When was the last time you felt completely at ease, with nothing to do but just be? For me, I’ve always found that sense of peace in nature, though it’s taken me a few decades to fully appreciate it.
As a kid, I was practically a woodland creature. I’d spend hours outside, roaming through the bush and finding quiet little nooks where I would hang out with my friends. Whenever life felt overwhelming or I needed a break, I’d head to the forest to find that sense of calm and rejuvenation. Looking back, it was as if nature was my own personal therapist, listening patiently as I poured out my emotions and helping me find my way back to myself.
I was rarely home—if I wasn’t eating or sleeping, you’d find me somewhere outside.
But then I moved to Sudbury for college, and life took on a whole new pace. My days were packed with studies, part-time jobs, and the busyness of growing up, and somewhere in all that, I drifted away from nature. Sure, I’d still go on the occasional camping trip, but I’d forgotten what it felt like to actually be with nature, to let it absorb my worries and fill me with calm.
Fast-forward a few years (okay, maybe more than a few), and life brought me back to the quietude of nature in a way I never saw coming. About a decade ago, I moved to a new home. It wasn’t my dream home at first—I’d pictured something different—but, as luck would have it, there was a forest right in my backyard. It was like the universe had found a way to pull me back to what I needed most.
So, I began to explore the trails behind my house. At first, it felt like a casual thing, just a bit of fresh air and a chance to get the kids outside. But soon, I started to feel that familiar sense of ease creeping back. I was back to wandering like I had as a kid, discovering quiet spots, letting my worries fade into the trees, and finding my way back to calm.
Then, I found my spot—my “sit spot,” as they call it in forest therapy circles. It’s a rock formation tucked along the trails where I now sit almost daily, sometimes alone and sometimes with my dog, Duke. I sit there, breathing deeply, noticing the sounds and smells, feeling the texture of the rocks, and allowing myself to just be. Here, I find myself again and again. This little sanctuary in the forest has become my home.
The Power of Nature Therapy
Experiencing the way nature supported me through so many stages of my life made me realize that I wanted to share this gift with others. That’s why I decided to train as a forest therapy guide, to help people rediscover the healing power of the outdoors. In my sessions, I invite people to do what I’ve been doing since I was young: to notice, to breathe, to simply be in nature, and most importantly, to slow down! I’ve seen how it brings calm, joy, and relief and can help us reconnect with ourselves in a almost magical way.
Here’s what nature therapy offers—and why it’s so powerful:
A Safe Space to Release Emotion: Sometimes, you just need to let it out. Nature doesn’t judge, doesn’t interrupt, and doesn’t rush you. I’ve shared my worries with trees, shed a few tears on mossy logs, and let the wind carry away my fears. There’s something incredibly freeing about being able to let go of your emotions in a space that just holds them for you.
A Way to Break the Cycle of Stress: The world we live in today is full of distractions and pressures. But stepping into nature is like stepping into a different rhythm. It’s slow, grounding, and gentle—everything we don’t get enough of in our daily lives. Nature invites us to pause, to listen, to feel, and in that, it helps us unravel from the constant stress of “go-go-go.”
A Renewed Sense of Belonging: When you’re in the forest, you realize you’re part of something much bigger. Nature gives you perspective, reminding you that you belong here, just as you are. Standing among trees or looking up at the vast sky can give you a sense of connection that is grounding and humbling at the same time.
Energy Without Effort: Nature has a way of giving us energy that’s unlike anything else. It’s not the jolt of coffee or the rush of adrenaline; it’s a deeper, calmer kind of vitality. Spending time in the forest gives me a mental reset, and I always leave feeling refreshed, even if all I did was sit and watch the leaves dance in the breeze.
Bringing Nature Into Your Life
If you’re looking to bring a little more calm and clarity into your own life, here are some simple ways to start connecting with nature:
Find Your Own Sit Spot: Find a place outside—a park, a backyard, or even a patch of green space where you feel at ease. Spend a few minutes there each day, letting yourself simply be present.
Take a Mindful Walk in a Trail: Leave the distractions behind, and walk slowly. Let your senses guide you. Notice the colors, textures, and sounds around you. There’s no agenda here, just the chance to experience the moment.
Get Outside Daily: Even a few minutes outside each day can make a difference. Whether it’s sitting under a tree, watching birds, or breathing in fresh air, try to make nature a part of your daily routine.
Bring Nature Indoors: Can’t always get outside? Bring nature to you with a few houseplants, an open window for fresh air, or even the sound of rain playing softly in the background.
Nature as a Lifelong Companion
Nature has been a constant source of support for me, and now, guiding others to find that connection is my passion. Nature therapy isn’t just about “feeling better”—it’s about reconnecting with the parts of ourselves we might have forgotten, and reconnecting to our inner child. It’s about letting nature nurture us, calm us, and remind us that we belong.
If you’re ready to explore the power of nature therapy, join me on this journey.
Ready to Discover the Healing Power of Nature?
I invite you to join me for a guided nature therapy session or, if you’re just starting, try a simple mindful walk today. During the warmer months, I offer regular group sessions, as well as private and corporate wellness groups, all designed to foster wellness in nature. A guided experience truly deepens the connection, making it easier to feel the calming, grounding presence of nature. Let’s reconnect with nature and rediscover the restorative peace it offers—step by step.
Reclaim Your Self in nature!
Perfectly Imperfect,
Stephanie
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