Experience the wonders of nature through guided forest immersion walks
“The earth is not the environment, something outside of us that we need to care for. The earth is us. Taking care of the earth, we take care of ourselves”.
Thich Nhat Hanh .
What to expect when you join a forest immersion walk.
There is no right or wrong way to participate. You will be invited to experience several invitations during the 3 hour walk. There are no prescribed expectations, and you may decide how you wish to participate. Allow yourself to be guided not only by the guide, but by your heart and your senses. The journey is about moving slowly, purposefully, and being present in the moment. Internalize nature however you want — it’s all about the experience. The more open you can be to it, the richer and more personal it will be. There will be an opportunity to gather for a few moments after each invitation if you wish to share a thought or a word or two with the group, but it is also okay to remain silent and with your own thoughts. All will be welcome, non-judgmental and respectful.
Here is list of suggested things you could bring to make the most out of the experience.
An open mind, and willingness to trust in your guide and in yourself.
Wear layers so you can add or subtract clothing for whatever the Nova Scotia weather will bring. It is wise to bring more clothing than you expect you will need. Moving slowly, even on a nice fall day can generate less body heat and cool you down unexpectedly.
Proper footwear for rough terrain.
Water, more is better than less to stay hydrated.
Sunscreen, insect repellent, and any medication you may need. Your guide has up-to-date wilderness first aid certification and carries a well supplied first aid kit.
In Nova Scotia we have several ticks. The blacklegged tick sometimes also called the deer tick (Lxodes scapularis) is of concern and is to be mindful of. The best and most recommended approach if you find yourself in its potential habitat, is to tuck your pant legs into your socks before beginning the walk and be sure that you remember to do a thorough tick check when you return.
Finally consider and respect your group by turning the volume of your cell phone down when you begin the walk.
