Healing Through Nature

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For thousands of years our ancestors hunted, gathered, and survived in the wilderness. Endless grasslands, dense forests and vast stretches of green were an integral part of a place we called home.

But in today’s world, the green spaces are replaced by urban structures, crowded places and polluted environments. This rapid change puts an unwanted pressure on our body and mind. As a result we have seen that chronic illnesses, stress, depression, anxiety, burnout and other ailments are on the rise. Also as a society, there is an increase in apathy, anger, addictions, intolerance, and loneliness.

By bringing people and nature closer to each other we can start the process of creating a healthier planet.

“Our aim is simple. Helping people heal. Helping forests heal.”

IDEAS & IMPACT

HEALING FOREST is an idea to discover and promote the healing powers of nature. Through films, nature walks, articles and activities we hope to create greater awareness about the link between us and nature. The intention is to create a small community of people who can lead healing forest walks that connect people with nature and create a healthy society as well as a healthy planet.

Our project is driven by volunteer led initiatives which include:
Organising healing nature walks. Helping people learn the art and science of nature healing. Showcasing nature meditations, arts, walks from around the world. Publishing stories from amazing places. Sharing forest wisdom of the elders and indigenous people. Bringing attention to inspiring projects and people working for nature. Discovering beautiful forests and trails that can serve as healing forests. Doing action projects that give back to nature. Creating change leaders and compassionate communities through our Forest Friends program.

IMPACT SO FAR
Engagement:  700,000+ people have read through our articles.
Awareness:  A million+ people have viewed our healing forest films.
Newsletter: Our free newsletter sends amazing new ideas to your inbox, once a month.
Nature Play: A monthly program of magical walks for younger audiences and their families.
Re-wilding: Every year 15% of our donations go into supporting non-profits that protect old forests & create new ones.

HEALING FOREST VOLUNTEERS

You: If you are interested in discovering creative and meditative ways of connecting with nature, please consider joining us. Subscribe to our blog to stay updated on new films, stories, nature walks, action projects and volunteer opportunities. Also check out our Nature Calm course with over 150+ ideas, arts, games, meditations from around the world or join our Forest Friends program.

Us: We are a small group of people who love nature. As individuals we conduct multiple nature walks in our communities and share learning and ideas with each other.

For specific inquiries please write to us at: healingforest(dot)org(at)gmail(dot)com

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Volunteers

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42 Comments on “Healing Through Nature

  1. I am living in Malaysia.

    I got a feeling that I need to go somewhere.

    I work online so I can travel.

    Can you guide me on how to join this nature healing and where in Japan is it exactly?

    Like

    • Hi Mirsad,
      Shinrin-yoku is a practise, a way being and interacting with the forest. Once you learn the basic exercises you can enjoy nature healing in any forest of your choice. If you wish to do a certification course you can email us, and we’ll direct you to some options.

      Like

  2. In December, I was able to realize my dream of diving in the Galapagos. Unfortunately, I was sexually assaulted the second day I was there. Though it was amazingly traumatizing (I am still dealing with it), I told myself that I was there to dive and not to allow the actions of a depraved man to rob me of my bliss. Thought I cried at night, every day, I joined my dive master on the dive boat and went out into the waters surrounding the islands. And it was here, surrounded by sharks, rays, myriad fish, sea lions, fur seals, turtles, iguanas, and birds, that I was able to connect back to my true self – to forget what had happened, and to be supported by the beauty of the water and the sea life. I felt loved and at ease. I felt strong. I felt part of the whole that is life. I am forever thankful for how nature held the space that I needed to heal. More than that, she is who we are. And when we can tap into our true selves, we are free, at peace, and can live in joy.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Hello, tbonach. How are you doing now? As you will have realized, recovery and healing from trauma is a challenging, prolonged journey. The good news is you don’t have to go it alone, and you shouldn’t. Please seek counseling if you haven’t already, and let people you trust love you and support you in your journey, which is a kind of difficut rebirth. May you find all the love, solace, and healing you need.

      Liked by 1 person

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