At the heart of forest therapy lies the understanding that nature is who provides the therapy and the guide leads the way into these therapeutic moments and spaces.
As I reflect on my journey towards becoming a forest therapy guide, I can’t help but draw parallels between the natural cycles I’ve witnessed in my nursing career and the transformative power of nature. Just as I’ve witnessed the beginning of life, the struggles with illness, and the inevitable passage towards the end, I see these themes echoed in the forest.
Forest therapy isn’t just about taking a stroll through the woods; it’s about immersing oneself in the rhythms of nature, tapping into its wisdom, and allowing it to guide us through our own inner landscapes. Just as I’ve learned to navigate the complexities of human health, so too I learned to navigate the intricate ecosystems of the forest.
But embarking on this journey isn’t without its challenges. As I prepare to launch the “Forest Nurse” website and share my passion, gifts and purpose with the world, I find myself grappling with doubts and fears (as we all do when we do something new, feel vulnerable and exposed). Will I be able to do justice to this practice? Will I have the courage to guide others through their own journeys?
In moments like these, I remind myself of the courage it takes to step into the unknown, both as a nurse and as a forest therapy guide. Just as I’ve faced uncertainty in the face of illness, so too I confront uncertainty in the pursuit of sharing this practice with others. And just as I’ve found strength in the support of my patients, I find strength in the knowledge that nature has my back in this journey.
As I continue to reflect in my process and share my experiences, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own courage and embark on their own paths of healing and self-discovery. For in the heart of the forest, amidst the whispering leaves and the dappled sunlight, lies the courage to guide – both ourselves and others – towards a world that is more connected, more reciprocal and more able to express love for self and others.
See you between the trees.
Andrea
