Nature Immersion
On a whole-hearted mission to inspire, teach, and facilitate how we can all heal with the rhythms of nature, through mindfulness and wellness interventions in nature, to unearth vibrant health and wellbeing. Finding joy in nature and the simple little things that make life beautiful.
What is Nature Immersion?
Nature Immersion invites us, through gentle sensory activities, to become child-like again, full of awe and wonder - allowing our curiosity to blend with nature to tune into a state of awareness and stillness. Nature Immersion is an invitation to rest, reflect, and reconnect with our natural state of inner calm. Resting in full sensory awareness while outdoors in nature, awakening all of our senses – sight, sound, smell, touch and even taste.
Nature Immersion, also known as Nature Therapy, Forest Therapy, and Nature Bathing is simply practicing mindfulness in nature and being present to our connection with our external sensory world. We are part of nature and have an energetic connection to nature. Everything in this universe, including you, is connected on a cellular level. Nature Immersion is coming into greater connection with and being nurtured by nature. Reconnecting with our true nature, so that we can be more present and mindful in nature. Being present means coming into our senses… that is to focus our attention on the sensory aspects of ourselves or the world around us.
Immersing ourselves in nature brings unlimited possibilities for practicing mindfulness in everyday life and cultivates more present moment awareness. In doing this, the chatter of the mind starts to quiet down, and can simply drop away. We become more still, feel more calm, and grounded... creating space for more ease of wellbeing and to simply reconnect with your natural resilience and inner wisdom and in embracing new perspectives, new possibilities.
Nature Immersion, also known as Nature Therapy, Forest Therapy, and Nature Bathing is simply practicing mindfulness in nature and being present to our connection with our external sensory world. We are part of nature and have an energetic connection to nature. Everything in this universe, including you, is connected on a cellular level. Nature Immersion is coming into greater connection with and being nurtured by nature. Reconnecting with our true nature, so that we can be more present and mindful in nature. Being present means coming into our senses… that is to focus our attention on the sensory aspects of ourselves or the world around us.
Immersing ourselves in nature brings unlimited possibilities for practicing mindfulness in everyday life and cultivates more present moment awareness. In doing this, the chatter of the mind starts to quiet down, and can simply drop away. We become more still, feel more calm, and grounded... creating space for more ease of wellbeing and to simply reconnect with your natural resilience and inner wisdom and in embracing new perspectives, new possibilities.
How does Nature Immersion help?
Nature has been my sanctuary since before I can remember. I feel most alive, and at the same time, a deep inner stillness when immersed in nature and can lose all track of time. My mum told me once that I didn’t come home for lunch regularly in primary school. Mum would find me in the woods beside the school, looking for caterpillars and butterflies amongst the trees, and ‘happy as can be’ - totally uninterested in leaving to go eat lunch.
Not surprisingly then, I return to ‘the woods’ regularly. I have a deep understanding of how immersing ourselves in nature can relieve stress and help us recover from mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and chronic pain conditions and get a new perspective on life. The endless chatter in our mind can simply drop away as we simply put one foot in front of the other, and focus on just breathing, and all that surrounds us in nature.
Of course you don’t have to take my word for it, numerous research studies are discovering all the different ways that nature benefits our health and wellbeing. In fact they're connected. Research shows that being in nature, or even viewing scenes of nature, are associated with a positive mood, and psychological wellbeing, meaningfulness, and vitality. As well, that time in nature reduces a person’s chance of developing a range of diseases, including diabetes by 43%, cardiovascular disease & stroke by 37% and depression by 25% (Adding Trees - A Prescription for Health, Happiness & Fulfillment, 2016).
So let’s get outdoors and harness the energy of nature - absorb the sights, smells, and sounds - and soak up some sunlight… because sunlight stimulates chemicals in our brains that boost mood and help melt away stress and who doesn't want more of that.
Not surprisingly then, I return to ‘the woods’ regularly. I have a deep understanding of how immersing ourselves in nature can relieve stress and help us recover from mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and chronic pain conditions and get a new perspective on life. The endless chatter in our mind can simply drop away as we simply put one foot in front of the other, and focus on just breathing, and all that surrounds us in nature.
Of course you don’t have to take my word for it, numerous research studies are discovering all the different ways that nature benefits our health and wellbeing. In fact they're connected. Research shows that being in nature, or even viewing scenes of nature, are associated with a positive mood, and psychological wellbeing, meaningfulness, and vitality. As well, that time in nature reduces a person’s chance of developing a range of diseases, including diabetes by 43%, cardiovascular disease & stroke by 37% and depression by 25% (Adding Trees - A Prescription for Health, Happiness & Fulfillment, 2016).
So let’s get outdoors and harness the energy of nature - absorb the sights, smells, and sounds - and soak up some sunlight… because sunlight stimulates chemicals in our brains that boost mood and help melt away stress and who doesn't want more of that.
What are the benefits of Nature Immersion
Both mindfulness AND nature can have direct effects on our physical, mental and emotional health. Combining mindfulness practices with being outdoors in nature can then offer us even more opportunities to simply be present in the moment and enhance our wellbeing.
Here's a few benefits of Nature Immersion to ponder -
Here's a few benefits of Nature Immersion to ponder -
- Brings a sense of ease, calms anxiety, and boosts mood.
- Improves sleep quality due to less reactivity of sleep disturbance.
- Reduces blood pressure and stress hormones, which in turn boosts our immune system.
- Helps body relax and be still, so we can hear that inner voice and experience more clarity.
- Decreases emotional reactivity, so we feel more centred and present in life.
What you can expect
Feel a sense of ease, more calm and centred by experiencing and practicing mindfulness activities while immersed in nature.
You will learn simple mindfulness practices and activities that you can easily fit into your every day life. Be inspired to cultivate daily practices of mindfulness in nature, and to find small openings for nature mindfulness, whether in your garden, neighbourhood, local park, or exercising outdoors. Mindfulness activities are offered specific to your individual needs to strengthen your overall mental health and wellbeing.
Nature Immersion takes place in a natural setting such as a nature park, trail, conservation area, near the water, or even your backyard. I am able to meet up in Seaford and Mornington Peninsula area to support you and in learning mindfulness practices to add to your self-care and wellness toolkit for preventing overwhelm and burnout.
There are limitless possibilities for exploration. Hope to see you on the trail.
* the option to experience Mindfulness-Based Somatic Counselling | Mindful Reflexology while outdoors in nature is also available.
You will learn simple mindfulness practices and activities that you can easily fit into your every day life. Be inspired to cultivate daily practices of mindfulness in nature, and to find small openings for nature mindfulness, whether in your garden, neighbourhood, local park, or exercising outdoors. Mindfulness activities are offered specific to your individual needs to strengthen your overall mental health and wellbeing.
Nature Immersion takes place in a natural setting such as a nature park, trail, conservation area, near the water, or even your backyard. I am able to meet up in Seaford and Mornington Peninsula area to support you and in learning mindfulness practices to add to your self-care and wellness toolkit for preventing overwhelm and burnout.
There are limitless possibilities for exploration. Hope to see you on the trail.
* the option to experience Mindfulness-Based Somatic Counselling | Mindful Reflexology while outdoors in nature is also available.
“Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better."
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein
Let's ConnectOffering a refreshing perspective on mental health and vibrancy.
Contact Fiona to begin the conversation. Email: hello@wellnesswithfiona.com Phone: +61 404 744 077 |
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fiona goodwin
AMHSW | CCTP-II | RRPr
connecting you with inner wisdom
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