Frequently asked questions.
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Spending time in nature has been scientifically proven to lower our stress and anxiety levels, and improve our mental health and wellbeing. The term 'forest bathing' comes from the Japanese term, 'Shinrin-Yoku', coined by a Japanese doctor in the mid-1980s, Dr Qing Li. His research of how connecting with nature helps our wellbeing by immersing ourselves in the natural environment is still valid today, and especially so with the increasing amount of mental health issues being reported across the world.
Dr Qing Li created the following process; spending time in nature, walking slowly, no technology, and opening up all of our senses to really connect. This process activates our parasympathetic nervous system, allowing us to feel calm and relaxed. I recommend reading his book.
However, connecting with nature isn't just about relaxation, nature is also a powerful teacher of patience, critical thinking and compassion. It promotes learning and confidence building, and boosts self-esteem. Nature provides an environment that is rich in sensory experiences, with so much to see, smell, touch and listen to. So even if a person isn’t keen on a long strenuous hike, they can connect by placing their bare feet on the grass, noticing the texture of bark on a tree, listening to the kookaburras call to one another, or focus on deep breathing and the amazing smells of the forest.
Another important component of connecting with nature is acknowledgement of the traditional custodians of these unceded lands, and developing a deep connection with country and walking with the Spirit of the land. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is so ingrained with nature, and is an incredible example of Deep Ecology; remembering that we are nature.
But what if you’re not able to immerse yourself in a forest? Can you still forest bathe?
Yes! I am passionate about equipping people with tools to take home with them to help boost their wellbeing. I believe a vital part of improving our mental health is feeling empowered to do so with simple and adaptable practices to use on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
You can still connect with nature with the tree in your backyard, or the plants at your local park. But on those days when it’s raining heavily outside, or perhaps you have reduced mobility, then it’s still possible to forest bathe indoors.
The Melbourne lockdowns of 2020 brought my Sound Medicine Hikes to a standstill, along with the rest of the state. So instead I thought I’d experiment over Zoom with engaging the imagination with detailed visualisations of natural landscapes and animal spirits, along with plant music from a pot plant, while the visual journey is illustrated with sound healing instruments.
I was thrilled that it worked! And Mother Earth Sound Medicine was born, an offering that allows me to offer the experience of deep nature connection but while you’re indoors and cosy under a warm blanket.
Keen to get started? Book a session or workshop with me or reach out with any questions.
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Made in Italy, these are the original plant music devices. I use mine for most of my indoor sessions as they work well with pot plants as they use a piece of copper near the plant root and a clip on the leaf. You can also purchase an external speaker.
This is a great plant music device that you'll see me use when facilitating outdoor sessions such as my Sound Medicine Hikes. It has the option to attach to trees, flowers, plants and mushrooms. It works via bluetooth and an app, so you can listen through your phone or a bluetooth speaker.
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Yes! Whether you come along to a Mother Earth Sound Medicine session, a Sound Medicine Hike, or any other Dare to Change Therapies workshop, you will be welcomed into a safe and friendly space with other like-minded people.
Particularly with the Sound Medicine Hikes there is plenty of time to chat and interact with the group (if you want to), and you never know, you might meet a new friend!
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Hiking shoes or sturdy trainers with grip
Comfortable clothes suitable for hiking (layers are recommended so you can adjust as you hike)
Rain jacket
Water and snacks
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Hat
A yoga mat, blanket, or towel to lie down on during the sound healing (you’ll be hiking with this)
It's also recommended to bring a blanket during the colder months to cover you during the sound healing too
Optional: an eye mask or covering as this helps you drop into a deeper meditation
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A yoga mat
A blanket for warmth
A cushion or pillow for your head
Water
Optional: an eye covering, extra cushion for under your knees or to sit on, notebook and pen to journal after
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Yes, absolutely! I'm an experienced hiker, facilitator and a licenced tour operator with Parks Victoria so I assess all hiking trails we use for safety and accessibility. I am a qualified First Aider and I always carry a first aid kit, and snake bite kit druing snake season.
When you're choosing your hike, check the hike grade which will either be 'Easy' or 'Moderate', with a description of the length, type of track and fitness level required. I always recommend starting small and building up; this means that you will be able to easily keep up with the group.
I also send an email before the hike with a list of what to bring with you on the day and I'm very happy to answer any questions you have before we hike.
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Yes, in certain instances you can!
When you purchase a ticket and see that a child's ticket is available then it is definitely ok to bring your child along (if you can't see a child ticket available then it's likely either the allocation is exhausted or the session is not suitable for children).
Workshops are not suitable for children under 10 years due to the content, (for eg. we delve into some theoretical frameworks and spend time in long meditations), and I don’t want young children to feel left out.
If you have children under 10 years, I suggest getting together with some friends or family and booking a Children’s Sound Medicine Hike (or a Mother Earth Sound Medicine session), so it can be tailored to your children's needs. I have a current Working with Children's Check and comprehensive knowledge of the Victorian Child Safe Standards legislation, so I can ensure a child safe environment. I also offer individual sessions for children (or for you and your child) so please reach out to me to enquire.
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Unfortunately no. These experiences are just for the humans and not the pooches.
There are a few reasons why;
Some people are afraid of dogs, and I want to ensure that everyone feels safe at all of my workshops.
A lot of trails and parks don’t allow dogs, and even the parks who do allow dogs, don’t allow them on particular trails.
Some dogs don’t like some sound healing instruments as the frequencies can cause them distress.
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For workshops, I offer a refund if you cancel up to 7 days before the event. If you need to cancel after that time, you have the option to transfer your ticket to a friend. If that's the case, reach out to me.
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I definitely do! These are ideal if you’d like a group session of either Mother Earth Sound Medicine or a Sound Medicine Hike where you can choose your location, length, date and time. These are also tailored for your needs.
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I believe that spirituality is a spectrum, so I encourage everyone to just take what resonates with them during a workshop. I use a combination of evidence-based practice, scientific research, along with shamanic and spiritual practices. As a trauma therapist, ecotherapist, reiki practitioner and sound healer; I'm passionate about fusing mainstream and holistic frameworks together to create more accessibility for people who either don't consider themselves to be very spiritual or are just starting to explore spirituality.
I do ask that you come along to workshops with an open mind so you can get the most out of the experience.
If you book an individual session, I allow time at the beginning to chat about what you would like to work on and to find out more about your spirituality so the session can be tailored to your needs.
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Coming soon!
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Coming soon!
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Coming soon!
