Welcome!
Soft Pine Wellness would like to acknowledge that all it's activities are in Mi’kma’ki , the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) People first signed with the British Crown in 1725. The treaties did not deal with surrender of lands and resources but in fact recognized Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) title and established the rules for what was to be an ongoing relationship between nations.
Please see below for more on Mi'kma'ki and recognizing our region's Indigenous culture.
Please see below for more on Mi'kma'ki and recognizing our region's Indigenous culture.
Soft Pine Wellness strives to provide holistic and inclusive opportunities for meaningful wellness experiences in unique, Nova Scotian landscapes!
Nature therapy, forest bathing, and related experiences offered by Soft Pine Wellness are trauma informed and based on heavily researched concepts that time in nature can improve mental and physical health, support personal growth and nurture joy and contentment. Alongside a human health perspective, these experiences can also support a sense of stewardship and conservation for the land and waters we all depend on.
Through Community Forest Bathing Walks, Nature Immersion and Deep Invitation Experiences, and more, everyone from youth, families, friends, and adult groups are welcome to share in rebuilding our connection to the land. Some of these experiences have been developed as part of the foodartnature project! Soft Pine Wellness, with other local experience providers, have developed brand new, grassroots and regenerative experiences in the natural places of the Annapolis Valley!
Check out the Activities page for ways to participate!
Through Community Forest Bathing Walks, Nature Immersion and Deep Invitation Experiences, and more, everyone from youth, families, friends, and adult groups are welcome to share in rebuilding our connection to the land. Some of these experiences have been developed as part of the foodartnature project! Soft Pine Wellness, with other local experience providers, have developed brand new, grassroots and regenerative experiences in the natural places of the Annapolis Valley!
Check out the Activities page for ways to participate!
NEWS!
The Food Art Nature experiential tourism project launched in May, full of grassroots, human and nature focused experiences for locals and guests to discover and enjoy!
As one of the providers that focuses on mental health and nature connection, Soft Pine Wellness is so excited to be offering two new Forest Bathing and Nature Therapy experiences: Nature Immersion and Deep Invitation. This community project came together through the amazing collaboration between the Wolfville Farmers Market, Blomidon Naturalists Society and Earth Rhythms.
As one of the providers that focuses on mental health and nature connection, Soft Pine Wellness is so excited to be offering two new Forest Bathing and Nature Therapy experiences: Nature Immersion and Deep Invitation. This community project came together through the amazing collaboration between the Wolfville Farmers Market, Blomidon Naturalists Society and Earth Rhythms.
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I (Wil Brunner) have written for the Canadian Mental Health Association on connecting to nature and forest therapy! Please check it out along with the other amazing stories being shared via this years theme #mystory. "I hope we can all allow our attention to catch Mother Earth, however and wherever she might present herself. It could be through your pet, during a walk to the store, or outside your window before you fall asleep. It doesn’t always need to be wilderness, and it doesn’t always need to be life changing. It’s as easy as this: allow the birds a few minutes to adjust to your presence, and in that moment, I wonder what you might notice?" |
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Mi'kma'ki & Sense of Place
The statement at the top of this page represents a land acknowledgement. The following paragraphs hope to expand on the sentiment and speak further about honouring indigenous culture. Honouring Mi'kmaw history and culture always precedes before beginning any nature therapy or forest bathing experience.
It is from this land, Mi'kma'ki (Nova Scotia, PEI, eastern New Brunswick and the Gaspe Penninsula), where we can recognize a painful and unfair past, which still persists today. This reflection is a necessary process we may participate in along a path to fostering equity, respect and gratitude for the land and communities we share. This land is also where we can look to for inspiration and a sense of safety and belonging.
Etuaptmumk is a Mi'kmaw concept meaning two-eyed seeing. It speaks to a need for integrating and complementing indigenous and western, scientific views in all situations. Practicing reciprocity with the land and all of it's beings is a beautiful and essential indigenous concept which contributes to repairing our relationships.
Through resources like Mi'kmaw Place Names, the L'nui'suti application and others, Mi'kmaq language and ways of knowing are being acknowledged and used in non-indigenous circles. This is one of many important steps in honouring Mi'kmaq culture and growing a more equitable and inclusive future. It is important to know that this indigenous knowledge has been known and existed for a very long time, but like it's holders, has been stifled since colonization.
Within Mi'kma'ki, Soft Pine Wellness is grounded near Kopitek/Aylesford and offers activities from Kjipuktuk/Halifax Harbour to Tewapskik/the Annapolis River and beyond, in parks, trails and backyards. The beautiful waterways and rolling forests here have always offered richness, livelihood and a sense of place.
Tewapskik, meaning water flowing between rocks, is also called the Annapolis River, or Riviere du Dauphin by French settlers. Flowing east from Tewapskik, what was once known as the Habitant River, then the Cornwallis River, is Jijikwtuk or the narrow river. Alongside Jijikwtuk is Sikunme'katik named for the place of gaspereau; it is also known as the Gaspereau River. Further to the east is Amaqapskiket (flowing over rocks), Piziquid or the Avon River. Flowing to the south shore is Pijinuiskiq or the LaHave River.
Thank you for taking the time to consider a deeper sense of place and understanding of our shared heritage and landscape.
Sincerely,
Wil Brunner
It is from this land, Mi'kma'ki (Nova Scotia, PEI, eastern New Brunswick and the Gaspe Penninsula), where we can recognize a painful and unfair past, which still persists today. This reflection is a necessary process we may participate in along a path to fostering equity, respect and gratitude for the land and communities we share. This land is also where we can look to for inspiration and a sense of safety and belonging.
Etuaptmumk is a Mi'kmaw concept meaning two-eyed seeing. It speaks to a need for integrating and complementing indigenous and western, scientific views in all situations. Practicing reciprocity with the land and all of it's beings is a beautiful and essential indigenous concept which contributes to repairing our relationships.
Through resources like Mi'kmaw Place Names, the L'nui'suti application and others, Mi'kmaq language and ways of knowing are being acknowledged and used in non-indigenous circles. This is one of many important steps in honouring Mi'kmaq culture and growing a more equitable and inclusive future. It is important to know that this indigenous knowledge has been known and existed for a very long time, but like it's holders, has been stifled since colonization.
Within Mi'kma'ki, Soft Pine Wellness is grounded near Kopitek/Aylesford and offers activities from Kjipuktuk/Halifax Harbour to Tewapskik/the Annapolis River and beyond, in parks, trails and backyards. The beautiful waterways and rolling forests here have always offered richness, livelihood and a sense of place.
Tewapskik, meaning water flowing between rocks, is also called the Annapolis River, or Riviere du Dauphin by French settlers. Flowing east from Tewapskik, what was once known as the Habitant River, then the Cornwallis River, is Jijikwtuk or the narrow river. Alongside Jijikwtuk is Sikunme'katik named for the place of gaspereau; it is also known as the Gaspereau River. Further to the east is Amaqapskiket (flowing over rocks), Piziquid or the Avon River. Flowing to the south shore is Pijinuiskiq or the LaHave River.
Thank you for taking the time to consider a deeper sense of place and understanding of our shared heritage and landscape.
Sincerely,
Wil Brunner
Human (+) Nature: Nurturing our Relationship
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Unfortunately, our busy, tech-based modern world can often create different pressure and stress. These and others have brought mental health concerns to the forefront for many people, communities and governments. The climate change crisis, another one of our culture's dilemmas, could be understood as the result of our fractured relationship with nature, through living beyond our means and the natural capacity of the Earth.
Everywhere across the world, people have begun to see the natural world as a way of restoring and maintaining a healthy, fulfilling life. The Japanese practice shinrin-yoku, Norwegians have friluftsliv, and indigenous cultures worldwide have been embedded in and honour the natural world. Permaculture, sprouted in the USA, Japan and Australia, connects people and the land sustainably through food systems. In Canada, health care systems have begun programs to prescribe nature as a form of healing! This could eventually evolve into funded forest bathing and nature therapy activities. **UPDATE: this program has been expanded to Nova Scotia and the rest of the maritime provinces! Feelings of goodness from time in nature is something that we know inertly. We have memories of running through forests or swimming in the local watering hole, summer trips to farmers markets for fresh fruit or vacations near and far. These simple but beautiful times were us in intimate relationship with nature. |
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The Bay of Fundy and other wild spaces calls us to reach out and connect
Nature Therapy & Forest Bathing Experiences
Forest bathing (or shinrin-yoku) began as a Japanese practice to address chronic stress & related problems. Research has since been proving time spent in nature can improve enhance bodily functions and increase mental health. Much research is available to describe the rationale behind this practice. The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, where Wil received his Guide Certification, is inspired by the Japanese practice and created specific elements to adapt to the western world. Weaved within the foundation of shinrin-yoku are elements of Jungian psychology, indigenous knowledge, nature therapy and environmental stewardship.
Research by Dr. Qing Li, see the Resources & Research page for the article
During a forest bathing walk or experience with Wil, one will experience a simple and gentle framework through a series of unique sensory activities to hone our bodies, minds and hearts to nature. You may be invited to feel different plants with your skin, or listen to birdsong. Participants are encouraged to be creative and fluid and to do whatever feels right in the moment. Towards the end of the walk, a closing invitation helps incorporate the experience before leaving the forest. Participants do not need to be experienced outdoors people or practiced meditators, and those who are can still notice the benefits. If one feels curious about forest bathing, they are likely ready to go through the doors to nature.
In addition to public forest bathing wellness walks, private sessions can be booked for individuals and groups. These can occur in a specific place of your choosing, or a local setting where public walks also occur. Specific elements and 'flow' can also be tailored for the appropriate experience. People or groups with certain limitations or specific goals may prefer a privately ran walk, perhaps virtually or at home, rather than the open feeling public walks feature.
Below are some photos from 2021 to present forest bathing walks. Many thanks to participants for allowing to be photographed!
In addition to public forest bathing wellness walks, private sessions can be booked for individuals and groups. These can occur in a specific place of your choosing, or a local setting where public walks also occur. Specific elements and 'flow' can also be tailored for the appropriate experience. People or groups with certain limitations or specific goals may prefer a privately ran walk, perhaps virtually or at home, rather than the open feeling public walks feature.
Below are some photos from 2021 to present forest bathing walks. Many thanks to participants for allowing to be photographed!
Therapeutic Recreation
Nature or ecotherapy has grown into a popular tool for people of all walks of life. Mental health barriers, life changes, grief, chronic pain and other struggles are seeing benefits from the healing effects of the natural world. When humans return to nature we immediately feel better. The research overwhelmingly points to exposure to nature through our senses reduces stress, focuses our attention, elevates feelings of satisfaction and pleasure and many others. The research also shows these effects stay with us long after we've come indoors, gone back to work or continued our normal routine. Finally, physical activity in nature brings us into our bodies, creates space from overthinking and builds a sense of accomplishment and self gratitude. All this in addition to improving physical health.
The difference between a traditional and nature therapy type of activity from Soft Pine Wellness, is the intention to support our mental health and bring together all the benefits of physical time in nature. These activities are integrated with mindfulness meditation and elements of forest therapy for a holistic and deep exercise. Goals are set, the land is met through an ongoing, reciprocal relationship and creative expression and sharing are used to communicate the experience.
Mindfulness Meditation
“Just watch this moment, without trying to change it at all.
What is happening? What do you feel? What do you see? What do you hear?”
-John Kabat-Zinn, founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Meditation has quickly become an extremely well known and well used self care and therapeutic tool for the modern world. There are many types of meditations, often originating from eastern religions, which offer different benefits and results. Mindfulness Meditation, predominantly a Buddhist practice, is the simple yet complex process of fostering full awareness of the present moment while embracing calmness, acceptance and stillness. It can also mean many other things depending on the type of practice. Mindfulness is a formal meditation practice but it can also be viewed as a lifestyle or type of attitude towards life and our participation in it.
As the above quote hints at, forest bathing and nature therapy has much to do with a mindful perspective and attitude towards nature. Soft Pine Wellness offers guided nature-based meditation sessions in person, virtually - oftentimes for free - and can also include guided meditations with a forest bathing or recreation activity. See the Resources & Research page for a free nature meditation script.
What is happening? What do you feel? What do you see? What do you hear?”
-John Kabat-Zinn, founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Meditation has quickly become an extremely well known and well used self care and therapeutic tool for the modern world. There are many types of meditations, often originating from eastern religions, which offer different benefits and results. Mindfulness Meditation, predominantly a Buddhist practice, is the simple yet complex process of fostering full awareness of the present moment while embracing calmness, acceptance and stillness. It can also mean many other things depending on the type of practice. Mindfulness is a formal meditation practice but it can also be viewed as a lifestyle or type of attitude towards life and our participation in it.
As the above quote hints at, forest bathing and nature therapy has much to do with a mindful perspective and attitude towards nature. Soft Pine Wellness offers guided nature-based meditation sessions in person, virtually - oftentimes for free - and can also include guided meditations with a forest bathing or recreation activity. See the Resources & Research page for a free nature meditation script.
Copyright Soft Pine Forest and Nature Wellness Services, 2023.
softpinewellness@gmail.com ~ 705-279-4479
softpinewellness@gmail.com ~ 705-279-4479