With my take-over of the Wellness Almanac coming to a close, I have been reflecting on what I hoped to share through this exploration of nature connection. This led me to consider why I had committed to sharing the practice of Forest Therapy in the first place. It certainly wasn't an easy decision and it … Continue reading Final Thoughts – The Peace Of Wild Things

On this morning of the full moon, I am listening to the gentle tinkling of rain on my roof. The air around me vibrates with the contented purr of my cat. In the distance, a stellar's jay screeches. Earlier this year, I listened to a conversation with acoustic biologist, Gordon Hempton. Hempton records natural soundscapes, … Continue reading The Music Of The Earth

Earlier this week, I wrote about ‘Interbeing’, the understanding that life is inherently relational, where the existence of one draws from the existence of all. It is my belief that embracing interbeing is the paradigm shift we need to address the challenges of our times and ultimately create a more harmonious and balanced world. Realising … Continue reading Embodying Interbeing.

In his love letter to the Earth, Thich Nhat Hanh writes: "We are the earth and we are always carrying her within us. We are a living, breathing manifestation of this beautiful and generous planet. Knowing this, we can begin to transform our relationship to the earth. We can begin to walk differently and to … Continue reading Walk as though your feet are kissing the earth

At the end of this week, we will observe the Spring Equinox: the day marking the astronomical commencement of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Of course, the shift in seasons is not defined by a single day. It is a steady transition out of one reality and into another. Like the animals around us, we … Continue reading On Interbeing

Three years ago, I moved to British Columbia from the Dharug nation in Sydney, Australia, feeling anxious, lost and burnt out. I had just resigned from my government position supporting science, innovation and industry. I had joined government fresh out of university and brimming with optimism, but over the course of five years, you are … Continue reading Healing in the Forest – An Invitation

6 months ago, I accepted an invitation to be a guest slash guinea pig on a forest therapy guided walk, led by Monica Sander Burns, who works as a research associate at Clear Course Consulting here in Pemberton. Monica was completing her certification as a forest therapy guide, and hosting a couple of groups through … Continue reading A week of forest therapy – welcome guest blogger, Monica Sander Burns, next week

I knew a woman who always scheduled her annual mammogram for her birthday, so she'd remember it. I admired this commitment to her health, while also thinking it was a pretty sad way to spend a birthday. Still, this idea of piggybacking a chore to a recurring date is smart. One of this piggyback ideas … Continue reading Spring forward – daylight savings starts this Sunday, March 13, at 2am

A friend recently shared this poem with me. She embarked on a personal project this year to read a poem every morning before she gets out of bed. She has gifted herself the option to stay with any of the poems for as long as she wants, so she can read the same poem every … Continue reading Parents: hold space, create a clearing