Reconnecting with Nature

Come together to share in the simple pleasures and gentle, restorative qualities of nature through evidence-based relational nature therapy.

Proudly presented as a part of Sunshine Coast Council’s Healthy Sunshine Coast program 2024. 

Drawing on the principles of nature therapy and forest bathing (Shinrin Yoku), these sessions will encourage participants to explore and connect with nature at the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens. 

Activities include grounding in present awareness, wanders through the gardens, opportunities for interacting with other participants, and small adventures in creativity.

“I arrived feeling ... stress and fatigue and had a racing mind filled with everything I needed to do throughout the week. I left feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, revitalised and centered.” 

A growing body of research shows that spending time in nature is beneficial to our mental, physical and social wellbeing. Even more, spending time in nature mindfully or in the practice of nature and forest therapy can increase those benefits and develop within participants a stronger relationship with nature. While enhancing individual health and resiliency, this quality of nature connection can also support intrinsic pro-environmental behaviours. 

You can find out more about nature therapy at Held Outside website.

• Maximum 20 places - please register online to ensure your place and complete the short waiver form to save time
• Registered participants are welcome to pay cash on the day ($10 or $5 concession) or card online ($10/$5 plus booking fee)
• Materials provided, but please bring a water bottle and ensure you're comfortably dressed for a slow morning in the gardens
• Healthy Sunshine Coast ask that all participants register their participation once only for all programs prior to participating at this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r...

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Example details for participants 

(please register online to save us all time, and get this info in an email with up to date information)

Please aim to arrive 10 minutes early to allow you to be relaxed and ready for our starting time. Late comers will not get the full experience.

Where: Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens (Google maps link here). 

We will meet at the SCULPTURE GARDEN -  To get there, drive (or walk) up through the lower end of the carpark and park somewhere above the café/ Arts & Ecology Centre. I'll meet you at the path entry. 

What to expect: We will not be venturing far, so expect a relaxing rather than an athletic experience. We will spend a quiet but playful hour in the gardens, awakening our senses. At the final part of the walk, we will have a small tea ritual. 

What to wear: We will be moving quite slowly and not working up a sweat (as you might if you were bushwalking). The event will go ahead in most cases and will only be cancelled if storms or heavy rain is predicted or other unforeseen circumstances since this is a public venue. I suggest:

• weather-appropriate, comfortable clothing for being still outside
  
• hat
  
• enclosed footwear
• sun cream and insect repellent  
  

 I usually wear long trousers, long sleeves, boots and a hat - to protect me from the sun, the bugs, the snakes and so I that I will feel comfortable sitting or even lying on the ground, if the whim takes me!

What to bring: 

• water bottle