku #shinrinyokujoy #naturetherapy #mindfulness #accesstonature #accessibilitymatters #inclusiveprograms #disability #chronicillness #unlikelyhikers

Free Accessible Nature Wellness Program #3: Nature

Free Accessible Nature Wellness Program #3: Nature, Neuroscience and Resiliency

Register at EcoWisdom.ca “Events” (link in bio)

Funded by TD Park People Grant

-do you live with a physical disability/chronic illness?
-do you find spending time in nature, or gazing at nature images, brings you a sense of calm?
-would you like to understand the science & practice of Shinrinyoku or Forest Bathing so that you can take in into a local park or use with houseplants?
-are you seeking new ways to experience stress reduction and wellness?

Please join us for this free program.

Sept 18th
2:00- 4:30 Pacific Time
5:00- 7:40 Eastern Time

EcoWisdom Forest Preserve is partnering with the Individualized Funding Resource Centre and Technology for Living to offer this series.

Text of Slides:

The mindset of “I have enough” naturally leads to peace, contentment, and calm which then elicits spontaneous generosity. It also acts as an antidote to the brain's tendency to focus on the negative.

During our mindful nature-immersion programming...

we engage in nature appreciation, using contemplative practices and nonjudgmental communication. Experiencing a collective deep and embodied appreciation for nature can support both a sense of satisfaction and a desire to share. In turn, this fosters a sense of gratitude, generosity, and community.

TESTIMONIAL:
I loved the sense of community and calm. I will remember the healing power of nature and the science behind it. I am now motivated to practice nature mindfulness regularly.

The EcoWisdom programs are inclusive to all and the facilitators are very welcoming. The best part was feeling like I was part of a community!

#neuroscienceofnature
#brainhealth #generosity #gratitude #communitybuilding #concussionrecovery
#forestbathing #forestlife #foresttherapy #forestbathing🌲🌲🌲 #shinrinyoku #shinrinyokujoy #naturetherapy #mindfulness

🌿Awaken to this Moment🌿 During my morning st

🌿Awaken to this Moment🌿
During my morning stroll, something caught my eye at the edge of the trail and I decided to spend time in the presence of this plant and it’s berries...

noticing the sheen on the surface of the berries and the unique pink structure holding the berries in place.

At the plant’s invitation, as I settled into the present moment, I became aware of my inner landscape.

💜🌿💜What are you noticing? 💜🌿💜

#natureconnection
#presentmomentawareness
#forestbathing🌲🌲🌲
#forestbathing
#shinrinyoku #peace #mindfulness #forestliving #offgridliving

A Sky Blessing (inspired by last night’s paddle

A Sky Blessing
(inspired by last night’s paddle on Hay Lake, at the edge of Algonquin Park)

💛🌅💛 May you find a moment to bring your full attention to the sky.

💛🌅💛 May the light shine down upon your receptive heart.

💛🌅💛 May a moment of awe offer you hope of a beautiful future.

💙🌊🌅🌊💙

💙Want more info on the EcoWisdom Forest Preserve, our programs or training? See link in bio or DM us💙

#sky #raysoflight #lake #lakelife #forestlife #simplicity #joy #hope #awe #natureblessings #paddling #algonquinpark #hope #hopefulness #skyblessings #mindfulness #forestbathing #shinrinyoku

Pausing to take in this moment… just as it is.

Pausing to take in this moment... just as it is.

May you find unexpected pleasure, in a moment between scheduled activities, that brings you deep peace and lasting joy.

🌿🌸💜🙏💜🌸🌿

More Information: EcoWisdom.ca (link in bio)

DM us if you are interested in:
💜 One-to-one nature-mindfulness spiritual accompaniment
💜 Group nature connection programs (including virtual)
💜 EcoWisdom certification in mind-body-soul nature wellness

#joy #peace #stillness #mindfulness #naturemindfulness #natureconnection #shinrinyoku #shinrinyokujoy #forestbathing #forestbathing🌲🌲🌲
#simpleliving
#simplepleasures
#simplicity

Water Medicine Invitation: Awakening Rewilding and

Water Medicine Invitation: Awakening Rewilding and Transformation

The experience of being entirely submerged in these cool flowing waters on a hot summer’s day 3 years ago was nothing short of transformative.

It was right after this experience that we received the message that we “belonged to this land.” We understood that we would take extraordinary steps to make this our home.

Most importantly, this ritual submersion established in us a commitment to live with reverence for the land and all of Creation.

Living off-grid has allowed us to find our way to live gently upon the earth in harmony with its many elements: water, stone, clean air; its spaces: wetlands, lookout points, forested trails; and its inhabitants: moose, wolves, and lynx.

Water Invitation:

Take your shoes & socks off and as you place your feet into the flowing water:

🌊💜🌊Immerse yourself into the soundscape of water.

🌊💜🌊Invite nature’s energy to flow over and through you.

🌊💜🌊Allow its love-infused, silent wisdom to transform you.

More Information: EcoWisdom.ca (link in bio)

DM if you are interested in
💜1:1 nature-mindfulness spiritual accompaniment
💜Group nature connection programs(incl virtual)
💜EcoWisdom certification in mind-body-soul nature wellness

#forestpreserve
#forestlife
#cabinlife
#offgridliving
#waterritual
#spiritualawakening
#reverencefortheearth
#forestbathing
#forestmedicine
#shinrinyoku
#conservation
#ecologylife
#spiritualaccompaniment
#interfaithspiritualdirection
#spiritualdirection
#innerpeace
#earthcare
#virtualnatureprograms

Breathing in beauty with a 💕Blossom Blessing💕

🌼🙏🌸May you slow down long enough to be transformed by a single flower.

🌼🙏🌸May you gaze softly upon a blossom that catches your eye and activates your imagination.

🌼🙏🌸May you open your heart to the depth of its presence.

🌼🙏🌸May you embody its joy as a gentle smile upon your face.

Sending you joy from the EcoWisdom Forest Preserve.

#ecotherapy
#naturetherapy
#forestbathing
#forestbathingtherapy
#forestbathing🌲🌲🌲
#shinrinyoku
#shinrinyokujoy
#joy
#natureblessings
#mindfulness
#mindfulnessinnature
#forestlife

1 Minute Nature Meditation: The Transformative Pow

1 Minute Nature Meditation: The Transformative Power of Fungi. This morning as I sat overlooking the ridge on this log, I considered the transformational power of fungi.

1-Minute Log Meditation:

🌿Take a deep breath

🌿Explore the colours and textures in the images. Be in the moment.

🌿Consider the role of fungi in breaking down old logs to provide nutrient-rich soil for a multitude of plants including young sapling trees.

🌿Are there aspects of your life that you have lost or let go of that can be used to support new growth?

🌿🙏🌿May you find a moment of reflection within your day.

Sending you nurturing from the EcoWisdom Forest Preserve.

#naturecontemplation
#mindfulness
#naturemeditation
#naturereflection #foresttherapy #ecotherapy #forestbathing #fungi #shinrinyoku

Loving-kindness: A foundation for cultivating comp

The teachings of water: Noticing, embodying and ac

The teachings of water: Noticing, embodying and accepting our ability to float in transitional spaces

🌊Water instructs us in the ways of letting go. It is in this state that we notice that we do not sink or fly. Rather, we can naturally occupy a space between lake and sky.

🌊Here we may attune to gentle forces such as gravity, buoyancy and the kind of gentle drifting that is wind-inspired.

🌊Transitional spaces invite us to connect deeply to all that exists within a moment in time, without striving, taking action, or choosing one direction or another.

☀️Water reminds us to take time to reflect.☀️

🦋💙🐟May you open your heart to the teachings of water

🦋💙🐟May you notice the subtle forces that exist to hold and carry you

🦋💙🐟May you find opportunities in your day to practice floating, drifting and simply being

#shinrinyoku
#shinrinyokujoy
#forestbathing
#forestbathing🌲🌲🌲
#naturetherapy
#water
#waterreflection
#waterreflections
#waterblessing
#waterspirit
#mindfulness

A world of wonder within and upon a single tree: E

A world of wonder within and upon a single tree: Exploring texture, colour, and a multitude of life forms

When was the last time you spent time simply “being with” a tree?

🙏🌳💚May you hear the invitation of a tree’s calling

🙏🌳💚May you feel it’s presence in your heart as it holds your troubles & offers hope

🙏🌳💚May you tap into its silent wisdom

#forestbathing
#forestmedicine
#naturetherapy
#shinrinyoku
#shinrinyokujoy
#birchtree
#treemedicine
#lifeofatree
#natureconnection

Accessible Nature Wellness Program #2 🌿 Nature

Accessible Nature Wellness Program #2 🌿 Nature Mindfulness:
Finding Refuge in Urban Greenspaces

Words used by participants to describe their experience:

Nourishing
Joyful
Grateful
Sense of Community
Grounding
Serene
Inter-being
Peaceful

We concluded our time together with a cedar tea ceremony.

Thanks to a TD Park People Grant, we are able to provide this series of 3 free virtual nature-connection programs that are designed to be inclusive of people who live with significant levels of physical disability.

This project represents a partnership between:

EcoWisdom Forest Preserve
Individualized Funding Resource Centre
Technology for Living

One of our 32 participants said afterwards, “Thank you so much. It has been a wonderfully invigorating experience. Feeling lots of love.”

Nine volunteer facilitators were involved in offering this program.

#tdreadycommitment
#parkppl
#tdparkpeople
#forestbathing
#shinrinyoku
#forestmedicine
#disabledhiker

An up-close look at foxes! (Video in last slide)

An up-close look at foxes! (Video in last slide)

After living nearly 1.5 years in the forest, we’ve certainly seen lots of “evidence” of the many animals that share this land with us: moose (see last slide of previous post for a moose video), deer, lynx, bear and fox😁

While we are starting to get more visuals through our field cameras, these fellow inhabitants of the EcoWisdom Forest Preserve certainly know how to stay hidden from sight😏

Last week we spent time at a lodge on a nearby lake. The foxes there were used to being around humans, so I had the unique opportunity to observe them at close range🤗

💛These short videoclips show some interesting behaviours: head shake, yawning, prancing, and individual ear turning.

💛What do you notice?

💛Enjoy!

#forestbathing
#forestbathing🌲🌲🌲
#shinrinyokujoy
#fox
#algonquinpark
#animalbehaviour
#natureconnection

Moose! See video (last slide) of two young moose o

Moose! See video (last slide) of two young moose on the EcoWisdom Forest Preserve.😁

💛Their slow-paced, thoughtful movement reminds us to take the time to be fully present.

💛Beginner’s Mind is a state we cultivate during our mindful nature connection programming. We look at light/shadow, movement, color, texture... as if we are seeing it for the first time.

🌿On May 15th we led the first in a series of three Accessible Nature Wellness Programs funded by a TD Park People Grant.

🌿One of the 30 people who were engaged in the virtual program, described her experience by saying:

🌿”I was able to find silence inside and have a really meaningful experience.”

Additional programs, designed to be inclusive of people living with physical disability, will take place on July 17th and September 18th.

See EcoWisdom.ca “events” for more information.

These programs are offered by the Individualized Funding Resource Centre in partnership with Technology for Living and EcoWisdom Forest Preserve.

#tdreadycommitment #parkppl #accessibleforestbathing

Nature Mindfulness: Finding Refuge in Urban Green

Nature Mindfulness:
Finding Refuge in Urban Greenspaces

Funded by a TD Park People Grant

July 17th
2:00-4:30 (PST)

Do you live with a physical disability?

Do you enjoy spending time in nature or looking at nature photographs?

Are you looking for enjoyable ways to support your physical & emotional health?

Are you curious about science behind Forest Bathing/ Shinrinyoku?

Would you like to share resources about 3 downtown parks in Vancouver?

If these questions have peaked your interest, please join us!

This is the second in a series of virtual “Accessible Nature Wellness Programs” that is being offered for free.

This program represents a collaboration between the Individualized Funding Resources Centre, Technology for Living and EcoWisdom Forest Preserve.

Register at www.EcoWisdom.ca under “events.”

We look forward to welcoming you.

#parkpeople
#tdreadycommitment
#accessibilityforall
#natureconnection
#mindfulness
#forestbathing

Blue Skies & White Clouds Frame the Floating Lilie

Blue Skies & White Clouds Frame the Floating Lilies: The Awakening of Multiple Realities

💙💙💙This week I am spending time on Hay Lake, an entry point to Algonquin Park that is close to our forest cabin. Here, I immerse myself in the subtleties of life by a lake.

💙A morning paddle, led by the heart, brings us to a large secluded bay filled with an expansive display of water lilies.

💙We let the canoe drift slowly.

💙At first, my eye is drawn to the spectacular white lilies but then I see the intricate design inlaid upon every lily pad, making each a unique piece of art.

💙I notice not just the lilies floating upon the surface of the water but also the patterns of water ripples and the way they alter the reflection of clouds and sky that frame the blossoms.

💙💙💙This is what I call “living deep” within a moment. I first learned this contemplative way of being from years of immobility, an experience that taught me that from pain, can arise beauty, awe, faith, and hope.

🌊🙏🌊 May your heart open when you discover the sky has followed you to unexpected places.

🌊🙏🌊 May you discover the uniqueness of a single leaf and embrace your individuality along the way.

🌊🙏🌊 May you, with the support of all that nurtures your soul, find that beauty can accompany pain.

#innerwisdom #waterlilies #waterreflection
#naturemindfulness #mindfulnessmeditation #mindfulmovement #nature-immersion #healingjourney #spiritualawakening #natureblessings

A day of mindful connection, reflection & transfor

A day of mindful connection, reflection & transformation...🧡🧡🧡

Today, as a Canadian,

I connect with the land as I do each day. I breath in the clean forest air as I walk upon the soft mosses. Everything I need is here and I feel deep gratitude for the original caretakers of this land.

I listen to the gentle rain, a sound that invites my tears to flow. I gather flowers in memory of all the Indigenous children lost to this world. What devastating pain this must have created for their families, friends and communities, felt for generations. My heart breaks just thinking about all that this represents.

After my morning (mourning) meditation, I discern that I will honour and memorialize these children today, using the contemplative practice of mandala making.

I allow the process to change me at a cellular level, strengthening my commitments to Indigenous justice, reconciliation and caring for the earth.

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