Forest Bathing

Name: Forest Bathing
Start: 2023-06-20T19:00:00+01:00
End: 2023-06-20T21:00:00+01:00
Location: Highwoods Coutry Park

June 20 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Free

Forest Bathing

Find calm in the healing power of connecting with nature with a special walk, a forest bathing session, designed for individuals impacted by someone else’s alcoholism or addiction. Immerse yourself in the tranquil embrace of the forest, guided by an experienced facilitator who will help you reconnect, rejuvenate, and find solace in the therapeutic embrace of the natural world.

Embark on a transformative journey of healing and restoration with our 90-minute forest bathing session, specifically tailored to support individuals coping with the profound impact a loved one’s battle with alcoholism or addiction. In the serene embrace of nature, our experienced guide will gently lead you through a series of sensory invitations, encouraging you to engage with the natural world around you.

Allow the lush foliage, the scent of earth, and the gentle whispers of the forest to envelop you, promoting a deep sense of calm and solace. As you wander along the wooded trails, you’ll have opportunities for reflection, self-care, and reconnecting with your inner strength. Gina, our facilitator will provide gentle guidance and hold space for you as you navigate the emotions and memories that may arise.

Towards the end of the session, we will gather for a soothing tea ceremony, symbolising the warmth and comfort found in community. Sip on carefully selected herbal teas, fostering a sense of peace and offering a moment of shared contemplation. By immersing yourself in nature’s embrace and finding support in a nurturing environment, this forest bathing experience aims to promote healing, well-being, and the resilience needed to navigate the complex journey of grief.

Important Notice:

This session is not therapy, but is therapy informed led by an art therapist so it may have a therapeutic value to participants. Blossome aims to offer a formal art therapy Programme in the future. Blossome is not a crisis intervention service. We signpost to other services. Information will be provided at the session to ensure all participants feel supported.

Facilitator

Meet Gina Geremia, a highly experienced Forest Therapy Practitioner with over 30 years working in human and social services, experiential education and natural stewardship programmes. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Castleton University in Vermont, is a certified Professional Coach qualified in neuroscience, mindfulness and transactional analysis, accredited Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner, certified Forest Therapy Practitioner and Wilderness First Responder. She holds professional memberships with the Association for Coaching, Association for NLP and the International Society of Nature and Forest Medicine.

The Venue

High Woods Country Park is one of Colchester’s best-loved beauty spots, with plenty of opportunities to relax, play and explore the large grounds. We meet at the Visitor Centre, where there is plenty of parking.

High Woods Country Park, Visitor Centre, Colchester, Essex CO4 3BT

Q & A

Forest bathing offers a multitude of benefits for overall well-being. By immersing yourself in nature, you can reduce stress levels, boost mood, enhance mental clarity, and improve immune system function. It provides an opportunity to disconnect from the demands of daily life, reconnect with the natural world, and cultivate a sense of peace and tranquility. Forest bathing can be particularly beneficial for those coping with the impact of alcoholism or addiction, as it offers a healing space for reflection, rejuvenation, and finding solace amidst nature’s embrace.

The forest bathing session takes place at the beautiful High Woods Country Park in Colchester, Essex.

No, if tickets are available, you can enjoy this session even if you are not enrolled in the Summer Self-care for Grieving Hearts programme. However, you will experience more benefits if you take part in the 12-week programme, building relationships with the group, enabling you to feel part of the community and connected with others.

The session lasts for 2 hours, 7 – 9 pm. There is time before the end of the session to enjoy refreshments together with the group.

The session is suited to anyone who has been bereaved or affected by someone else’s alcoholism or addiction. It will enable you to explore emotions that come up in a safe supportive environment.

After the walk in the woods, you will have the opportunity to reflect on the experience and share with other participants as we sit in nature and enjoy refreshments together.