As a health professional, we know you work hard in a system that is often challenging and frustrating. We know that COVID has been (and continues to be) an extremely challenging time in health.
This event is about YOUR wellbeing.
YOU know that you can’t care for others from a place of burnout or exhaustion.
(f you're NOT a health care professional and would love to experience Forest Bathing you are also very welcome to this event)
THIS is an experience for you to feel nurtured, supported and rested as we partner with this beautiful nature and its restorative effect. Did you know that there are many ‘nature prescription programs’ for health professional to ‘prescribe’ time in nature for patients?
This is an opportunity for you to prescribe some nature for yourself! Maybe you could claim this as a work expense as you investigate nature as a therapeutic modality?
During this Forest Bathing experience you will take the time to stop, smell, touch and notice nature at The Cedars Hahndorf and immerse yourself amongst the mighty gums and landscape that played muse to famous Australian artist Sir Hans Heysen.
This gentle guided experience, led by Bronwyn Paynter of ‘NatureOT Pty Ltd’ will allow you to disconnect from technology and remind you that you are a part of nature, belong in nature and care for nature. Sir Hans Heysen was deeply connected to the Australian landscape - this is an opportunity to see and understand the transformative nature of The Cedars for yourself.
If you find you are often rushed, stressed and overwhelmed with the pace of life this may be for you! Your ticket to this event also grants you access to the beautiful artist’s garden and surrounds at the Cedars, so why not make a day of it and plan to arrive early or bring your lunch and linger after your forest bathing experience?
What is Forest Bathing?
Forest Bathing (no swimming involved!) 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, and connect with 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 this nature. If that sounds interesting and you’re curious we’d love you to join us!
Why come?
Because you deserve a break!
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! 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 care 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?
Who runs this?
Bronwyn Paynter, from NatureOT Pty Ltd is 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. Nature connection started with gardening, camping (as a girl guide) and family holidays in nature. For the last few years Bronwyn has been coaching occupational therapists internationally in ways to work more closely with nature because there is so much evidence about how nature is the optimal environment for people to flourish.
Where will we meet?
At The Cedars, estate of artist Sir Hans Heysen, 68 Heysen Rd, Hahndorf – please park in the carpark & walk down to the shop.
Is there a toilet?
There are public toilets available.
Are there 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.
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 you will require a reasonable level of physical mobility. There are gentle slopes to walk up and downhill. You will also be invited to sit or lie on the ground (on mats provided), or have the opportunity to sit on fallen tree trunks.
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 and other staff on site. 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 please dress appropriately. You will be most comfortable in closed shoes or boots e.g., sneakers or boots. 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 suncream, 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 place specific 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 - please change to whatever your cancellation process is.
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 organiser with any questions?
e-mail bronwyn@natureot.com.au or text Bronwyn on 0412404700
