FAQs
What is Nature Bathing?
A simple and powerful way to deepen your relationship with nature and support your health and wellbeing.
Expect a gentle walk where you slow down, and explore and engage through your senses.
How do I benefit?
There is a growing body of research into the healing power of nature, showing it can improve our physical, mental, and emotional health. Participants can also experience deeper levels of connection with themselves and with others, and see nature in a new way. This can be profoundly healing.
Do you work with NDIS clients?
Yes! See this page for more information.
What happens on a walk?
Your guide will begin with a quick introduction to Nature Bathing and the land on which your walk will take place. Working in partnership with nature, Monique will offer a series of simple and open ‘invitations’, carefully crafted to help you experience nature through your senses. Find out more on what to expect here.
Why do I need a guide?
While anyone can get out into nature on their own, a trained guide facilitates a different kind of walk. It is often likened to doing yoga on your own versus with a yoga teacher; the latter enables a deeper and more involved experience.
Monique is trained to facilitate a sensory experience using a specific blend of complementary invitations.
She is experienced in holding space for people as their unique journeys unfold, and creating a safe container in which people can express and share their stories.
She has a deep relationship with the land on which she guides, and is also trained in Wilderness First Aid, ensuring you have a safe experience in nature.
What do I bring on the day?
Please bring a hat, sunscreen and a bottle of water, plus a small bag for your keys and other belongings.
Wear something you feel yourself in, and comfortable shoes - Monique is usually in sandals that can be easily slipped on and off.
You may also like to bring a small towel or pillowcase to sit on (though you are always welcome to sit on the ground!)
Who is welcome?
Everyone is welcome, exactly as you are*!
*with one exception: there is no place on a Nature Bathing walk for sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, ageism, fatphobia, bigotry or hatefulness of any kind.
Can children participate?
Nature Bathing is suitable for children, however Heartwood recommends public walks for people 12 years and above. Monique runs a monthly family friendly session, or you might consider a private family walk that is tailored just for you.
Is it like hiking?
If hiking is about ‘getting there’, Nature Bathing is about ‘being here’. You can expect to walk only 1-2 kilometres over two hours, over flat ground. This makes it suitable for people with a wide range of fitness levels and abilities.
If you have any mobility or access issues you would like to discuss, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Who did your images?
Botanical artist Anna Farba did Heartwood’s custom illustrations. Brilliant photographer Britt Spring took my portraits. I love them too!
“No two trees are the same to Raven. No two branches are the same to Wren.”
- David Wagoner