Mindful Wanders
Our mindful wanders are a guided experience in nature, combining a gentle walk with nature-based mindfulness practices. Your guide suggests sensory and creative activities to maximise being present and connected in nature. After sessions, people feel calmer, happier and more relaxed.
Sessions are inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku (translates as 'immersion in the forest atmosphere'), also known as Forest Bathing or Forest Therapy, now available world-wide. During the 2-hour session, we slowly wander between 1-2 kilometres in small groups. Research supports what many of us already know - time in nature is so good for our minds and bodies. These benefits can be enhanced through various nature connection practices that form part of our mindful wander sessions.
Kathleen is a certified Forest Therapy guide. During the session, she offers gentle, immersive practices to engage all of your senses, ignite your curiosity and help you to turn off from the outside world. Everything is invitational, you choose what you wish to do. Sessions are conducted mostly in quietness within beautiful green spaces, with opportunities to share in circle (if you wish; silence is always welcome).
We finish with light refreshments, inspired by the flavours of Australia.
Nature Wander and Watercolour Workshop in Endeavour Fern Gully
This special event is held in conjunction with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria). Photo credit below left NTAV.
Deepen your nature connection with this special nature immersion retreat that includes a mindful wander (aka Forest Bathing) followed by a watercolour workshop.
Wander through remnant temperate rainforest, a fern gully and creek. Engage all your senses to immerse deeply into this special place. Then indoors for a watercolour nature journal workshop, capturing what we noticed on our wander. Suitable for beginners and experienced. All supplies provided. Come as you are.
Sunday 29 March, 9:30am to 12:30pm
Endeavour Fern Gully, Red Hill
Mornington Peninsula
Monthly on a Sunday morning, 10am to noon
15 March, 19 April, 17 May
Royal Botanic Gardens - Cranbourne
Kathleen is an extremely skilled Forest Therapy Guide who provided an incredible, informative and immersive therapeutic experience
Adrienne
Give this a go! You will only know what this is like when you experience it yourself. Kathleen is a great guide.
Vicky
Kathleen was a very knowledgeable guide and made it easy for us to get the most out of the experience.
Sally
The Forest Therapy session led by Kathleen was a very informative and lovely experience. I felt relaxed, energised, and more positive at the end.
Heather
Kathleen is a certified Forest Therapy guide and Parks Victoria Licenced Tour Operator.
She has guided hundreds of people in nature-based wellbeing sessions, including Forest Bathing sessions for the National Trust of Asutralia (Victoria) at Rippon Lea Gardens, Forest Therapy sessions at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne and Cranbourne, and in various Parks Victoria locations around Naarm/Melbourne.
Private sessions are available and have included workplace wellbeing sessions, nature-based mindfulness strategies and team connection days.
Join Kathleen on a wander and discover the magic of slowing down and spending time with nature.
Family Friendly Nature Immersions during school holidays
Family-friendly nature immersions explore being with nature in different ways,
including nature treasure hunts and creating art with natural elements.
Two-hour family sessions are designed for adults and children of any age to awaken senses, ignite curiosity
and be more mindful. Connect with each other and with nature.
Children to be accompanied by an adult. Light refreshments included.
Previous feedback - “It was very family friendly and very calming.” and "Really memorable and special.”
Come and awaken your senses, explore the beautiful natural world and bring some wonder to your day.
