*Please note that spaces are limited to 10 participants per session.*
My name is Luke and I am a Forest Therapy Guide trained & certified by the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy.
I have done various things throughout my working life (mainly in the social and environmental justice charity sectors) but I've recently put all of my focus onto my two great loves: nature and improving my community's wellbeing. This project is called Queer on Earth because I believe in celebrating the queerness of nature - something much broader than just human identities.
As homo sapiens sapiens we have evolved over thousands of years near and within forests but during the last centuries we have lost some of this connection. Extensive research shows that this has affected our health and our general wellbeing. Forest therapy (deeply influenced by the Japanese practice of shirin-yoku or forest bathing) can play a part in our connection with the natural and more-than-human world around us and, as a Guide, I try to create space for this.
This two-hour walk will give us time to explore some invitations to slow down, connect with our senses and notice our surroundings. We will close with sharing tea*. The forest is the therapist, the Guide opens the door - this isn't talking therapy and everything in these sessions is optional, you can take part as much or as little as you like. This won't be a nature class or a hike or include any strenuous activity.
As we are still in a global pandemic it would be ideal to maintain social distance throughout and you are encouraged to take any precautions that you need to feel comfortable.
*In light of this, we won't be exactly "sharing" tea, so please do bring something to eat or drink for the final part of the walk.
We will be in a park with WC facilities and you may want to bring along the following:
- A cap, hat or sun cream if it will be sunny.
- A waterproof of some kind if it won't be sunny.
- Another layer of something for warmth as we won't be rushing about.
- A bottle of water.
- If you are inclined to sit down in the park you may want to bring a blanket or something similar to sit on.
- Something to eat or drink for the end of the walk.
A bit on accessibility... My walks are always inclusive of the LGBTQ+ spectrum but you do not have to be queer to join us. I strive to work in a way that is anti-racist and anti-oppressive. Although it is not strenuous, due to the terrain of this particular walk, for your safety, I would not recommend joining this session if you have limited mobility. I will soon be offering seated sessions. Please do contact me directly if you're interested in a seated session.
Additionally I would like all sessions to be accessible regardless of means: if £20 isn't possible for you right now but £10 is please use the voucher code "tenbucksoff". If £10 isn't possible please use the code "allbucksoff".
Here's a bit about Forest Therapy from the Association for Nature & Forest Therapy Guides & Programs (where I trained):
"Forest Therapy is a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in forests and other natural environments. Forest Therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, which translates to “forest bathing.” Studies have demonstrated a wide array of health benefits, especially in the cardiovascular and immune systems, and for stabilizing and improving mood and cognition. We build on those benefits and look beyond, to what happens when people remember that we are a part of nature, not separate from it, and are related to all other beings in fundamental ways.
Forest Therapy is a practice. It is open-ended; there is no prescription for what a person "should" experience, or what benefits they "should" receive. Instead, it is a practice of developing a deepening relationship of reciprocity, in which the forest and the practitioner find a way to work together that supports the wholeness and wellness of each. In Forest Therapy, there is a clearly defined sequence of guided events that provides structure to the experience, while embracing the many opportunities for creativity and serendipity offered by the forest and the individual inspiration of each guide."