Forest Therapy Walks with Tamara

02/09/2021

Doodle to relieve the overwhelming wave of thoughts and feelings and emails and phone calls...

I feel a little stressed, I won't lie. But also: SO EXCITED to get back to offering forest therapy!

A bunch of new people, groups, locations, rules, safety protocols... let's do this!

The forest has my back 💪🏻🌲

#foresttherapy #forestbathing #shinrinyoku #thebluemountains #collingwoodontario #theforesthasyourback #letsdothis #lockdownisover #reopening

02/08/2021

Took a look at this amazing retreat today with @barefoot_brian89 to scope out opportunities to offer Forest Therapy.

The owner Liz has poured her heart and soul into this place and is very experienced! Her personal touch is added everywhere and she is committed to offering individuals opportunities to experience stillness, growth and rejuvenation.

I was able to check out some of the trails on the retreat property that are infused with the Wye Marsh center - super neat! I was accompanied by a furry rascal 'Eddie' and greeted by a healthy, diverse forest.

Looking forward what will be possible during the next phases of the lockdown...

#foresttherapy #wildedibles #retreat #sugarridgeretreatcentre #georgianbay @ Sugar Ridge Retreat Centre

02/07/2021

It's complete! This 1+ year paper mâché art project is finally finished! And: I LOVE IT 💙

Inspired by humpback whales and driven by the newly gained perspectives after completing my training as a forest therapy guide... I began sculpting a figure that embodies how I feel about these gentle giants 🐋

Enjoy this little 'making of' video! Hope you like it!

#foresttherapy #natureart #humpbackwhale #inspiration #muse #expression #embodiment #art #papermache #exploreyourartisticside

02/05/2021

Discovered something neat by accident today:

While gathering pine cones for some art, one accidentally got covered in snow and I layed it ontop the fire place to dry only to discover it has closed up entirely. Neat, don't you think?

#foresttherapy #natureamazing #pinecones #timelapse

02/03/2021

Meaford received a grant to support youth well-being! This is a FANTASTIC happening, especially during this ongoing pandemic.

Our youth are our future and the pandemic has affected their lives greatly! I am extremely excited to be offering forest therapy walks for the local youth and the town. I am really curious and looking forward to what they will experience!

I can't wait!

#foresttherapy #youth #wellbeing #municipalityofmeaford #wereinthistogether #theforesthasyourback @ Meaford, Ontario

02/01/2021

Found my twin-cicle! We crack ourselves up sometimes...

The cold got to me today, in a good way. Get outside. Find your winter twin! Who / what is it? Spend some time with them. I wonder what you'll notice.

Also: please tell me about your winter buddies. I'd love to hear ❄💙

#foresttherapy #winterbuddy #itscoldoutside #icicles #punny

01/31/2021

This is winter 💙❄

T'is another crisp one! Bundle up, get outside and feel your nostril hairs freeze up. It's a funny sensation.

What other sensations do you notice when it's below - 10°C?

#foresttherapy #getoutside #bluemountains #niagaraescarpment #collingwoodontario #chillymorning #frozenworld #winterishere #bundleup

01/30/2021

Sunny, crisp Saturday winter morning...

Have you gone out to experience it? Or perhaps you stayed indoors and enjoyed the warmth of the sun through the window?

Try experiencing winter with as many senses feels right to you:
》What does winter look like?👀
》What does winter smell like?👃🏾
》What does winter sound like?👂
》What does winter taste like? 👅
》What does winter feel like?✋🏻

Take it a little further, if you wish:
》Place a hand on your heart. Tune in to your heart sense; how does winter make you truly feel?✋🏽❤

#foresttherapy #getoutside #senses #winter #itscoldoutside #winterwonderland #barefootinthesnow #whatareyounoticing #experiencewinter #snow #icicles

01/27/2021

Ever stand in front of water falls? What do you notice?

I notice ...

♡ how the noise blends out everything else

♡ how the rushing water mirrors my feelings; ex.: I'm so sad because of all the lives lost to Covid19; I'm so angry because of how divided this world sometimes is; I miss being able to guide forest therapy walks soooo much ...

♡ the falls are mesmerizing in an inexplicable way

♡ water is formless

♡ (after a while) how 'out of it' I was for a few momemts and how healing that can be

Do you have any favorite falls? Do you visit them in the winter? What do you notice?

PS: please stay local ♡

#foresttherapy #waterfalls #mesmerizing #waterislife #formlessness #rushingwater #brucetrail

01/24/2021

Waiting to be able to offer in person guided Forest Therapy Walks again ...

Sit tight, folks! Keep warm, have a tea and most importantly: get outside!

#foresttherapy #lockdown #winter #staywarm #staylocal #wereinthistogether #teatime #freespirittours

01/22/2021

Snow Bernie!

Have you gone outside today yet?

#foresttherapy #getoutside #berniesanders #dresswarm #snow #winterisback

01/21/2021

Sitspotting...

A rather uneventful day; grey skies; pandemic lockdown in full swing... gloomy moods on the horizon.

You could do this...
(clean, work on some projects, exercise)
or that...
(answer emails, watch a show, read).

How about just being? How about dismissing the 'shoulds' and 'coulds' and 'what ifs' and 'woulds'... not an easy task. Allowing yourself to simply be, remain in a space, not doing much at all. Simple yet difficult; and so very powerful.

I invite you to spend time in a sitspot. Allow yourself the simplicity of just being. What are you noticing?

#foresttherapy #sitspot #justbe #slowingdown #doingnothing

01/19/2021

'To understand, is to stand under and look up.'

When was the last time you stood under a tree? Did you look up?

Our trees offer us so much more than just wood, shade or oxygen...
I invite you to stand under a tree and experience for yourself what a tree might help you understand more 🌲🌳

Wisdom goes beyond our familiar resources...

#foresttherapy #treewisdom #tounderstand #perspective #lookup

01/16/2021

My offering to you:

Guided audio experience to engage mindfully in a natural area near you ♡

My home isn't ideal for an online offering and I struggle with the concept of experiencing forest therapy through a screen (aside from the fact that we could probably all spend some more time away from our digital devices right now ...)

I am in the midst of finishing a recording designed especially for you to experience nature with your own body, through your own senses in a place that feels right and safe to you (indoors by a window, a local trail or even just from your own balcony; whatever is available to you!)

Instructions will be included. All you'll need are a pair of headphones and a tea.

Cost is by donation. Whatever you are able to pay - times are different and may be tough for you! I am oh so open to bartering as well ♡

Please contact me if you have any questions, are interested or think you may know of someone who might benefit from this.

Much l♡ve, your guide Tamara

#foresttherapy #forestbathing #shinrinyoku #audioexperience #guidedexperience #guidedmeditation #thinkoutsidethebox #lockdown #staysafe #staylocal #wereinthistogether #theforesthasyourback #collingwoodontario #bluemountains #niagaraescarpment #mindfulness #mindfulnature #treeasafriend

01/15/2021

We need nature time! Especially now!

I am endlessly grateful that during this lockdown we are permitted to still use our LOCAL trails.

So, if you are a local (Southern Georgian Bay area), interested in experiencing forest therapy outside and finding some rejuvenation in a local natural space near you, stay tuned! I may have something for you...

#foresttherapy #thinkoutsidethebox #staylocal #collingwoodontario #bluemountains #southerngeorgianbay #thornbury #meaford #wasagabeach

01/13/2021

I have an idea! Help me make it a reality!

The Covid19 pandemic and lockdown are in full swing in Ontario. Many are suffering and I can't help but feel I would like to support the community and try and offer some relief through the offering of an adapted forest therapy walk - right from the comfort of your home or work place!

Offering forest therapy through a screen never felt right to me. I have thought of a different way ➡️

My vision: I show up to your home / work place and offer a guided experience for you (and those in your bubble) through the window. If you have a yard - even better! Some technology will be required, but it is limited to a phone (and if you have it: a speaker).

If you are interested or know of someone who may be, please reach out!

#foresttherapy #lockdown #wereinthistogether #ittakesavillage #adapttosurvive #collingwoodontario #bluemountains #niagaraescarpment

01/10/2021

Reading the final pages of this book... 📖

Another book from the author Peter Wohlleben (which means 'good life', how sweet ♡ ). He gives valuable insight to the rather unknown lives of animals through animal studies done all over the world or from his work and home life experiences. Peter has spent over 20 years working for the forest commission in Germany. He has a wealth of knowledge and experiences he neatly shares in this book.

As an animal enthusiast, I was quite familiar with many things he wrote about in this book. Other chapters though had me saying 'Really?!' or 'huh!' to myself. An overall easy and entertaining read! I highly recommend.

Some of chapters in this book:
- Crowd intelligence
- Selfless mother love
- Once wild, forever wild
- Where is the soul
...

Some animal emotions the author covers:
- empathy, pain, fear, comfort, desire, fun, grief...

#foresttherapy #animallives #peterwohlleben #theinnerlifeofanimals #goodreads #animalsarelikehumans

01/09/2021

Nature always invites to play!

Remember when you were a child? Any chance you'd get, you would try and bounce off something, or balance on things or crawl into spaces... As we grow older, we tend to forget how to play and we disconnect from the importance of it. We lack energy and/or time is what most report. I agree we have more responsibilities the older we get and these do use up more of our energy. The importance of play does not decrease though as we age and dance around the sun...

》Do you ever play in nature? I invite you to cultivate that in whatever way feels right to you next time you spend time outdoors. Liven that inner child of yours, even if it's only for 2 min... I wonder what you'll notice ❄🤍

#foresttherapy #cultivateplay #adultsplaytoo #importanceofplay #natureplay #getoutside #brucetrail #niagaraescarpment #movethroughplay

01/08/2021

☀️Sun-bathing☀️ ... a much needed thing as we enter winter some more 💛

The soothing warmth and Vitamin D boosting rays (my naturopath @arankajones would approve 💞🙏) are a very welcome and nourishing felt experience today. Bringing memories to life of times when things felt more abundant and vibrant.

What was it I learned yesterday in a beautiful women's gathering (@maxineannei thank you!) ? A quote by Clarissa Pinkola Estes (author of 'Women who run with the wolves'):

》'After winter, spring always comes.'《❄💧🌷

Yes. Today certainly feels like this is very true...

》I invite you to enjoy today's sunlight. If it feels right to you, perhaps you'd like to expose more parts of your body to the sun's nourishing rays. I wonder what you'll experience.《

Note: if you want to absorb essential Vitamin D, be sure to bath outdoors and not behind a window as the ultraviolet light can't pass through glass.

May the sun kiss you and your souls 💛

#foresttherapy #sunbathıng #middleofwinter #vitamind #getoutside #invitation #warmthofthesun

01/07/2021

My amazing friend is distributing pollinator seeds in libraries over the next weeks! Check it out and get ready to bring some amazing plant and insect life into your garden this year!

01/07/2021

My amazing friend is distributing pollinator seeds in libraries over the next weeks! Check it out and get ready to bring some amazing plant and insect life into your garden this year!

Dropping off the Seed Library to Clearview Public Library - Stayner Branch today. If you live in Clearview, you have from January 7 - 13 to get some Native wildflower and grass seeds to help out our local ecology!🌿💛

Please also visit our site for the Clearview Seed list and find some educational stuff to read through!
https://www.earthrevival.ca/pop-upseedlibrary

#nativeplants #pollinators #landstewarship #biodiversity #Clearview #Stayner

01/06/2021

I'm not the only one frequenting the sitspot... ♡

🐿🌲❄

A promise to myself this year: to shift more into the 'doing'.

Winter & lockdown combo call for slow and at times quite gloomy days. The lack of sunshine, fresh snow and blue skies can underline this overall sluggish pace. Nudging myself and remembering my promise pays off when discovering such simple little gifts like when the snow reveals a visitor.

💭 What being was it? What was it doing? Did it perhaps sit here like I do sometimes? 🤍
...Are just some things I begin to ponder about in my sitspot

》Are you able to nudge yourself (lovingly) in order to meet your needs?
Do you feel as if nature rewards you from time to time?

#foresttherapy #sitspot #visitor #snowtracks #lockdown #takingsthingsonedayatatime #slowdown #sluggish #selflove

12/31/2020

If you can be anything in 2021, be a:

》STEWARD OF THE LAND《

Land Stewardship defined by landstewardship.org:

"In its broadest sense, stewardship is the recognition of our collective responsibility to retain the quality and abundance of our land, air, water and biodiversity, and to manage this natural capital in a way that conserves all of its values, be they environmental, economic, social or cultural."

How exactly you become a land steward and what that could look like and feel like, is entirely up to you!

My suggestion and invitation: spend some time with the land. Perhaps it will reveal itself to you what it could mean to be a steward of the land!

Happy New year!

Much love,

your guide Tamara ♡

12/30/2020

Winterplay - Quinzee building

Snow - form and formlessness!

Tiny snowflakes so pretty and perfectly formed into stunning ice crystals with mesmerizing shapes ❄❄❄

Take about 13568957653 of snowflakes bunched together in your hands, and you have perfect building material! ⛄

The conditions yesterday were favourable and we felt endlessly invited to play in the snow - a double roomed quinzee with a connecting tunnel was built. May I add that this was the first quinzee I've ever built, at age 30?! You're never to old to embrace your inner child ...

Are you feeling invited to play with the snow? If so, please go and do so in whatever way feels right to you! ❄💙

#foresttherapy #winterplay #innerchild #nevertoooldyoplay #quinzee #playinnature #getoutside #movethroughplay #snow #form #formlessness

12/29/2020

❄ & ☀️ = 🧊💧

The beauty of opposite elements (🔥/💧) interacting together.

I regret not snapping an icicle off and crunching it in my mouth ... Good thing winter has just begun and there will be plenty more icicle to eat 💙

Are you noticing any elements in nature interacting?

#foresttherapy #icicles #waterdripping #warmsun #snow #winter #elements #interacting #slowdown #notice

12/27/2020

Winter & lockdown force us to slow down...

The word 'force' is not a regular finding in my vocabulary; Yet, its appearance and usage has accumulated lately!

Life doesn't always go as planned. The ongoing pandemic is surely of no-one's desire. This sudden demand to stop things and slow down can leave us feeling powerless, as if things weren't in our control anymore.
How can we cope with the impact of all of the world's happenings? How can we shift from resistance to embracing the motion of slowing down? What can we do to return to a place of calm and feel like we do have some choice in our life?

A suggestion: go with the flow. How?

》》》 SITSPOTTING 《《《

I've 'forced' myself (with much love and gentleness and patience and kindness...) to go out more often and simply sit in nature. No agenda, no particular reason - just to be! Pushing myself and nudging myself to do so more often has payed off. A deeper sense of - I'll be alright - has moved into my sense of being - extremely helpful during the lockdown.

》》》I invite you to find yourself a sitspot.

☁️🧘‍♀️🌲

Consider some (most?) of the following items:

- pick a spot in or by nature (indoors by a window is fine, too!)

- use your senses while sitting

- sit frequently for 10 - 20 min (or more ♡)

- add things to your sitspot to make it feel more 'homey' (a sign, something to sit on, decorations...)

- if things get tricky while sitting, perhaps ask yourself: what am I noticing?

- bring a journal if you like

- draw out a map of your sitspot and the surrounding area

- ....

Make this practice your own. You know best what speaks to you! ♡

#foresttherapy #sitspot #permissiontobe #simpleyeteffective #lockdown #wereinthistogether #whatareyounoticing #getoutside #selfcare