Fall…the season of my birth! The trees begin to turn from their verdant shades of green to beautiful burnished shades of red, gold, and orange, and shed their canopy. A time of gratitude for the harvest, and reflection on what has been planted and created over the year. And turning our focus inward and letting go of what no longer serves.

“The trees are about to show us how beautiful
it is to let go” - Anonymous.

I was blessed to travel to Ontario Canada to Cedar Ridge Camp in early September for my immersion experience with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) - the culmination of my guide training. And to gather in person with guide friends and our two guide mentors, Stana and Ronna, from our virtual trainings over the past year! Time to just be with the pristine forest, lake, and each other.

Spending 5 days surrounded by the nature and guide community was deeply healing. On our last day, I had a particularly profound experience in the cedar grove along the lake during a guided walk with our mentor Stana. One of our invitations was to be with a tree. And ponder - what can you offer, and what can the tree offer you. I felt a large cedar tree beckoning me to sit with her. The base of her trunk was slightly curved, providing a cradle for me to settle against. There were large patches of brilliant green moss covering her bark and her roots where they traversed the ground. I felt my body merge into hers, and she to me. I offered love and gratitude to her for her life. And felt hers in return. Tears began to flow. I told her I was leaving Cedar Ridge to return home and was starting a part time job that I felt ambivalent about. She reminded me that I carry home within me, and that she is always with me. That we are all connected to everything in the Universe, and are one. I touched her roots going into the ground, caressing the soft moss covering her bark. She offered me a piece - a talisman of hope, strength, and love.

Now, back home in western MA, whenever I choose, I can close my eyes, visualize sitting against her, and breathing with her. And I am right back in that magical cedar grove by the lake.

One of the many things I love about the heart opening practice of forest therapy/bathing and nature connection is its simplicity. I am merely a guide to invite participants to experience whatever wants to come forth for them. The nature beings freely give their wisdom and medicine, if only we are still long enough to receive.

“The heat of the autumn
Is different from the heat of the summer
One ripens apples
The other turns them to cider”

— Jane Hirshfield

Join me for October walks!

In person in Western MA, at Fare Thee Well in Huntington (just outside of Westhampton), October 9th and also October 30th. 10 am to 12:30 (EST)

And Virtual/remote, via zoom (see my web site FAQ for more info about how this works ) on October 16, 1 - 3 pm EST

Also consider my private bespoke experiences for groups and individuals.

Love from the Cedars and the Joy of Community

Join me for October walks!

Turtle Wisdom