rediscover you through the healing heart of nature
Meet Your Guide
Tracey Conn
Tracey is a Nature & Forest Therapy Guide, certified by the ANFT (Association of Nature & Forest Therapy) and a member of NFTC (Nature and Forest Therapy of Canada). She is based in Saskatchewan, Canada, the Land of The Living Skies. Her role is to guide individuals toward a sensory journey in nature, encouraging a shift from a state of “doing” to a state of “being”. Through a series of invitations, participants can rediscover nature and unearth their authentic selves, finding a deeper connection with the more-than-human world and a more present-focused life with nature as their therapeutic ally.
What Is Nature & Forest Therapy?
"Everything in nature invites us constantly to be what we are." —Gretel Ehrlich
First, what it's not. It's not a hike or a guided naturalist walk. It's not for exercise, although as gentle exercise, that can be a nice side benefit. It's not to learn about all the plants, trees, animals, and birds you might see, although becoming curious about all that is another side benefit.
What it is, is a sensory experience immersing yourself in nature and being guided through a series of invitations that might help you connect with nature in new and surprising ways and possibly reconnect with yourself in new ways. It's moving slower than you've probably moved in a long time. It's learning to be present and to notice things you may not have noticed before. The guided invitations are meant to enhance that.
Nature and Forest Therapy is growing rapidly due to nature deficit affecting many people, especially those in urban areas. It was sprung from Shinrin-Yoku, also known as "Forest Bathing" which originated in Japan in the 80's in response to the high stress levels due to the tech boom at the time. They found both physiological and psychological benefits from subjects who experienced these walks through the forests. Physical tests showed lower blood pressure and cortisol levels after forest bathing, as well as other benefits. And so, practices have been derived from Shinrin-Yoku, typically called "nature and forest therapy" and have grown worldwide. Organizations such as the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy have formed to train guides.
Besides the many benefits for humans being in nature, it works the other way, too. It serves to build a reciprocal relationship with nature and in turn, the more-than-human world can benefit from human interaction, as well. The more that humans spend time with and build a heart-centred relationship with nature, the more they will care for it.
What you can expect on a guided walk is to meet at a park, in and outside urban areas, or indoors such as in a conservatory. From there you will meet your fellow participants (unless it's an individual session), and be guided on a sensory experience through prompts and a series of invitations. Generally, it takes around 2.5 hours but the time can be adjusted, as needed.
You can read the testimonials of some who have experienced it below. Every experience is unique.
Guided Sessions
All group sessions are offered at optional rates, according to your means. You choose the payment option when registering.
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Standard rate $30 - standard rate for the service
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Supporter $40 - helps those with modest means be able to experience this service (helps Community)
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Community $20 - if the standard rate is out of range and you're less economically advantaged (thanks, Supporters, for helping!)
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Financial Constraints $10 - if all other options are not within reach at this time
If none of these options are accessible to you, please reach out using the form below or email.
Gratitude and Acknowledgement
I wouldn't have this love of Saskatchewan and the Prairies if it weren't for my ancestors who settled here in hopes of a better future and who lived in sync with the land. They taught me the beauty of the grassland area and the many animals and plants that inhabit it. At the same time, I also recognize that those who have traditionally called this land home, the many First Nations of this land, suffered as a result of the influx of settlers and endured many injustices such as through the Indian Act, the Residential Schools, and the 60's Scoop. I resolve to do my part to be an ally in reconciliation and continue educating myself. As a start, I've taken two important courses: Indigenous Canada (through the University of Alberta) and 4 Seasons of Reconciliation (through the First Nations University).
I will continue to learn the history of this land and will share information with those I guide, acknowledging that where we walk is the traditional territory of many First Nations including the Nehiyaw and Nehithaw Cree, Dene, Dakota, Lakota, Nakota, Stoney and Nahkawe Saulteaux, and the Metis. As someone who lives in what now is called Regina, Saskatchewan, I recognize that I am part of Treaty 4 and that the rest of the province is covered by Treaties 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10. I will do my part to help heal past and future generations by being an ally.
I honour this land and that which gives us life; the many trees, grasslands, plants, birds, insects, animals, and water bodies of this land that give us the many gifts we are lucky enough to receive. May we learn to live in reciprocity with these more-than-human beings as nature shows us how to do.
I am grateful to this land, the Earth, and the landkeepers who came before and are here today.
May my actions reflect the honour I hold deep.
Tracey Conn
