What an incredible morning spent connecting with nature! We were honored to have the lovely Tamiko Suzuki lead a forest bathing session with us in the beautiful Douglas Fir Teaching Garden.
Tamiko offered several “invitations” to slow down and connect with nature. We focused on each of our senses, observed what was moving in nature, spent time sitting with a tree, and created nature art together.
In the words of our participants:
I never knew leaves could be so lovely, until I touched the veins
Looking at the trunk, I saw how it provides protection for butterflies in a storm
I saw spiderwebs glistening in the sunlight
Seeing how the tree is very stoic, brought me to tears
I find trees have such wisdom
I noticed that the lower branches of the tree were rising and falling, as though they were breathing
I saw three trees and they reminded me of my brother, sister, and I
I reached out and held the tree and found its waist
I am not afraid
At Free the Fern we believe strongly that nature is for everyone. No matter your age, ability or disability, you should have the opportunity to connect with nature ❤️
Thank you to the seniors who joined us today: Barbara A., Barbara L., Deb, Jenna, John, Karen, Lesley, Lynn, Mary, Mia, Robin, and Sylvia.
The Nature Series for Seniors (55+), has been made possible thanks to funding from Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and Park People