Wild Wanderings FAQs
What is nature therapy, forest bathing, or shinrin yoku, anyway?
Great question! With Wild Wanderings, it’s essentially a 1-3 hour guided experience in a natural environment (urban or rural), during which we will slow down, awaken our senses, and nurture our relationships with ourselves and our world (sometimes called the "more-than-human" world.)
Through a series of guided invitations, you will find your own ways of connecting with nature as you relax into being present with the sights, smells, sounds, textures, and tastes of the woods. There’s no rush, and there’s no "right" or "wrong" way to experience a Nature Therapy Walk; simply come as you are, and witness the beauty of your own relationship with nature.
I feel like I'm seeing "forest bathing" walks popping up all over the place. What's the difference between them and Wild Wanderings?
Yes! They're everywhere; and for the most part, that's so great!
Each of us has our very own special something(s) to share with the world; and our own style of doing things. One of the things that sets us apart is the extremely intensive, rigorous training and certification process your Guide completed in order to offer this service to you.
Your Wild Wanderings Guide also combines a lifetime of related studies and professional experience with this service.
Additionally, to hold space as a certified Guide means your Guide is also trained to continuously assess the environment, weather, individuals, and group dynamics; and is adept in split-second problem-solving, decision-making, resourcefulness, and able to competently manage many emotional and physical health concerns.
I love/hate/don't know a thing about hiking!
Whatever your feelings, about hiking, that's cool; however, we likely won't be engaging in any hiking on a Nature Therapy Walk! This practice is significantly less about “doing” and more about “being.” Our pace will be very gentle and leisurely; you may consider it “moseying” or “wandering,” interspersed with periods of relative stillness.
I'm excited to check out all the plants and animals!
or
Help! I know nothing about wild plants and animals!
Either way, all is well. Different from a plant ID, naturalist, or foraging excursion, a Nature Therapy Walk will assist you in getting to know your fellow earthlings in entirely fresh, new ways, or perhaps for the very first time. This is a mutual exchange that promotes wonder, gratitude, and respect.
Your Guide is well-versed in the plant and animal beings inhabiting your walk location, and will make you aware of any we may potentially encounter.
I'm on social media, and love documenting and sharing new and interesting experiences! I can't wait to whip out my phone and snap a few shots of this.
Awesome! However, cell phone use is PROHIBITED during a Nature Therapy Walk. By all means, carry one if you choose; as long as it is silenced and remains tucked away for the duration of the Walk. Should you notice anything you'd like to photograph, you'll have an opportunity to do so after the Walk.
But why? It's no big deal.
This time and experience is a gift you are giving yourself; this presence is a present! This is your opportunity to truly receive and fully explore that gift, without interruptions.
This is also a gift to the other participants in your group. Your cell phone use, no matter how surreptitious, could disrupt their experience at well. Be cool to yourselves and each other.
But I'm very busy and important, and lots of clients/employees/etc. may be trying to reach me!
I totally feel you. All the more reason to allow yourself this time! I promise you, the world will keep turning.
Is there any physical risk involved?
Your Guide has personally and diligently scouted and selected the location of your walk. Safety is a huge priority in location selection; and she is aware of any known potential hazards, if any.
Accidents can happen anywhere. Fortunately, your guide is certified in First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, and Adult CPR. If at any time during your Walk you feel unsafe or experience a health concern, simply notify your Guide.
What about bad weather?
Great question! Here at Wild Wellness, we maintain that there is simply "weather." Wild Wanderings take place in all manner of weather, as there is always something special to experience, rain or shine.
However, in the case of lightning, torrential downpours, or otherwise unsafe conditions, your Walk may be rescheduled; for which you'll be notified.
What to bring:
Be your own best friend and advocate for yourself! Taking steps to ensure your physical comfort will assist in allowing you to fully inhabit this experience.
Some how-tos:
Great question! With Wild Wanderings, it’s essentially a 1-3 hour guided experience in a natural environment (urban or rural), during which we will slow down, awaken our senses, and nurture our relationships with ourselves and our world (sometimes called the "more-than-human" world.)
Through a series of guided invitations, you will find your own ways of connecting with nature as you relax into being present with the sights, smells, sounds, textures, and tastes of the woods. There’s no rush, and there’s no "right" or "wrong" way to experience a Nature Therapy Walk; simply come as you are, and witness the beauty of your own relationship with nature.
I feel like I'm seeing "forest bathing" walks popping up all over the place. What's the difference between them and Wild Wanderings?
Yes! They're everywhere; and for the most part, that's so great!
Each of us has our very own special something(s) to share with the world; and our own style of doing things. One of the things that sets us apart is the extremely intensive, rigorous training and certification process your Guide completed in order to offer this service to you.
Your Wild Wanderings Guide also combines a lifetime of related studies and professional experience with this service.
Additionally, to hold space as a certified Guide means your Guide is also trained to continuously assess the environment, weather, individuals, and group dynamics; and is adept in split-second problem-solving, decision-making, resourcefulness, and able to competently manage many emotional and physical health concerns.
I love/hate/don't know a thing about hiking!
Whatever your feelings, about hiking, that's cool; however, we likely won't be engaging in any hiking on a Nature Therapy Walk! This practice is significantly less about “doing” and more about “being.” Our pace will be very gentle and leisurely; you may consider it “moseying” or “wandering,” interspersed with periods of relative stillness.
I'm excited to check out all the plants and animals!
or
Help! I know nothing about wild plants and animals!
Either way, all is well. Different from a plant ID, naturalist, or foraging excursion, a Nature Therapy Walk will assist you in getting to know your fellow earthlings in entirely fresh, new ways, or perhaps for the very first time. This is a mutual exchange that promotes wonder, gratitude, and respect.
Your Guide is well-versed in the plant and animal beings inhabiting your walk location, and will make you aware of any we may potentially encounter.
I'm on social media, and love documenting and sharing new and interesting experiences! I can't wait to whip out my phone and snap a few shots of this.
Awesome! However, cell phone use is PROHIBITED during a Nature Therapy Walk. By all means, carry one if you choose; as long as it is silenced and remains tucked away for the duration of the Walk. Should you notice anything you'd like to photograph, you'll have an opportunity to do so after the Walk.
But why? It's no big deal.
This time and experience is a gift you are giving yourself; this presence is a present! This is your opportunity to truly receive and fully explore that gift, without interruptions.
This is also a gift to the other participants in your group. Your cell phone use, no matter how surreptitious, could disrupt their experience at well. Be cool to yourselves and each other.
But I'm very busy and important, and lots of clients/employees/etc. may be trying to reach me!
I totally feel you. All the more reason to allow yourself this time! I promise you, the world will keep turning.
Is there any physical risk involved?
Your Guide has personally and diligently scouted and selected the location of your walk. Safety is a huge priority in location selection; and she is aware of any known potential hazards, if any.
Accidents can happen anywhere. Fortunately, your guide is certified in First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, and Adult CPR. If at any time during your Walk you feel unsafe or experience a health concern, simply notify your Guide.
What about bad weather?
Great question! Here at Wild Wellness, we maintain that there is simply "weather." Wild Wanderings take place in all manner of weather, as there is always something special to experience, rain or shine.
However, in the case of lightning, torrential downpours, or otherwise unsafe conditions, your Walk may be rescheduled; for which you'll be notified.
What to bring:
Be your own best friend and advocate for yourself! Taking steps to ensure your physical comfort will assist in allowing you to fully inhabit this experience.
Some how-tos:
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
Warm Weather:
Use Deet-free insect repellent
Cool Weather:
We don't generate much body heat during a nature therapy walk, so dress much more warmly even than you think you should. Lots of layers, extra protection for your extremities, the works. Carrying hand and toe warmers are also a great idea. - Use sunscreen
- Protect your eyes with sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat
- Bring, and drink, water
- If you typically carry a fast-acting medication, be sure to bring it, and notify your Guide