Slower, Simpler, Nature
strolling along the Koororoit

I haven’t always managed my stress and more than not ignored the signs that my mind and body were trying to warn me about until I was completely depleted and burnt out. My job at the time was all consuming, I gave 110% to my special needs students and work colleagues. After work and on […]

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A Japanese experience of “Shinrin-yoku” Forest Therapy in Australia
Mayu Kataoka Forest Therapy trail

Mayumi Kataoka explains the essence of the practice “I feel it is the subtle combination of the raw colours under the Australian sky that adds a special ethereal quality like no other place. The colours are rich and beautiful and they seem to capture the Australian essence of life. The colours are just magical, a […]

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Make your sit spot practice private and intimate
touch giant leaf

I recently introduced the ‘sit spot’ practice to Shinrin-yoku forest bathers on a guided walk. Curious as to what this means, I explained the ancient practice of finding a place of intimate connection with nature – a place where you learn to sit still – alone, often and quietly — as well as playfully explore […]

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Forest Therapy: A mindful walk in the woods to de-stress
tree root

On a cold and gloomy Sunday morning, my group of friends stood in a circle under a gum tree, looking at me with slight curiosity. I had led many hikes with them in various beautiful places in Victoria. But Forest Therapy? In my introduction, I explained that Forest Therapy derives from the Japanese “Shinrin-yoku;” the […]

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