 Kelly Kiss ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide How I go to the Woods by Mary Oliver
"Ordinarily, I go to the woods alone, with not a single friend, for they are all smilers and talkers and therefore unsuitable. I don’t really want to be witnessed talking to the catbirds or hugging the old black oak tree. I have my way of praying, as you no doubt have yours. Besides, when I am alone I can become invisible. I can sit on the top of a dune as motionless as an uprise of weeds, until the foxes run by unconcerned. I can hear the almost unhearable sound of the roses singing. If you have ever gone to the woods with me, I must love you very much.” ~Mary Oliver
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 Getting outside in nature is my medicine. When I am feeling down, uninspired in my art work, tired, stressed, or just low in general, a slow walk in fresh air always brings me back to life. I am blessed to live close to nature As I type this, I am looking out my window at beautiful old growth Douglas Fir trees (you can see them in the background of the photo here). They stand tall, looking over me and my home, here on Salt Spring Island. I feel a kinship to them, like they are old friends.
When I go for walks, I love to listen to the sounds of the bird song, the ocean waves and the gentle breeze. Feeling the warmth on my skin when the sun is shining, it is even more special. Spring is my favourite time of year as everything comes back to life and bursts into colour. Nature distracts me from the busyness of life, and helps me to slow down and notice the small things. When we connect with our senses, it helps us to become more present, in the moment, and to let go of whatever else may be going on in our lives. The other day I took this photo of the morning dew drops on some of our garden flowers. But before I did, I spent several minutes just enjoying the sun shining through the trees onto the water droplets, and watching the beautiful reflecting light through the leaves, and flowers. If I had not taken the time to slow down, I would have missed this special moment. |
Forest & Nature Therapy
with Kelly Hutchison. Come walk with me... Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) on Salt Spring Island, the Gulf Islands & Vancouver Island, BC. AuthorKelly Hutchison Archives
April 2024
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Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park. Located on the Southwest coast of Vancouver Island, B.C.
Experience some of British Columbia's oldest and most beautiful trees.
Experience some of British Columbia's oldest and most beautiful trees.
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I would like to acknowledge that the District of Saanich where I live, walk and play, lies within the territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples represented by the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations and the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples represented by the Tsartlip, Pauquachin, Tsawout, Tseycum and Malahat Nations. I am grateful for this beautiful land.
All photographs are the sole property of Kelly Hutchison (Kiss) and/or Dave Hutchison Photography (where noted) and are held under copyright. The images and contents of this website may not be copied, collected, or used for personal or professional gain without express written permission from Salish Sea Nature Connections, www.salishseaforesttherapy.ca
Copyright ©2024
Copyright ©2024