1. what's new 2. something to watch 3. something to listen to 4. now this is interesting... 5. an invitation 6. what's next? 7. questions?
Hello Reader
This week, I was invited to take part in a global research study exploring the deeper impacts of Nature and Forest Therapy guiding—specifically, the relationship between nature and forest therapy guiding and eudaemonic wellbeing. Eudaemonia is, ‘living a meaningful and fulfilling life where you’re true to your values.’
The study is being led by a research team at the University of British Columbia (UBC), and it invites certified forest therapy guides from around the world to reflect on how guiding it supports our resilience, deepens our connection to the more-than-human world, and how it transforms not just our work, but our inner lives.
The goal is to better understand the potential of this practice—not only as a healing modality for others, but as a path of personal evolution for those who lead. The insights gathered will be used to inform and strengthen nature-based wellbeing initiatives around the world.
It’s heartening to see this work—so often quiet and slow—being recognized for its depth, and studied for its impact.
photo of me, by me on Hornby Island, B.C.
something to watch
Have you heard of Dr. Suzanne Simard and her book, The Mother Tree? ‘trees talk, often and over vast distances’...learn more about the complicated social lives of trees and prepare to see the natural world with new eyes.
Lately, I’ve been leaning into audio—not just books, but gentle prompts and invitations—because they shift the way I experience sound…and silence. I am naturally a very visually oriented person, and have been photographing since I got my first SLR camera in 1984.
But, something happens when you let yourself be immersed in sound. The mind has to slow down.
I recently came across an audio series on the Emergence Magazine Podcast that mirrors the kinds of invitations I offer during Nature and Forest Therapy experiences. It invites a different way of being with the world.
This particular audio episode draws inspiration from acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton, as he explores the sounds of the Hoh Rain Forest in Washington State.
When we give equal value to all sounds—birdsong, silence, human voices, the wind through moss-laden trees—we begin to belong to the place.
If you’re interested, put on your headphones. Open the link on your phone. Let yourself be immersed. Not to do anything, but to simply receive.
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“What does it mean to listen without judgment—allowing your ears to be present, open, and curious?”
Biophony - the science behind how sound affects our minds and also the wildlife around us.
Every species uses sound to communicate. Birds time their calls to optimize travel through morning air, whales send songs across hundreds of miles of ocean, elephants communicate in deep vibrations that travel underground, and even shrimp stun prey with explosive snaps!
Animals have evolved remarkable listening skills that far exceed our own - bats and dolphins navigate by sound alone, while owls use asymmetrical hearing to hunt with uncanny precision.
Research shows that rich biophonic environments benefit humans as well: children surrounded by varied natural sounds often develop stronger language and focus, while adults in bird-filled neighborhoods report better sleep and lower stress - ironic because I recall being woken up one Spring at 3am by a bird outside my window - for days on end - and not being able to go back to sleep! :)
an invitation
Want to make your work or home space feel cozier and sound better? Think about decorating to soak up sound and create clear zones.
Big, leafy plants are great for dampening noise. For lighting, try wool or other soft lampshades – they’ll help with sound and make the place feel warmer.
Furniture is super important for acoustics, so go for soft textures and lots of upholstery instead of hard surfaces. Think plush rugs, comfy chairs, and fabric wall hangings. To make quiet work areas, just use furniture, screens, or even plants to divide things up.
When picking materials, natural is the way to go. Wood is awesome for warmth and sound absorption, way better than metal and plastic. Cork is another winner – it’s great for sound insulation and looks nice too, whether on floors, walls, or as decorations.
By cleverly bringing these things together, you can create a space that sounds, and looks good.
from Positive News, U.K.
what's next?
I have a ‘retreat’ organized this week for a group of women from my monthly ‘women’s circle’. Normally we meet for an evening at someone’s house but this month I’m hosting an all-day experience where we’ll spend our day outdoors and each guide a practice for the rest of the group.
This will be the first full day nature-led retreat I’ll be hosting, and, the first in a series of in-person retreats I will be offering near Victoria, B.C., and, in The Azores, Portugal, in June.
Stay tuned…
questions?
I hope this newsletter offers you another perspective, peaks your curiosity, and, most importantly, reminds you that you are not alone on this life path.
If you have any questions, please reply to this email.
