Is Fathers Day a difficult day for you? Perhaps you no longer have a father, or you never knew your father. Or perhaps you are a father without access to your children.
If you would like to spend some quiet time in beautiful untamed nature to nurture yourself on this day then perhaps our Forest Bathing at The Sanctuary is the place for you on this day.
This will be an event for ages 16+.
Nature has an amazing capacity to 'hold space' for us and allow us to feel and experience whatever it is that we need to at that time. You don't need to share anything, this is not 'talking therapy' but if you do want to talk then this will be a safe space.
Forest Bathing is not about bushwalking or nature identification, or ‘thinking’. It is also not about swimming or getting wet - it's about 'bathing' ourselves in the natural environment. It is an opportunity to engage our 5 senses - listening, touching, smelling, tasting and seeing as we allow ourselves to just ‘be’ in nature. The experience involves guided ‘invitations’ to help us connect with nature, calm our busy minds, perhaps be playful and have some fun and is tailored to the needs of the group.
Nature connection supports the development of sensory awareness, physical skills, emotional regulation and connecting with others in a group - plus many other benefits. As an occupational therapist I know that all of these can support our ability to do the things we need, want and have to do every day.
In a world where people of all ages are increasingly disconnected from nature, a deliberate nature-based experience such as this can help us access the wellbeing benefits of nature.
Come and see (and smell!) the explosion of late winter wattle at The Sanctuary, Yundi, our private National Park Sanctuary. We are north of Mt Compass - less than an hour from Adelaide CBD (45 minutes from Glenelg).
This event is an opportunity to access this pristine and protected environment to experience an incredibly peaceful, restorative connection with nature.
The Sanctuary is 82 acres, with most of the bush protected by a Heritage Bush Agreement since 1993. The property is also a private National Park Sanctuary. We have the beginning of the Finnis River running through the property and it has been running all summer as it is also spring fed. There are rare species of plants, birds and animals. We see many many blue wrens every time we are there, as well as 'vulnerable' yellow tail black cockatoos, beautiful little scarlet robins and bright yellow golden whistlers. There are kangaroos, koalas and echidnas. The river is unbelievably beautiful and a rare example of a very healthy ecosystem with reeds, fallen trees, lots of fish, yabbies and dragon flies. We have a large forest of blue gums as well as enormous stringy bark trees. The Sanctuary is a sensory delight and stepping out of the car after driving from the city is a beautiful experience to inhale the clean, scented air.
FAQs
Where will we meet?
When you register you will receive a link to the visitor information for The Sanctuary, Yundi. Access is very easy from the Southern Expressway, Victor Harbor Rd, and turn off before Mt Compass - with bitumen road all the way.
Will I be safe?
I have a current first aid certificate and will be carrying a first aid kit. There is mobile phone reception where we will be. Please advise any particular health concerns that may be relevant. Please feel free to contact Bronwyn to discuss any concerns on 0412404700.
This event is held on our bush property - we will be walking across uneven (probably slippery) ground. You will require a good level of mobility to feel comfortable on this walk. This is untamed nature.
What should I bring to the event?
We will go ahead regardless of the weather so dress appropriately - it is usually a few degrees cooler than in Adelaide. You will need decent shoes for this experience - boots are good if you have them. Bring waterproof clothing in case of rain - waterproof pants can be good but some people just choose to get wet as part of the nature connection experience. Consider wearing/bringing an extra layer as well as beanie (hat), gloves and scarf if it's cold or windy and maybe even spare socks/shoes adn even pants as we will probably get a little wet pushing through beautiful abundant plant growth. If sunny then suncream and a shady hat are recommended.
Also - a drink bottle of water, and any special snacks you may want. A simple snack (usually fruit) and place specific tea will be served as part of the experience. If you or anyone in your group have any dietary restrictions or allergies please contact the organiser at flourishnaturebasedot@gmail.com to advise prior to the event.
How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
e-mail flourishnaturebasedot@gmail.com or phone Bronwyn on 0412404700
For bookings click here.