Nature Therapy Clinic

Every Friday and Monday from September 26 to October 20, a group nature therapy clinic is being offered. 

Fridays, 10:30-noon (Sept 26, Oct 3, 10, 17)

Mondays, 3-4:30pm (Sept 29, Oct 6, 13, 20) CANCELLED 10/13

Please arrive 10 minutes early to sign-in, prepare yourself, and to ask any questions of your guide.  No registration is required. Drop-in for any session. You may attend one or all sessions. You are encouraged to attend as many as possible to gain the most benefit. Nature therapy has a cumulative benefit.

The session includes walking, sitting and exploration in a small section of a woodland nature sanctuary.  The format is based upon the popularized concept of shinrin-yoku, "forest bathing". There will be a guided meditation and mindfulness-based prompts that individuals can explore on their own. While this is not talk therapy, you will have the opportunity for brief, optional sharing with the group, while we all practice listening with mindful presence and avoid dialogue. 

This is not a hike with a destination to accomplish. We move at the pace of the group and spend more time immersing ourselves in one place and less time walking. Foldable stools and sit mats are available for the seated meditation portion. The intent is to establish a deep presence with the natural world and awareness of your inner world and connection to Nature. Therefore, Nature is your therapist. You will be guided by Amanda Kenyon, Certified Forest Therapy Guide. Amanda is a trained forest bathing guide, not a therapist. She will offer guided meditations and creative invitations to mindfully connect you to the moment and Nature, but will not offer counseling. Facilitating connection, safety, and comfort are the main foci of your guide.

On chilly days, we could build a fire or do more walking to stay warm.

This clinic is for anyone seeking physical healing or personal growth in the emotional, mental or spiritual aspects of their life. Benefits of nature therapy are listed here. Please contact Amanda or talk to your healthcare professional or therapist if you are unsure if it is right for you. The clinic is designed to accommodate most levels of ability, physical mobility and health, although the terrain is not suitable for wheeled mobility devices. The hilliness is gentle with just one short incline that has proven to be manageable for people with a variety of health conditions. 

$15-$45 suggested contribution, if you are able, no questions asked. You may make a contribution at the session via cash or check, or via Venmo or Paypal.

All sessions will be at The Manitou Project. 

If your GPS allows, enter “The Manitou Project” rather than the street address into your GPS. Otherwise, enter 300 Sunset Lake Road, Williamsville (or Newfane, if that doesn’t work; NOT Brattleboro). You may lose cell service as you approach Manitou. Please plan your route ahead of time.

Arriving via Route 9 - Travel 5.6 miles on Sunset Lake Road. Manitou's driveway is on the left.

Arriving via Route 30 and Depot Road - Travel 1.5 miles on Sunset Lake Road. Manitou's driveway is on the right.

After pulling into the driveway, keep left for the parking area. Your guide will be arriving in a black VW.

CANCELLED MONDAY 10/13

 If there is a cancellation on the day of, it is posted here by 8:30am on Fridays, and by 1pm on Mondays. Steady rain cancels. Light intermittent showers may cancel if temperatures are cool. Cancellation decisions are made on the day of the clinic, not based forecasts.

Bring a friend! Wear and bring two more warm layers than you think you'll need. Bring any necessary medications, inhaler, epipen, etc.  Wear shoes and clothes that are okay if they get dirty. 

We will be under the shade of the canopy on a hilltop that has a cooler microclimate than in town. We will enjoy periods of stillness in the forest. Please be over-prepared with warm layers. A hat and hand coverings may be cozy. We will build a fire, as needed, only on exceptionally chilly days. 

Amanda will have on hand:

sit mats and stools

Optional to bring:

a journal and your favorite portable meditation seat

If you're interested in the nature therapy clinic but this time doesn't work for you, we'd love to hear your preferred time. Email Amanda at landkindguide@gmail.com.