Mindfulness in Nature
NEW PROGRAM crafted for Seniors by Seniors, a Certified Forest Therapy Guide and Senior Living Experts
A guided experience Taimi Post Certified Forest Therapy Guide
BOOK NOW! Seniors have many fond memories of times spent connecting with nature. They are instinctively drawn to the sounds, sights and sensations of time spent outdoors. This program is a mindful way to bring that familiar connection back into their lives again. Seasonal and unique every month. Filmed near Arden, Ontario. Natural landscape includes Canadian Shield rock formations, iconic north country lake, flowing streams, coniferous and deciduous forests, meadows and wetlands. Mindfulness in Nature is scientifically proven to have positive influence on body, mind and spirit.
Owner/Guide: Taimi Post Email: Wayfarerforest@gmail.com Phone: 613-583-6883
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The Sensory Experience Spending time in nature is good for us. Scientific evidence demonstrates this, but we also simply know it in our hearts and minds. This Mindfulness in Nature program is designed by a Certified Forest Therapy guide, senior living experts and in collaboration with a group of seniors in a retirement community. When hiking in the woods in person is not possible, this is the next best thing. Not only does it provide many of the same benefits, it also offers the calming practice of forest and nature therapy. Each session includes a 35 - 45 minute filmed guided walk with a certified guide. Participants will share in the sensory experience of being with nature by way of an online program that includes a filmed walk and seasonal photography of findings in the forest and invitations to ponder what they are seeing. All content is original and created by the guide. A sensory kit is available for purchase with each virtual walk and contributes to the whole experience, to enliven the senses. W A Y F A R E R F O R E S T . C O M
Did You Know? MINDFULNESS IN NATURE
FACTS:
A plethora of scientific studies have been completed demonstrating that Nature and Forest Therapy has many benefits. This practice is also known as “Shinrin Yoku”, originating in Japan, now a cornerstone of health and wellness in that country. The benefits of this practice include: • Reduced stress and anxiety • Improved concentration and creativity • Boosted immune functioning • Increased feelings of comfort and pain relief • Decreased blood pressure • Overall better mood and restful sleep
RESEARCH LINKS: www.natureandforesttherapy.org/about/science
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Mindfulness in Nature
HOW IT WORKS: LONG TERM CARE AND RETIREMENT COMMUNITY PROGRAM
To introduce Mindfulness in Nature: Subscribe to the video series found at this link: CLICK HERE (available immediately) To provide a sensory experience and to accompany the monthly theme and content of the film, a Mindfulness in Nature Sensory Kit is available for purchase. This kit can be ordered here: CLICK HERE (allow time for shipping) Bulk pricing is available. The combination of video and sensory kit provides a fulsome experience for your residents. It is simple, straight forward, inexpensive and a very impactful opportunity for your calendar. Designed by seniors for seniors. W A Y F A R E R F O R E S T . C O M
Monthly themed SENSORY KIT Organic wild-foraged tea and handout Themed snack OR Nature inspired photocard* Scent stone (aromatherapy) Seasonal forest treasures (tactile) Ponder & Wonder handout
$15/person $40/5 people $60/10 people $90/20 people (includes postage within Canada)
S E L P M A S
*Each month the snack would include organic granola or dried fruit, alternatively, you may order a photocard with an nature inspired quote for participants to remember their experience of Mindfulness in Nature
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Mindfulness in Nature INSTRUCTIONS: You may stream the video directly from the website. Each teabag equals one serving. It is best for the tea to steep for 10 minutes for optimal flavour and aroma. There is a prompt in each film to serve the tea. It is not necessary to wait. As taste is one of our senses, it is an important part of the program. As guests arrive, gift them a scent stone to remind them of the aroma of the forest and the tactile item that will speak to the textures of the wild. Handouts may be given at the end of the program for participants to take home. These include Ponder and Wonder; as well as a Tea Blend information handout. W a y f a r e r F o r e s t . c o m
Mindfulness in Nature TESTIMONIALS Mindfulness in Nature has helped me to reconnect with a part of me that I had almost forgotten. It stirred special memories and feelings that placed me back in the forest property that I owned years ago. This has been a heartwarming experience. – Barry
The beautiful thing about witnessing nature, it’s never the same twice. It is everchanging and it is so wonderful and soothing to experience something different every time. The films remind us of how everything is in motion. – Mary
Mindfulness in Nature helps me to walk in remote areas that would be impossible for me now. Taimi does all the work with her camera and we simply reap the benefits of time with nature. I like to hear the sounds that are in that place too as well as smell and taste the wild-foraged tea. – Dorothy
I am naturally very curious. I like to look at moss, interesting rocks and see how the plants grow in different areas. Mindfulness in Nature helps me to find these things again and be surprised when I see them. Nature is like that. – Alice
Wayfarer Forest Therapy has been delivering Mindfulness in Nature to seniors since early 2020. W A Y F A R E R F O R E S T . C O M
Mindfulness in Nature WHAT IS IT? Mindfulness in Nature is a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in forests and other natural environments. It is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, which translates to "forest bathing." It is open-ended; there is no prescription for what a person "should" experience, or what benefits they "should" receive. Instead, it is a practice of developing a deepening relationship of reciprocity, in which the forest and the guide find a way to work together in an effort to support wellness.
WHY USE A GUIDE? The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs is the most experienced global leader in guide training, and promoting the development and practice of Forest Therapy. Our Guide Training draws on the latest medical research, new developments in the field of nature connection, and ancient traditions of mindfulness and wellness promotion. Every guided walk is an act of power and beauty, cultivating deep connections with transformational impacts on people and nature.
THE EXPERIENCE In Mindfulness in Nature, there is a clearly defined sequence of guided invitations that provides structure to the experience, while embracing the many opportunities for creativity and serendipity offered by the forest and the individual inspiration of your guide. You will be invited to use your senses, to connect with the natural world.
WHAT TO EXPECT Each guided walk is slow-paced, featuring seasonal experiences in the forest.
Each film will include trail walking, scenery and nature
photography and sounds recorded by the guide. Wild-foraged tea with a snack is available for purchase with each session and will follow the theme of each monthly walk. Additionally, your kit will include forest floor treasures for textural and a forest scent stone giving you an aromatic connection. All senses will be enlivened.
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About Your Guide I find inspiration, rest and wisdom in the woods. Throughout my journey, the forest has taught me about the seasons in life, the ongoing process of transition. Walking in nature enables me to build resilience, gratitude and positivity. It reminds me to celebrate every moment. I grew up on a farm in Prince Edward County and enjoyed many special moments in nature, as a child. As an adult, I have enjoyed a fulfilling life and career experiences. I have worked in the senior living industry for more than 30 years. In my personal life, I have suffered trauma and tragic loss. I have known the raw pain of emotional, physical and mental stress. During my worse times, I’ve gone to the forest. Nature continues to influence my wellness and empowers me to return to happiness again and again. When I learned that this was more than just a ‘feeling’, that this concept had scientific proof of validity, I decided that I wanted to share this sort of practice with others. I am a Certified Forest Therapy Guide, through the Association of Forest and Nature Therapy. I am now excited to bring this practice to seniors with Mindfulness in Nature an immersive online experience.
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Mindfulness in Nature
A guided experience Taimi Post Certified Forest Therapy Guide WayfarerForest.com wayfarerforesta@gmail.com 613-583-6883