[Cecelia]

I, along with 2 others, went into the forest to practice Movement and Triggers. We had an exploratory discussion on the term “triggers” and its connotation associated with painful or uncomfortable experiences. From there we began examining what it might be like to intentionally establish “positive triggers” as a way to remind ourselves to stop, step outside, and experience nature in some way, shape, or form. Each of us came up with something that would be our trigger. For me it was time of day, i.e. after lunch stroll along a tree-lined path; for another it was the sounds of birds chirping; for the third person, it was a dedicated ring tone on his phone alerting him that it was time to go out.

After our discussion, we then moved into the forest for our mindfully slow walk/forest bath into the woods. What an experience! None of us were accustomed to moving that slowly and quietly. At the end of our walk as we processed the experience the words that repeatedly came up were “peaceful” and “at peace”, “calming”, “recharged”, “generous”, and “compassionate”. This type of exercise was new to one of our group. When we stopped momentarily to silently observe and listen, I heard the participant whisper under her breath “Wow.”

This was an occasion when I stepped aside and nature became the therapist. Needless to say, this exercise was truly awe inspiring.

[Cecelia]

This was the most challenging exercise thus far. Of course, it was the most rewarding, too. As I indicated in my response (part 2 of this exercise), I feel that we are now moving toward developing a relationship with nature. This was deep. My mind wandered easily, but I was able to bring it back to the present via surround sound or open vision. Excellent!

[Cecelia]

Of the exercises presented thus far, this one has been the most challenging. I had to give it several “goes” before I felt the full effect. Becoming more aware of our senses and how our senses inform us served to increase my level of awe and connection with nature. This (as well as the previous assignments) is an excellent mindfulness exercise to help us pull back into the present moment and just “be”. I’m looking forward to more lessons. Thank you.

[Cecelia]

I found this practice to be challenging however the effort to complete it was well rewarded. One insight I gained from this is how narrow my focus is as I walk through life. Others have stated, and I concur, that we are trained to focus on one thing, focus forward, to the exclusion of what is happening peripherally. Although difficult to execute in the beginning, this proved to be a powerful exercise in helping me open my sight and mind to a bigger, broader, interesting world.

[Cecelia]

I am a clinical counselor in Ohio. I work at a residential treatment facility that is a working farm. We work with adults who suffer with mental illness. Much of the 300 acre farm is woodland. Often I will take counseling sessions with a resident out doors to the woods and ponds and stream. Nature then becomes the therapist and I am merely nature’s assistant. I am taking this course to expand my skills, knowledge, experience in ecotherapy.

The Surround Sound exercise was great. I have done visual and tactile interventions, but not auditory to this extent. My first time doing Surround Sound was with two residents. We walked the 10 minutes to a pond in the woods and then each of us found a tree to lean against or sit with. As we did the exercise of listening “surround sound”, we each became aware of the nuances and variety of sounds that before now had been taken for granted, or not even heard. I wasn’t sure how the two residents would take it, or if they could even sit that long (5 minutes each direction). But we did it! Afterwards the overwhelming feeling was one of awe. We say we go to the woods for peace and quiet, but this exercise helped us realize that the woods are not quiet! But the sounds did elicit feelings of peace and calm. The most critical comment was that we didn’t have enough time. Coming from one person who suffers extreme anxiety, and the other who experiences ADHD, I found this phenomenal. Of course I also felt that the time was too short.

Another day I sat in my backyard practicing Surround Sound. This time there were no time constraints, no residents to watch over, no programming concerns and obligations. Just me in my hammock in my backyard garden. This experience was quite different than the prior practice. I heard many birds, rustling leaves in the trees, a cat from time to time as well as a barking dog. But I also heard traffic nearby, and ambulance whiz through, children’s laughter, a mower cutting grass. Even so however, I walked away in a more peaceful state than when I began.

This is an exercise I will use from time to time for both personal reasons and for the calming effect it has on my clients/residents.

Great exercise.