Saturday, Oct 25/25: Forest Immersion: Immersing yourself in the forest in a contemplative way can be delightful, peaceful and profoundly restorative. When you slow down to the pace of nature, and engage mindfully, you create possibilities for insight, connection and deep gratitude.
You will be offered opportunities to participate in accessible Mindful Nature Connection practices, and to reflect on your connection to the forest, your inner being, others, and\or the more-than-human world using playful Expressive Arts activities.
We will meet at Camp Kawartha Environment Centre, 2505 Pioneer Road, Peterborough, Ontario from 9:30-noon.
$20 for access to the property. Register: http://bit.ly/3V9L1Wg
Facilitator: Beth McKinlay draws on her experiences as an educator, naturalist, Forest and Nature Therapy Guide, Spiritual Companion, and Expressive Arts facilitator to co-create programs that are nurturing, restorative, and empowering.
Previous Events
Peterborough Field Naturalists 85th Birthday Party. October 4/25 at Tecasy Ranch
Returning to Nature as a Spiritual Practice (Part 2) Unitarian Fellowship of Peterborough, Camp Kawartha Environment Centre, May 10/25 from 9:30-12:00. (Cost $10 -site rental)
Forest Bathing with the Peterborough Field Naturalists, Camp Kawartha Environment Cent, 2;30-4:30 pm, March 16/25. Given the forecast of torrential rains, there will be options for you to choose between indoor and outdoor experiences.
Returning to Nature as a Spiritual Practice (Part 1) Unitarian Fellowship of Peterborough, Camp Kawartha, March 8/25 from 9:30-12:00. (Cost $10 -site rental)
-Caring for your Wellbeing in Turbulent Times, Unitarian Fellowship of Peterborough, October 19/24
-Fall Forest Bathing, in the Catchacoma Old Growth Forest, Catchacoma Forest Stewardship Committee - Sept 2024. http://bit.ly/3JVNRfh
-Musical Nature Walk (Tecasy Ranch, Peterborough Symphony Orchestra, and Peterborough Field Naturalists) - Sept 2024
-Parkinson's Society of Canada, Northumberland Branch, Sept 2024
-Forest Bathing with the Peterborough Field Naturalists, Camp Kawartha, December 2023
-Great Lakes Circle Dance workshop offered at annual Dance Camp, August 2023
-Coping with Eco-emotions in Turbulent Times, An outdoor experience offered with the climate activist group, For Our Grandchildren - June 2023, and September 2023
Saturday, Oct 11/25
Slow Down. Breathe Deeply. Let the Forest Restore You
Step away from the rush and into the stillness of the forest. Forest bathing— Shinrin-yoku— is an opportunity to immerse yourself fully in nature, using all five senses to feel grounded and present. As we gently meander beneath the trees, you’ll be introduced to simple and accessible mindfulness practices that calm the mind, restore the body, and nourish the spirit. There’s no destination, and no hurry.
Using a mindful approach, we follow our curiosity, choosing our own pace and focus. You might be drawn to notice the vibrant colours and earthy scents of autumn leaves, to watch sunlight dance through the branches, to listen to the calls of migrating birds, or to sit quietly in solitude for a few moments. Whatever you choose, the forest will hold you – offering its medicine of peace, renewal and connection.
To register, please e-mail Beth at Beth_mckinlay@yahoo.ca
Join Beth and the Peterborough Field Naturalists from 9:30 am - noon at Ballyduff Trails (McKim-Garsonnin Kawartha Land Trust property) for this accessible event.
Saturday, October 18/25 Cancelled - due to the fall hunt season.
Register by email: Info@catchacomaforest.org