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 just below for more on Mi'kma'ki.
Please see just below for more on Mi'kma'ki.
Welcome!
Soft Pine Wellness strives to provide holistic and inclusive opportunities for meaningful experiences in nature. This work is 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.
When we slow down to experience each individual moment in nature, we can access our own nature separate from our roles and stories. Who knows what may be revealed!
Through the practices of guided forest bathing, mindfulness meditation and recreation, everyone from youth, families, adults and professional teams are welcome to share in rebuilding our connection to the land. Please see this and other pages for more information, resources and how to participate!
When we slow down to experience each individual moment in nature, we can access our own nature separate from our roles and stories. Who knows what may be revealed!
Through the practices of guided forest bathing, mindfulness meditation and recreation, everyone from youth, families, adults and professional teams are welcome to share in rebuilding our connection to the land. Please see this and other pages for more information, resources and how to participate!
Mi'kma'ki & A Sense of Place
The statement at the top of this page represents a land acknowledgement. These paragraphs hope to expand on the sentiment and speak further about honouring indigenous culture.
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 words for towns, landscapes, creatures, and more are being acknowledged and used more commonly 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 words for towns, landscapes, creatures, and more are being acknowledged and used more commonly 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
Nature-based Wellness
On this homepage, you will find information on Soft Pine Wellness' offerings and what nature-based wellness is all about. Please feel free to connect with questions, thoughts or ideas! Sessions and events are developing all the time, while collaborations with community groups, businesses and local folk is ongoing. This is a togetherness type of work!
The Activities page features the currently scheduled community forest bathing wellness walks and remote meditations. Future activities, which are open to all at varying times and locations, will be posted when planned.
Please see the About page which shares the roots of Soft Pine Wellness and it's creator, Wil Brunner. After many years finding meaning and creating change in ecological and counseling fields, Wil now desires to connect the support and inspiration of nature to the health and wellbeing of local people.
The Activities page features the currently scheduled community forest bathing wellness walks and remote meditations. Future activities, which are open to all at varying times and locations, will be posted when planned.
Please see the About page which shares the roots of Soft Pine Wellness and it's creator, Wil Brunner. After many years finding meaning and creating change in ecological and counseling fields, Wil now desires to connect the support and inspiration of nature to the health and wellbeing of local people.
Free Virtual Sessions
Free virtual Instagram forest bathing & mindfulness meditations are offered through the 'Live' feature on the app on occasional Wednesday nights from 7:30-8:30pm Atlantic. One would need to 'follow' the Soft Pine Wellness page to see these sessions posted and participate. The meditations aim to foster a steady and calm inner self using our senses and imagination. Being outside isn't required, and if indoors, having a houseplant and view through a window is helpful to invite the peacefulness of nature. Comfy clothes and nice place to lie or sit is ideal!
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 has brought mental health concerns to the forefront for many people, communities and governments. Climate change, another one of our culture's dilemmas, could be understood as the result of our fractured relationship with nature through excessive resource use, pollution, etc.
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
Forest Bathing & Forest Therapy
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 improve mental health. Much research is available to describe the rationale behind this practice. The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, where Wil Brunner 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
On a forest bathing walk 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 late 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 late 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, 2022.
softpinewellness@gmail.com ~ 705-279-4479
softpinewellness@gmail.com ~ 705-279-4479