* Please message me here if the cost presents a barrier for you; I reserve two spots on each walk on a sliding scale.
Experience the fleeting spectacles of the season in a most immersive way with this forest therapy walk.
* Please message me here if the cost presents a barrier for you; I reserve two spots on each walk on a sliding scale.
Explorez la splendeur de la nature d’une nouvelle manière. Cette expérience de bain de forêt (shinrin-yoku, thérapie forestière) offre l'opportunité de ralentir et de redécouvrir le monde au-delà de l'humain de manière profonde, connectée, et par le plaisir des sens. L’expérience est accessible aux personnes de tous âges, et n'est pas physiquement exigeante.
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La thérapie forestière (aussi connue sous le nom de bain de forêt, ou shinrin-yoku) est fondée sur la pratique japonaise du shinrin-yoku, et consiste d'une exploration lente, immersive et méditative de la nature. Elle est centrée sur l'expérience avec votre environnement et le moment présent, tout en remarquant la façon dont cet environnement interagit avec vos sens (vue, toucher, odorat, ouïe).
Vous serez guidé à travers une série d'activités sensorielles qui vous aideront à ralentir et à prêter attention différemment au monde qui vous entoure. La thérapie forestière met l'accent sur le fait de vivre pleinement "ici" plutôt que d'arriver "ailleurs".
L'exploration du monde naturel au cours d'une promenade de thérapie forestière conduit souvent à un esprit apaisé et à un système nerveux calme. Elle peut également permettre de renforcer les relations avec soi-même, avec les autres et avec le tissu vivant qui nous entoure.
Bienfaits pour la santé d'une pratique de bain forêt:
- Diminuer le stress et l'anxiété
- Diminuer les pensées et sentiments dépressifs
- Stimuler le système immunitaire
- Diminuer la tension artérielle
- Améliorer le sommeil
- Augmenter les niveaux d'énergie
- Augmenter la concentration, la mémoire et de la clarté mentale
- Améliorer la sensation de bien-être
Plongez dans la magie du Jardin botanique et explorez la splendeur de la nature d'une manière inédite. En compagnie de Sophie Monkman, guide en thérapie forestière, une discipline inspirée de la pratique japonaise du Shinrin-Yoku (sylvothérapie ou bain de forêt), laissez-vous emporter dans une expérience qui vous invite à ralentir et à découvrir le monde au-delà de l'humain, de manière profonde, connectée, et pleine de sens. L’expérience n'est pas physiquement exigeante et est accessible aux personnes de tous âges.
Cet activité est complète!
* Please message me here if the cost presents a barrier for you; I reserve two spots on each walk on a sliding scale.
Are you curious about forest bathing and would like to learn more? Perhaps you’re hesitant to register for a longer session, or don’t have the time. This introductory event is for you!
This 90 minute offering will explore the foundations of the practice, right in the middle of one of Montreal’s beloved urban parks.
This is an opportunity to connect to the natural world in perhaps new ways, feel the benefits of slowing down and tuning in, and experience our beloved parks like you never have before.
The second instalment in this series will be on the mountain, and we will meet at the monument on Avenue du Parc.
The walk will be guided either in English or bilingually, given the desire of the participants.
* Please message me here if the cost presents a barrier for you; I reserve two spots on each walk on a sliding scale.
* Please message me here if the cost presents a barrier for you; I reserve two spots on each walk on a sliding scale.
Are you curious about forest bathing and would like to learn more? Perhaps you’re hesitant to register for a longer session, or don’t have the time. This introductory event is for you!
This 90 minute offering will explore the foundations of the practice, right in the middle of one of Montreal’s beloved urban parks.
This is an opportunity to connect to the natural world in perhaps new ways, feel the benefits of slowing down and tuning in, and experience our beloved parks like you never have before.
The first instalment in this series will be in Jarry Park.
The walk will be guided either in English or bilingually, given the desire of the participants.
* Please message me here if the cost presents a barrier for you; I reserve two spots on each walk on a sliding scale.
* Please message me here if the cost presents a barrier for you; I reserve two spots on each walk on a sliding scale.
* Please message me here if the cost presents a barrier for you; I reserve two spots on each walk on a sliding scale.
Location: Parc Angrignon
Cost: $36*
* Please message me here if the cost presents a barrier for you; I reserve two spots on each walk on a sliding scale.
Join us on May 26th at Angrignon Park for a somatic exploration of our connections to the more than human world.
Through sensory based invitations — guided by pleasure — we will study our kinship to the land and life around us as the spring and forest unfurls.
We will share our insights as we collect data on our embodied experience and the inherent pleasures of our earthling bodies together.
This practice will incorporate elements of forest therapy and somatic sex education.
Soft Earth Forest Therapy (Sophie, she/her) and Sensing Soma (Jess, she/her) will be your guides for this 2.5 hour experience in Angrignon Park.
The experience will be in English, but Sophie will be happy to provide any translations necessary.
We have reserved two spots for this event on a sliding scale (priority to QTBIPOC individuals). Please reach out to me here or at info@softearthforesttherapy.com if the cost presents a barrier for you.
Location: Parc-Nature de Bois-de-Liesse
Cost: $36*
*Please message me here if the cost presents a barrier for you; I reserve two spots on each walk on a sliding scale.
Join my dear friend Sandra Viviana @arqrunicos_colour and I on May 11th and experience the awe of urban nature on our "Creative Promenade".
The experience will include an urban nature walk, forest therapy, and a conscious art workshop at @ohmydeer.cafe.
This is a trilingual activity (FR, ENG, SP) and is open to everyone.
Click here to learn more about the event!
Location: Parc-Nature de Bois-de-Liesse
Cost: $36*
* Please message me here if the cost presents a barrier for you; I reserve two spots on each walk on a sliding scale.
Location: Mont Royal (meet at Maison Smith)
Cost: $35*
How to reserve: Send an Interac transfer of $35* to info@softearthforesttherapy.com. If you ‘d prefer to pay cash on the day of the walk, write to me here to reserve your place.
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I will send further details via email upon payment and registration.
* Please message me here if the cost presents a barrier for you; I reserve two spots on each walk on a sliding scale.
This series will focus on nature connection as a pathway for attunement with our child, self-connection, family connection, social connection, and broader ecological connection. Nature connected families can thrive in urban environments, when we take the time to seek it out.
From week to week, the sessions will be an opportunity to tune into the unfolding of spring in a new and intimate way. Noticing changes in the world around us— imperceptible in the moment—serves as a mirror for our experiences as parents. How can we slow down and pay attention differently? How can we shift our relationship to the idea of ever-present change? How can we connect to pleasure and delight, both with our child and in nature?
Just as we are wired for connection with each other, we are also wired for connection with all life on earth. We are biophilic [biophilia: a love of life and the living world; the affinity of human beings for other life forms], and babies embody this inclination effortlessly. We are wired to connect to the natural world in which we evolved; it is literally embedded in our DNA. When the brain attunes to nature, parent and baby find each other in nature.
We are inhabiting an unparalleled moment in history as parents. Connecting to nature is a pathway to resource ourselves in uprooted and uncertain times, through relationship to the more-than-human world, deepened awareness and relationship to self, and connection to others. Plus, more exposure leads to reinforcing these connections.
Forest bathing
Slow, sensory-based activities including exploring with baby, and sit spot
Nursery rhymes and lullabies
Exploring play, wonder, and curiosity in nature
Intentional sharing and facilitated discussions
Sharing of tea
Julia, Sophie, and a monarch, 1993
I believe that establishing strong connections to the natural world is the key avenue to galvanizing people to care for our earth, and all the challenges we face. After completing a BA in Anthropology at Concordia University in 2014, I completed two forest therapy guide certifications; the first with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) in 2018, and the second with the Global Institute of Forest Therapy (GIFT) in 2020. I founded my own forest therapy practice in 2019—Soft Earth Forest Therapy—where I lead forest bathing walks in and around Montreal. I am a member of the Association for Shinrin-Yoku Guides (AGSY), and I am certified with the Red Cross in emergency first aid CPR/AED. I continue to deepen in the field of nature connection and activism by regularly attending related workshops and conferences—such as the Work That Reconnects workshop with Joanna Macy in San Francisco, and the Reciprocal Healing confluence in Arizona. In addition to building my forest therapy practice, I work for the Global Institute of Forest Therapy as a mentor, offer presentations and workshops related to the practice of forest bathing and nature connection, work as a French to English translator, and offer eco cleaning services and workshops with homemade non-toxic products.
My passion is promoting pro-environmental behaviour in all of my endeavours. I have worked with preschool and school aged children in forest school activities while raising my 3 children in Montreal as a nature connected family. Active in pollinator projects and ruelle verte greening, I have a strong passion for botany and birds and have worked as a naturalist in provincial parks and research programs. With a focus on community development, I have worked in the urban food system and urban agriculture leading canning workshops and local eating initiatives. I am also a certified postpartum doula and nourish new families through supporting and honouring life transition and anchoring generational sustainability. My hobbies include thrifting, knitting, camping and cross-country skiing.
On Mount Royal, meeting at Maison Smith.
For more details, and to purchase a ticket, click here.
*This walk is in partnership with the wonderful foundation, Greenhound Canada.*
Forest bathing/forest therapy is founded on the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, and is a slow, immersive, and embodied walk in nature, centred on experiencing your surroundings, the life therein, and the present moment with all of your senses.
Exploring the more-than-human world on a forest bathing walk often leads to experiences of soft fascination, reflection about one's life, as well as new or strengthened relationships between ourselves and the web of life that supports us.
While we know this intrinsically to be true, scientific studies have proved time and again what an incredible form of preventative medicine it is for our nervous systems, minds, and bodies to spend intentional time in nature. It is in these environments that we can truly rest, heal, and be restored and reenergized.
And so, I invite you to experience these benefits, and the mountain, in perhaps a different way.
No prior experience or knowledge is required, simply an open mind and good footwear!
The cost to participate is on a sliding scale, $20-40. No one will be turned away for lack of funds, so please message me if the cost presents a barrier for you.
Note that 5% of proceeds from each walk will be donated to the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal.
Send me a message here or email me at info@softearthforesttherapy.com to reserve a place.
“The times are urgent; let us slow down. Slowing down is losing our way—not a human capacity or human capability. It is the invitations that are now in the world-at-large, inviting us to listen deeply, to be keen, to be fresh, to be quick with our heels, to follow the sights and sounds and smells of the world.”
— Dr. Bayo Akomolafe
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These two walks are designed for individuals who have previously experienced a forest bathing/therapy walk, whether with me, or with another guide.
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The idea is not to exclude others who are curious about the practice - I have four other walks scheduled for September and October, open to all, and can be found on the previous “Upcoming Walks” page - but to simply have the opportunity to deepen into the practice in a way that may not always be offered for those trying this for the first time.
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The duration of the walk is 3 hours.
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The cost to participate is on a sliding scale, $20-40. No one will be turned away for lack of funds, so please message me if the cost presents a barrier for you.
❖
Note that 5% of proceeds from each walk will be donated to the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal.
❖
Message me here, or send me an email at info@softearthforesttherapy.com to register.
Forest bathing/forest therapy is founded on the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, and is a slow, immersive, and embodied walk in nature, centred on experiencing your surroundings, the life therein, and the present moment with all of your senses.
Exploring the more-than-human world on a forest bathing walk often leads to experiences of soft fascination, reflection about one's life, as well as new or strengthened relationships between ourselves and the web of life that supports us.
While we know this intrinsically to be true, scientific studies have proved time and again what an incredible form of preventative medicine it is for our nervous systems, minds, and bodies to spend intentional time in nature. It is in these environments that we can truly rest, heal, and be restored and reenergized.
And so, I invite you to experience these benefits, and the mountain, in perhaps a different way.
No prior experience or knowledge is required, simply an open mind and good footwear!
The cost to participate is on a sliding scale, $20-40. No one will be turned away for lack of funds, so please message me if the cost presents a barrier for you.
Note that 5% of proceeds from each walk will be donated to the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal.
Send me a message here or email me at info@softearthforesttherapy.com to reserve a place.
Forest bathing/forest therapy is founded on the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, and is a slow, immersive, and embodied walk in nature, centred on experiencing your surroundings, the life therein, and the present moment with all of your senses.
Exploring the more-than-human world on a forest bathing walk often leads to experiences of soft fascination, reflection about one's life, as well as new or strengthened relationships between ourselves and the web of life that supports us.
While we know this intrinsically to be true, scientific studies have proved time and again what an incredible form of preventative medicine it is for our nervous systems, minds, and bodies to spend intentional time in nature. It is in these environments that we can truly rest, heal, and be restored and reenergized.
And so, I invite you to experience these benefits, and the mountain, in perhaps a different way.
No prior experience or knowledge is required, simply an open mind and good footwear!
The cost to participate is on a sliding scale, $20-40. No one will be turned away for lack of funds, so please message me if the cost presents a barrier for you.
Note that 5% of proceeds from each walk will be donated to the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal.
Send me a message here or email me at info@softearthforesttherapy.com to reserve a place.
“The times are urgent; let us slow down. Slowing down is losing our way—not a human capacity or human capability. It is the invitations that are now in the world-at-large, inviting us to listen deeply, to be keen, to be fresh, to be quick with our heels, to follow the sights and sounds and smells of the world.”
— Dr. Bayo Akomolafe
❖
These two walks are designed for individuals who have previously experienced a forest bathing/therapy walk, whether with me, or with another guide.
❖
The idea is not to exclude others who are curious about the practice - I have four other walks scheduled for September and October, open to all, and can be found on the previous “Upcoming Walks” page - but to simply have the opportunity to deepen into the practice in a way that may not always be offered for those trying this for the first time.
❖
The duration of the walk is 3 hours.
❖
The cost to participate is on a sliding scale, $20-40. No one will be turned away for lack of funds, so please message me if the cost presents a barrier for you.
❖
Note that 5% of proceeds from each walk will be donated to the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal.
❖
Message me here, or send me an email at info@softearthforesttherapy.com to register.
Forest bathing/forest therapy is founded on the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, and is a slow, immersive, and embodied walk in nature, centred on experiencing your surroundings, the life therein, and the present moment with all of your senses.
Exploring the more-than-human world on a forest bathing walk often leads to experiences of soft fascination, reflection about one's life, as well as new or strengthened relationships between ourselves and the web of life that supports us.
While we know this intrinsically to be true, scientific studies have proved time and again what an incredible form of preventative medicine it is for our nervous systems, minds, and bodies to spend intentional time in nature. It is in these environments that we can truly rest, heal, and be restored and reenergized.
And so, I invite you to experience these benefits, and the mountain, in perhaps a different way.
No prior experience or knowledge is required, simply an open mind and good footwear!
The cost to participate is on a sliding scale, $20-40. No one will be turned away for lack of funds, so please message me if the cost presents a barrier for you.
Note that 5% of proceeds from each walk will be donated to the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal.
Send me a message here or email me at info@softearthforesttherapy.com to reserve a place.
This forest bathing walk is organized in partnership with the wonderful local non-profit Greenhound Canada as a part of their Wellness Wednesday series.
Forest bathing, founded on the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku - is an evidence based therapeutic practice where people connect with natural environments exploring ways to see, sense, feel, and experience our animate surroundings in new ways, and perhaps forge new or strengthened connections with our earth, ourselves, and one another.
This will be a slow and immersive experience in nature, centred on experiencing your surroundings, the beings therein, the elements, and the present moment in numerous ways. It is in natural environments that our nervous systems, minds, and bodies can truly rest and be restored, and so I invite you to experience these benefits in perhaps a different way.
No prior experience or knowledge is required, simply an open mind and good footwear.
The duration will be 3 hours.
The price is sliding scale, $20-40. No one will be turned away for lack of funds, so please message me if the cost presents a barrier for you.
Due to Covid-19 there will be a maximum of 8 participants and social distancing will be maintained for its duration.
Direct message me here or send me an e-mail at info@softearthforesttherapy.com to reserve a place!
If you wish to learn more about Greenhound Canada, their wellness series, or are interested in volunteering, check out their website.
Forest bathing, founded on the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, is, among many things, curious about exploring ways to see, sense, feel, and experience our animate natural surroundings in new ways, and perhaps forge new or strengthened connections with our earth, ourselves, and one another.
This will be a slow and immersive experience in nature, centred on experiencing your surroundings, the beings therein, the elements, and the present moment in numerous ways. It is in natural environments that our nervous systems, minds, and bodies can truly rest and be restored, so I invite you to experience these benefits in perhaps a different way.
No prior experience or knowledge is required, simply an open mind and good footwear!
The duration will be 3 hours, and the price is sliding scale, $20-40. No one will be turned away for lack of funds, so please message me if the cost presents a barrier for you.
Due to Covid-19 there will be a maximum of 8 participants and social distancing will be maintained for its duration.
Direct message me here or send me an e-mail at info@softearthforesttherapy.com to reserve a place!
The walk will be on Mont-Royal. Further details will be shared upon registration.
It can be difficult to describe that expansive summer feeling on warm evenings, during this short-lived but dearly loved season in Montreal. In balmy air, with the sun slowly moving towards the horizon… perhaps you’re gifted with a “magic hour” and your environment is awash in a peachy-rose glow… perhaps the light is filtering through the leaves of neighbourhood trees in dancing speckles (there’s a word in Japanese for this, “komorebi)... or perhaps it’s something less palpable, and is truly just this - a feeling.
A forest bathing walk is a wonderful opportunity to explore this summer feeling - in the evening.
Forest bathing, founded on the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, is - among many things - curious about just this: exploring ways to see, sense, feel, and experience our animate natural surroundings in new ways, and perhaps forge new or strengthened connections with our earth, ourselves, and one another.
This will be a slow and immersive experience in nature, centred on experiencing your surroundings, the beings therein, the elements, and the present moment in numerous ways. It is in natural environments that our nervous systems, minds, and bodies can truly rest and be restored, so I invite you to experience these benefits in perhaps a different way.
No prior experience or knowledge is required, simply an open mind and good footwear!
The duration will be 3 hours, and the price is sliding scale, $20-40. No one will be turned away for lack of funds, so please message me if the cost presents a barrier for you.
Due to Covid-19 there will be a maximum of 8 participants and social distancing will be maintained for its duration.
Direct message me here or send me an e-mail at info@softearthforesttherapy.com to reserve a place!
“How we see the world is how we learn to value it” - Wendell Berry
Forest bathing, founded on the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, is - among many things - curious about just this: exploring ways to see, sense, feel, and experience our animate natural surroundings in new ways, and perhaps forge new or strengthened connections with our earth, ourselves, and one another.
This will be a slow and immersive experience in nature, centred on experiencing your surroundings, the beings therein, the elements, and the present moment in numerous ways. It is in natural environments that our nervous systems, minds, and bodies can truly rest and be restored, so I invite you to experience these benefits in perhaps a different way.
No prior experience or knowledge is required, simply an open mind and good footwear!
The duration will be 3 hours, and the price is sliding scale, $20-40. No one will be turned away for lack of funds, so please message me if the cost presents a barrier for you.
Due to Covid-19 there will be a maximum of 8 participants and social distancing will be maintained for its duration.
Direct message me here or send me an e-mail at info@softearthforesttherapy.com to reserve a place!
This forest bathing walk will be offered on Mount Royal on Sunday, July 11th.
“How we see the world is how we learn to value it” - Wendell Berry
Forest bathing, founded on the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, is - among many things - curious about just this: exploring ways to see, sense, feel, and experience our animate natural surroundings in new ways, and perhaps forge new or strengthened connections with our earth, ourselves, and one another.
This will be a slow and immersive experience in nature, centred on experiencing your surroundings, the beings therein, the elements, and the present moment in numerous ways. It is in natural environments that our nervous systems, minds, and bodies can truly rest and be restored, so I invite you to experience these benefits in perhaps a different way.
No prior experience or knowledge is required, simply an open mind and good footwear!
The duration will be 3 hours, and the price is sliding scale, $20-40. No one will be turned away for lack of funds, so please message me if the cost presents a barrier for you.
Due to Covid-19 there will be a maximum of 8 participants and social distancing will be maintained for its duration.
Direct message me here or send me an e-mail at info@softearthforesttherapy.com to reserve a place!
This forest bathing walk will be offered on Mount Royal on Sunday, July 4th.
Sweet spring is unfurling into summer, and I invite you to join me to witness these changes, and the more-than-human world in perhaps a new way.
This forest bathing walk will be offered on Mont Royal on Sunday, June 13th.
This will be a slow and sensory-focused walk, centred on fully experiencing and paying attention to what it feels like to be where you are, and to connect with what surrounds you in numerous ways. Some describe forest therapy/bathing as a semi-guided nature connection meditation, but what it is varies with each person, and is ultimately up to you to be experienced. No prior experience or knowledge is required, simply an open mind and good footwear!
The duration will be 3 hours, and the price is sliding scale, $20-40. No one will be turned away for lack of funds, so please message me if the cost presents a barrier for you.
Due to Covid-19 there will be a maximum of 8 participants and social distancing will be maintained for its duration.
Direct message me here or send me an e-mail at info@softearthforesttherapy.com to reserve a place!
