December begins a time of deep rest and reflection, a time to wipe the slate clean and clear out the old so you can walk into spring feeling ready to grow. It is a time for the medicine of story, of fire, of nourishment and love. Winter is actually kind as she points us in her quiet, soft way towards our inner selves, reminding us that everything is connected.
Winter takes away the distractions, the noise and presents us with the perfect time to rest and withdraw into a womb-like love, bringing fire & light to our hearth.
By now, you know where to begin. Let those senses open wide. Slow down and notice all the worlds within worlds and what’s in motion when it isn’t you.
Nature Frames: What you see in nature becomes a portrait or landscape. Seek the beautiful. Seek the imperfect. Seek whatever speaks to you. Once you find something, frame it with your hands or something else so you see only that.
How Many Seasons? You’ve searched for signs of past and future seasons already. The forest is always in one season with memories of seasons past and promises of seasons to come. Find a tree that’s already created its Spring buds; look for Skunk cabbage, Witch Hazel, Beech trees. Look for moss and lichen, which appear to know no seasons!
Connect with a Tree: Spend time with a tree; have a conversation. Maybe it’s a tree you’ve visited before. Maybe it’s a new one. Get curious about how it perceives Winter. Share your perceptions. What can you learn? Express gratitude at the end of your conversation with some forest art or a hug.
Scrolls with Winter Blessings: Make a few small scrolls or use leaves, small enough to hide places in the forest or around a tree. Use only that which will decompose with the snow and rain. Wander, opening each scroll and reading it. Each scroll contains a Winter Blessing, like, “Earth: please protect the roots and other parts from the cold.” “Air: please caress all places and beings you touch.” Or, “Water/Snow/Ice: please protect this world as an insulator from the cold.” Make up your own blessings. Leave each one somewhere in the forest.
This walk could end a bit differently with a hot cocoa made with a splash of cinnamon and a dash of cayenne, if you like; something ancient and warming inside and out. Or, stick to what you love in a simple cup of tea.
There’s no one way to do this, and you still don’t get to be wrong about how you do it.
There is so much more to forest therapy, forest bathing, wellness walks and nature immersions. No matter what words you use to describe this practice, it is ever evolving and deepening. The more you walk with nature, the more you grow. The more you walk with nature, the more personal it becomes.
All of Earth’s elements are here for connection. There are more invitations to experience:
· Get curious about the clouds
· Play in a puddle
· Walk backwards to notice where you’ve been
· Howl at the moon; call your pack
· Practice invisibility
· Follow an ant or watch a spider build its web
· Build a gratitude altar in your backyard
· Let the breeze take you somewhere
· Find your twin tree
Just keep connecting. Nature needs us as much as we need Nature.
With love, light and awe,
Linda
Would you like to learn more about the way of the guide and the language of invitation? Do you feel called to help others connect more deeply with nature? Perhaps this winter is the season for you to begin the journey to becoming a certified nature therapy guide. Click here to learn more about the ANFT core guide training.