Join us for Forest Bathing (no swimming involved), to bathe your senses in nature, slow down, restore, rejuvenate and feel alive! This event is for any person who is wanting to support their own wellbeing with guided experiences of nature connection that you can carry into your every day.
We particularly invite carers to this event. As a carer, we know you make a significant difference to the quality of life for the person/people you care for. We want you to know that we see and appreciate you, and would love you to join us at this event. If you have connections with someone who is a carer, please spread the word by passing on the event info and link. This event it open to all people to attend, including carers.
THIS event is an experience for feeling nurtured, supported and rested as we partner with this beautiful nature and its restorative effect.
What is Forest Bathing?
Forest Bathing is a chance to 'bathe' or immerse ourselves in the natural environment. It is an opportunity to awaken and engage our 5 senses - listening, touching, smelling, tasting and seeing as we allow ourselves to just ‘be’ in nature. We wander slowly (less than 1km), take time to stop, smell, touch and notice nature. The experience involves guided ‘invitations’ to help us notice the nature, calm our busy minds, perhaps be playful and have some fun and is tailored to the needs of the group.
Forest Bathing is not hiking or bushwalking. It’s not strenuous or ‘exercise’. It is not about bushwalking or nature identification, or ‘thinking’. It’s a gentle guided experience to forget about the ‘to-do’ list and give yourself an opportunity to rejuvenate in nature. You can disconnect from technology and release yourself from having to keep track of time as we lead you through nature. If that sounds interesting and you’re curious we’d love you to join us!
(There’s a link to a 2 min taster video from National Parks & Wildlife at the end of this info)
Why come?
Research shows that Forest Bathing (also known as shinrin yoku, forest therapy or nature therapy) has benefits including lowering blood pressure, reducing stress hormones in the body, improving mood, reducing worry, improving immune system function, improving concentration, memory and ability to think clearly and increasing our sense of vitality and feeling alive! This event is a partnership between occupational therapists Bronwyn Paynter and Cherie Rowett. We are committed to sharing a nature connection opportunity with you because we deeply know and understand how much nature supports health and wellbeing. There will be opportunity for conversation about nature for health and wellbeing with us both at the end of the forest bathing experience. In a world where people of all ages are increasingly disconnected from nature, a deliberate guided nature-based experience such as this can help remind us that WE are part of nature, belong in nature and caring for nature.
Who is this for?
If you feel stressed, overwhelmed, ‘wound up’, busy. If the people who love you say – ‘you need to slow down’. If you are concerned about your physical or mental health but struggle to prioritise your own wellbeing when you have so much to do. If you’ve tried other wellbeing practices that just don’t suit you (maybe you just can’t ‘get’ meditation). If you love nature and tend to rush through while being really active – hiking, running, cycling. But most of all if you are curious about experiencing nature in this way?
Where
Come and see (and hear!) this beautiful urban nature oasis. This park on the bank of the River Torrens is filled with birds, beautiful trees and a secret private place to gather for a cuppa and chat at the end of our Forest Bathing walk.
Who runs this?
NatureOT is Bronwyn Paynter, an occupational therapist with almost 30 years experience, and a passion for supporting wellbeing. Bronwyn is a certified Forest & Nature Therapy Guide with the Association of Forest & Nature Therapy Guides and Programs, and a permaculture designer. Bronwyn provides Forest Bathing and nature connection workshops in National Parks, urban park, council libraries and workplaces. She also supports other occupational therapists internationally in incorporating nature into their work with people.
Heart Choice Essentials is Chérie Rowett, a wellbeing practitioner supporting caregivers with strategies for a do-able and enjoyable life, and for effectiveness in the caregiving role. Chérie’s work is inspired by her own ongoing experience of the role demands as a sibling caregiver in her family, plus her extensive professional experience over 30 years as an occupational therapist. She thus brings a deep and wholistic understanding of quality of life, adaptability, wellbeing and self-care into her wellbeing work with people.
FAQs
Where will we meet?
Meet at the end of Canino Drive, Kidman Park (adjacent the public toilet block, near the footbridge).
Is there a toilet?
There are public toilets available.
Are their age restrictions? Is this suitable for children?
This event is best suited to adults or children over 8 who are able to stand quietly and listen for up to 10minutes. Children will be required to be under the care of a responsible adult to supervise their participation. If you’re interested in a more family friendly or child focused experience contact Bronwyn to explore options for a custom/private forest bathing session.
How physically demanding is Forest Bathing?
This Forest Bathing experience will be very gentle. We will be walking on the dirt/grass paths or the grass, and will be climbing a small hill at the end so it will require a reasonable level of physical mobility.
Will I be safe?
Bronwyn has a current first aid certificate and will be carrying a first aid kit. There is mobile phone reception where we will be. Please advise any particular health concerns that may be relevant. Please feel free to contact Bronwyn to discuss any concerns on 0412404700.
COVID
All current SA Health requirements regarding covid-19 will be required to be followed during the event. This particularly applies to maintaining 1.5m distance from other people not in your household group. Do not attend if you are unwell.
What should I bring to the event?
We will go ahead regardless of the weather so dress appropriately. You don’t need boots or special shoes for this event – it’s a gentle wander in a grassy park. Consider wearing/bringing an extra layer as well as beanie (hat), gloves and scarf if it's cold or windy. We move very slowly during a Forest Bathing session, and spend time sitting still so perhaps add an extra layer to your clothing since we're not physically active. If sunny then sun-cream, long sleeves and a shady hat are recommended.
Also - a drink bottle of water, and any special snacks you may want. A simple snack (usually fruit) and a hot drink of tea will be served as part of the experience. If you or anyone in your group have any dietary restrictions or allergies please contact the organiser at bronwyn@natureot.com.au to advise prior to the event.
What's the cancellation policy?
The event will only be cancelled in the case of extreme weather or safety hazards e.g., thunderstorms. If the event is cancelled you will be notified by 8pm the evening prior - by the e-mail you used to register.
If you are unable to attend the event please cancel via the Eventbrite process so any people on the waiting list can access tickets. We really encourage you to prioritise this wellbeing practice for your self-care and make it important for you to attend once you have booked.
NOTE - you will be required to complete a registration/disclaimer form on arrival prior to the event commencing.
How can I contact the organisers with any questions?
e-mail bronwyn@natureot.com.au or text Bronwyn on 0412404700
