Forest therapy walks, Sit Spot circle, creative workshops, and nature photography tours with Kelly Hutchison, ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide. Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing) on Vancouver Island, BC—serving Qualicum Beach, Parksville & Nanaimo.

Vancouver Island | Sit Spots

Stillness by the Sea in Qualicum Beach

Free oceanside sit-spot gatherings on the Salish Sea

The sound of the ocean, the scent of salty air, the grainy texture of sand running through my fingers, a slow walk, searching for unique shells and stones, while listening to seagulls squawking nearby. This is heaven to me. The Salish Sea has supported my personal healing, and I would be honoured to share this powerful practice with you.

I invite you to take time away from your busyness and sit with me by the sea—time to rest, reflect, and be still.

What to Expect
Each gathering is one hour. We begin with a short sensory invitation to open your senses—connecting you to your breath, body, and the surrounding sounds, smells, and textures. We then sit alone, together, letting the rhythm of the waves support quiet reflection. We close with an optional opportunity to share your experience with the group.

This is a gentle introduction to forest and nature therapy, offered free of charge as a gift to our community.

Is This for You?
This circle is for those drawn to the ocean's calm, restorative energy and natural surroundings. You may be looking for a gentle pause in your day, a quiet space to reflect, or a way to connect with nature without pressure or expectations.
This is not therapy. It is a safe, supportive space to sit, breathe, and be held by the sea—alone yet together, guided gently into stillness.

A few things first-timers often wonder:

• Do I have to share? No. Sharing at the end is always optional.
• What if my mind wanders, or I can't sit still? That is part of the practice. There is nothing to do "right."
• What if I become emotional? You are safe to feel whatever arises. 

What to Bring

• A blanket, cushion, or low folding chair to sit on (I will bring sit pads)
• Weather-appropriate layers (the shore can be cooler than inland)
• Water
• Yourself, exactly as you are

What is a Sit Spot?
While our gathering is a single hour together, a sit spot is also a practice you can carry into your own life.
A sit spot is a place that you spend time in regularly. Generally, sit spots are offered at the conclusion of a guided walk, after we are already in a relaxed state. However, they can also be experienced on their own and are a wonderful way to connect more deeply with yourself and nature.

Find a place that calls to you. Sit there often, quietly doing nothing. Your sit spot becomes like a good friend. In the beginning, your mind might wander, busy with day-to-day thoughts. Over time, it will soften. The longer you sit, the more you will notice as nature slowly reveals itself. Your senses will call to you, and the experience deepens. Sit for 20 minutes, three times per week—or more if possible; however, even a few minutes is beneficial. Some people choose to journal afterward.

​Upcoming Dates (third Sunday of the month)

• Sunday, August 16
• Sunday, September 20
• Sunday, October 18

Time: 9:00 – 10:00 am Location: Surfside East Beach Access (Kinkade Rd to Surfside) 

To Reserve Your Spot
This gathering is offered free of charge. A simple RSVP helps me hold space for you and lets me reach you if anything changes. Please see the form below.

I look forward to sitting with you by the sea.
~Kelly

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