What happens during a Nature Therapy experience?

I guess the fear of the unknown is something deeply rooted in us as a protection mechanism. And sometimes it's stronger than curiosity. So I'm not surprised that some people might be hesitant to dive into the experience of Nature and Forest therapy, not really knowing what it means and what happens during the experience.

First, the word 'therapy' might seem concerning to some, but it's important to point out that it is in no way like a classical therapy session where you get asked questions and your inner or outer life challenges are directly targeted. Instead, the guide will gently hold space and you'll be free to share only if you feel like it. Be aware that therapeutic and healing effects might take place but the real therapist is nature, while the guide in this experience will help you open the doors to healing prosperities of this connection.

Experienced guides share that two of the most commonly experienced feelings among participants are gratitude and grief. Why grief? Because during the experience we become unarmed, we drop the shells and dive into our bodily sensations - and in our bodies, we often have stored something we don't want to deal with.

Threshold of connection

At the beginning of the walk, the guide will typically explain how the sharing will take place, along with some technical information, depending on the location of the walk and the size of the group. You will be gently eased into the experience with some bodyfulness invitations to become present and grounded.

Liminal phase

Nature Therapy can be described as a kind of liminal journey. Liminality here is a space between everyday life and the moment of stepping out of the tamed world.

"In this liminal space, participants may experience a shift in consciousness that awakens the potential for healing in ways they might not experience otherwise." /A. Clifford/

The standard sequence that the guides follow ensures that the participant has a chance to immerse and experience a liminal journey. Carl Jung describes it as a “container” or a magic circle, a vessel, in which an individual transformation can take place.

Moreover, the tested sequence ensures not only shifting the awareness gently toward a state of relaxed embodiment and softened mental focus but also helps to return from that state. The liminal part of the experience usually takes place during the partnership invitations in the middle part of the guided walk when there's a higher chance of being present and embodied. It is a central and crucial part of this practice and happens when you allow yourself to be open, playful, and curious.

Threshold of incorporation

The third part of the experience is the incorporation or tea ceremony. It is like a transition or a threshold from the liminal space back into daily life.

Although it's called a tea ceremony, it is not like the Japanese Chado or Chinese Gong Fu Cha.

We honor nature and each other but it's less official. Participants reflect on the experience and share while enjoying tea, cacao, or another beverage and some snacks. This is also a way to literally digest and absorb the experience while potentially finding ways to incorporate the impressions and teachings in daily life. You may think of it as a "harvest" of the experience.