About this Event
Event Description:
You are invited to join us on September 20th at 4pm for truly unique experience that incorporates a love nature, and learning!
This will be a small, intimate nature immersion session at Mud Lake lasting approximately 2 hours with a 1 hour art making activity to follow.
You will be guided through a series of prompts/invitations designed to increase your awareness of your surroundings as well as tap into how you experience emotions and sensations inside your body.
This will be a very Somatic self-care practice with opportunity for journaling/artwork and reflection.
This is not exercise or a hike, rather it is a very slow, mindful wandering where we will only be covering a distance of 500 metres into the forest and 500 metres return.
We will finish up down by the river where you will enjoy a traditional Japanese Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) ceremonial tea and have the opportunity to share your experience/reflections from the walk in an integration circle. (sharing optional)
This will be mostly a silent forest walk and phones should be switched to OFF or SILENT
Option to enjoy this session barefoot if trail conditions allow.
Items to bring:
● A smaller sized towel or mat that you can bring into the forest with you for sitting if you prefer. Can also be used to wipe feet off if going barefoot. (optional)
● Bug spray if desired
● Water bottle
● Notebook and pen/pencil for journaling
● Pencils/markers for artwork if desired/preferred
● Hoodie or sweater as the evening grows cooler
● Any items to make you feel comfortable
● Come with a set INTENTION for your session ~Setting an intention for a forest walk means entering the woods with a specific, conscious focus to guide your mental, emotional, or physical experience. It is where you direct your energy toward a particular goal or state of being.
Of note:
● There are no restroom facilities at Mud Lake so best to stop at the nearby McDonalds, Tim Hortons or the Beachconers Ice Cream/Coffee Shop located at 273 Britannia Road.
● It is summer so there may be bugs, poison ivy, insects and ticks encountered on the trail.
Meeting point https://maps.app.goo.gl/fr9QAE7jvCXgZ2Vq8?g_st=ic
Time: 4 PM
Accessibility note: uneven terrain and unpaved path
Facilitator
River is an avid bird photographer and certified Forest Bathing Guide and founder of Grounded Earth Nature Therapy. She is passionate about helping people slow down, reconnect with themselves, and experience the healing qualities of the natural world. Through guided Forest Bathing experiences, River creates a safe, welcoming space where participants can reduce stress, cultivate mindfulness, and deepen their relationship with nature. Her approach blends evidence-based practices with a deep respect for the wisdom, beauty, and restorative power of the forest, offering experiences that gently support reflection, emotional well-being, and meaningful connection.
Rowina will be the arts facilitator for this workshop and will lead participants through an activity sparking their creativity.
In consideration for willingly participating in the Grounded Nature Walk Series Events, the participant/registrant and attendees agree to release, discharge and hold harmless Create Change Collective, their facilitators and volunteers from any and all liability for any and all claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of or related to any injury, loss or damage sustained during the event regardless of cause. The release of liability is intended to be as broad and inclusive as possible as permitted by Canadian law and that is any portion is held invalid, the remainder will continue in full force and effect.
Event venue & nearby stays
Mud Lake, Cassels Street, Ottawa, Canada
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.