There is little doubt that the current COVID-19 pandemic has created a significant amount of stress, uncertainty, trepidation, and anxiety throughout our communities.
But the emotional and psychological toll is amplified for the valiant and dedicated emergency first responders and frontline workers who have worked tirelessly to keep our essential services going during the current and previous lockdowns.
With that in mind, as a profound way to express our gratitude and to help these wonderful people mitigate some of the stress they are experiencing, Cataraqui Conservation is offering them the chance to participate in remotely (virtual) guided versions of our lauded and successful Forest Therapy Program free of charge.
While being out in a forest in person with our guide is ideal, under the current stay-at-home orders and lock down Cataraqui Conservation can bring this experience to someone’s home.
A remotely guided Forest Therapy Experience is an opportunity to slow down and get out of one’s head and into the body and senses. The experience can take place either indoors beside a window, near plants, or outside in a backyard (or a combination of both).
Cataraqui Conservation Senior Conservation Educator Stana Luxford Oddie is the co-ordinator of the Forest Therapy Program and its guide since her pioneering efforts to bring the inspiring program to the Cataraqui Region more than four years ago. She is a certified Guide and Trainer with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides.
The program is simple to understand and has proven to help enliven and re-energize one’s mind, body, soul, and spirit. For each session, the guide will offer an introduction, and a series of simple, open, and sensory invitations that can be adapted to connect in a way that feels good for the user. After each invitation there is an opportunity to gather, share and listen to each other in any way that a person may choose through words, the chat function, song, and silence – all is welcome. Each session ends with tea (or something to drink), snacks and a final opportunity to share.
For more information or to book a remote session, visit https://crca.ca/foresttherapy.
For general information about Forest Therapy, visit www.natureandforesttherapy.org.
The remote forest therapy experiences are also open to other community members looking to take a break from their screens and reconnect with nature from the safety and comfort of their home or yard. These are available in both public (several participants) or privately for individuals at $10 per person. Session dates will be posted online at crca.ca/events.