Tuning-in to Nature’s Wisdom

Outdoor sessions

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An inviting narrow pathway through native forest in Eltham parklands, with tall trees and dense greenery.

Where

I have selected parklands around Eltham, and surrounding suburbs (Hurstbridge, Templestowe and Warrandyte) for outdoor sessions. For the most-part parks have been chosen that have access to easy parking, toilet amenities and are close to local townships.

Alternatively we can wander outdoors on the grounds of the Kangaroo Center for the convenience of the indoor-outdoor option. Out of town options may be included for the joy of bushlands and potential conservation activities.

Location will be discussion on booking, and you will be provided with basic information about the location including amenities and map details.

A relational approach

A small green fern sprout growing among dead leaves and soil, casting a shadow on a dry brown leaf.

I aim to emphasise our relationship with the landscape; To meet and introduce ourselves; Offering meaningful thanks for the many benefits we always receive.

Our world is an attachment figure. It is the most intimate relationship we have. To feel deeply that we belong and are in reciprocal exchange and appreciation.

To witness the pain of the world and offer our grief as a form of love.

To know deep in our heart that we are not separate from nature looking out, but one and and the same.

Let us look with awe and delight, and curiously study any habits which keep us out of this natural state

Weather

Being with nature includes elements such as the weather. For these sessions we might slightly broaden the range of ‘appropriate weather’ than we would have for a picnic and include wind and grey skies in our enquiry.

However more significant weather patterns can make our activities too impractical or introduce health risks.

Therefore, if significant weather is forecast we will be in touch via SMS on the day to:

·       Confirm

·       Re-locate indoors if available

·       Adjust to online, or

·       Reschedule

Hardenbergia wildflowers growing among native grasses near Smiths Gully natural reserve.

Let me know if you have any questions, and we can set-up a 15min connection call

Make an enquiry
15min connection call
A park scene with several trees and lush green grass. There are picnic tables and benches scattered throughout, with one tree having a swing attached to a branch.

Benefits and risks

Natural space can have positive effects on anxiety levels, our nervous system, blood pressure and immune system. Most people know the feeling of their breath deepening as they look at a green-space or smell forest air. Shoulders drop, perspective widens, belly softens and time slows. Links outlining further benefits can be found in the resources box below.

One of the wonderful aspects of meeting outdoors is that the environment is not fully in our control. This can allow for synchronistic moment of the sunlight changing just as you have an insight or a sweet encounter with an expected bird.

Hardenbergia wildflower growing among moss, leaves, and twigs on the forest floor in Nillumbik

Not being fully predictable and in our control also means that natural spaces also come with some inherent risks.

These can include:

  • weather elements (getting wet, sunburned)

  • insects and animals (wildlife or domestic)

  • environmental hazards (uneven/slippery ground, allergens, falling branch)

  • human elements (cyclists, general public in all their variety, loud noises)

​While a general site-assessment has been conducted and low-risk activities designed, there remains elements that cannot be controlled on the day.

We will work together to keep things as safe as possible. At the same time, by booking a session you are accepting the inherent risks of having a session outdoors rather than in the controlled environment of a therapy room.

Close-up of dried seed pods or leaves attached to a thin branch in a natural outdoor setting.

You might also consider that there is a slight reduction to privacy and confidentiality compared with sitting in a therapy room. We will aim for quiet areas and pause conversation if someone walks past. You might like to pre-plan how you would respond if you saw someone you knew.

The balance of pros and cons will be assessed by each person individually (as is the case with sessions in a therapy room).

Privacy and confidentiality

Let me know if you have any questions, and we can set-up a 15min connection call

Make an enquiry

Often unexpected moments can be woven into your therapeutic enquiry. We explore our habitual responses, and are invited towards grace

Resources