Providence Health Care Dialogue on Aging Public Speaker Series
The Power of Nature: Promoting Wellbeing During Covid-19 and Beyond
Speakers: Kari Krogh, Paul Gauthier, and Mahnoor Khan
March 15, 2022
This informative and experiential 45 min presentation began with a review of our Covid-19
context with its associated health consequences. A selection of research studies highlighting the many physiological and mental health benefits of forest bathing for seniors were then reviewed. This was followed by a personal story of a senior experiencing complex stress related to being a caregiver for her spouse in the context of the pandemic and how she has used an indoor garden to support her self-care efforts. We then moved through a series of three brief nature-based video invitations to give attendees a taste of the kind of programming we offer.
Explanations based on research and neuroscience were provided as a way of elaborating upon the comments shared by participants in response to the invitations. We concluded with an outdoor white pine tea ceremony.
Eternal Forest Conversation with Kari Krogh
A Journey of Healing on the Land: Knowing My Place Among Trees
October 20, 2021
In this interactive presentation, Kari shares her story of living out a reciprocal relationship with the land of the EcoWisdom Forest Preserve, located on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg peoples. She lives off-grid without running water or electricity, collecting rainwater in summer and melting snow on a wood stove in winter. She shares the forest and wetlands with wild-roaming moose, bear, lynx, and wolves. The chickadees who follow her through the forest in winter, enjoy eating out of the palm of her hand. Kari shares her experience of deep healing through mindful nature connection as she guides you through several nature-connection practices to nurture your kindness for and appreciation of the land you reside upon while opening your heart to the gifts it has to offer.