As 2024 comes to an end we talk about the reciprocal nature of our practise and showing people how they can connect with nature on their doorstep in accessible places – so they can go back easily and form lasting connections. We talk about guiding shorter sessions and still helping people find that connection in the best way for them.

Note: We are joined by Newt the aged Greyhound and our foster pup Quinn during this one, so we do get a bit distracted for a moment by dogs!

“The beauty about forest therapy, is it is a way for people to be sociable without having that pressure of being sociable.” Cath

“Attention is love.” Moose

Cath and Highland Quietlife can be found on www.highlandquietlife.co.uk and guides within the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland. Moose can be found in BC, on Vancouver Island.

Music by Orangery from Pixabay.

When are guiding we aim to have 'one foot in and one foot out', meaning that we are able to benefit from the session along with our guests, but that we also need to keep our awareness' to ensure we look after the group and remain the guide. It can be a tricky line to keep sometimes and we talk more here about how we deal with being vulnerable in front of guests and remaining professional.

We've both been busy guiding recently and for different types of people; work colleagues, research groups, fabulous combos with Forest Bathing and Pilates and so much more! It was great to catch up with the Moose and share our recent experiences.

Cath and Highland Quietlife can be found on www.highlandquietlife.co.uk and guides within the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland. Moose can be found in BC, on Vancouver Island.

Music by Orangery from Pixabay.

This is the start of a series of episodes focusing on specific areas that are important to us as guides. Our first one the importance of safe spaces and vulnerability.

Why?
Quite simply because we've spent too many years being judged by others and not feeling comfortable in certain settings. Species survive by having ‘tending’ relationships with other species; we look after, or out for each other. If we don’t receive this from the people around us, we start to feel sad, defensive, left out of things, different to others, unliked, confused….the list goes on.

This is an area we have to be acutely aware of as Forest Therapy Guides and was a really important one for us to discuss.

As always, please reach out with feedback and enjoy.

Cath and Highland Quietlife can be found on www.highlandquietlife.co.uk and guides within the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland. Moose can be found in BC, on Vancouver Island www.sitkaforestimmersion.com

Music by Orangery from Pixabay.