Page 19 - ISI_171_AprilMay
P. 19
APRIL / MAY 2021 • IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT HEALTH CARE PAGE 19
based primarily in North and South America, These mindfulness practices help relax
Asia, and Europe. and refocus individuals, whatever their back-
Goslin is the first (and so far only) ground. Stress and fears seem to slip away.
Montanan to have completed the ANFT’s At first, the Invitations might seem
nine-month practicum to join their ranks. intimidating, or even weird. But once par-
(In Idaho, Sari Telpner runs a forest bathing ticipants let go of preconceptions, they
therapy company—Wild Wellness Guide— learn the experience is more about being
out of Boise.) than doing.
As it turned out, crafting a stronger bond “It takes us from the tamed, everyday
with the natural world, along with a new world to the untamed, wild world, the
career as a Forest Bathing Guide, suited her more-than-human world, where you see
as comfortably as her favorite fleece jacket. yourself as less separate from nature,”
“It seemed like the natural next step for remarks Goslin. “With a childlike sense of
me. Things just fell into place,” says Goslin wonder, you move into a realm permeated
who enjoys taking small groups of people with mystery where anything can happen.”
on safe, gentle walks that engage all the An important aspect of these Invitations
senses. These, incidentally, aren’t hikes or Deborah Goslin is Montana’s only Certified Forest is that there is no right or wrong way to do
naturalist walks. No science is involved. Bathing Guide. Photo by Nann Parrett. them. No one judges you. No prior expe-
If you can put one foot in front of the rience is needed, only the willingness to
other for a short distance, you can handle it. noticing the different kinds of aromas engage with the natural world and be pres-
Just remember to dress comfortably, mute present. Another example might be “What’s ent in the moment.
your cell phone, and stay openminded. in Motion?” This encourages people to see “Forest Bathing is not a destination; it’s
“People are used to being led, not the different movements occurring around a journey in which you find the key to who
guided, so instructions are kept purposely them that they may not have previously you are with all of your senses open. You
vague. The guide isn’t a leader or healer, noticed. A third Invitation might include slow down and tune into your own body
but provides space for people to have their “Texture Gathering,” which involves feel- and tune out the world. It includes rare
own experiences with nature,” clarifies ing the roughness, smoothness, or perhaps moments of connecting with nature and
Goslin. “Walks begin with guided sensory slickness of a branch, leaf, flower, or rock. your inner self,” concludes Goslin. “You see
awareness activities that establish contact “It’s a mind-space full of simplicity that whole life histories lived on one tree trunk
with the present moment and place. Next enables you to feel joy and gratitude for the and realize we aren’t the only ones on the
comes a series of 15- to 20-minute exercises Earth and what we’ve received from it. If planet.” ISI
we call Invitations, which connect people our thoughts change to be more grateful, we
more deeply with nature and the land.” will see the more positive side of life,” says For more information, email [email protected] or
An example of an Invitation might be Goslin. “We come to understand the lives call (406) 214-7879.
“Following the Scents.” Participants use of other beings and the interconnectedness
their sense of smell to explore a place, between them.”
ANYTIME!
Hospice of North Idaho is here to provide
information and education about our unique
care, including palliative care, hospice care
and grief support.
Call to speak with us today!
Call to speak with us today!
Call to speak with us today!
(208) 772-7994
WWW.HOSPICEOFNORTHIDAHO.ORG
