Mindful Wandering

There is something about the moon, isn't there? It's always there, even when we can't see it--either because of it's phase, or cloud cover. But it's there. Always moving through the sky. Always changing how it appears to our human eyes. When it reveals itself low in the sky, with such bright light and amber color, I am captivated. Enthralled, transfixed, I reach for my phone to try ro capture what I'm seeing. I could pull out the good camera, but it will take too long to get the settings just right. The moon moves too quickly, the color fades. So I take a few photos that don't nearly do justice to it's beauty, but at least I can capture some of what I'm seeing. I am simply grateful to see this. 🌗
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It’s been a little over 2 weeks since I returned from a 4 day retreat and workshop at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health. I won’t say “life got in the way” of me writing this. Instead, life–my family–came first. Life *is* the way. And there’s also so much to share, where do I begin?

🌲I’ll start with what drew me to those 4 days at Kripalu; it was the workshop titled The Council of Water and Trees, led by the two most influential people in the forest therapy/forest bathing world. These two men are the celebrities (or “rock stars” as a friend calls them) of the field. M. Amos Clifford founded the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy programs back in 2012, and Micah Mortali founded the School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership in 2018. I’ve studied through both programs, and read their books: “Your Guide to Forest Bathing” by Amos and “Rewilding” by Micah. Meeting them and spending 4 days under their tutelage was a pretty big deal, to say the least!

🩵New friends were made, be they instructors, fellow guides, and those who want to deepen their connection to the natural world. That was our common bond. Where we lived, how old we were, where we are in life, where we are coming from, or where we are going, none of it mattered. We connected to each other simply through the mutual desire to cultivate and strengthen our individual relationships with the more-than-human world.

💞Leaving that group of people, and a place where no one looks at you funny if you hug a tree, it’s hard to describe the feeling of being held by an old orchard tree, and the connection I felt with that tree. How do I explain how those wide and low trunks, so easy to climb into and rest, reminded me of those who hold me most closely, and make me feel safe? Describing how I used my imaginal sense (in a very playful way), and piece of string, to converse with a mushroom might not be something that everyone will understand–and that’s totally OK.

🌟The experience left me reflective of a lot of things, most importantly, how important it is to carve out time for more reflection, introspection, community, and solitude. It’s self care. Self -care, with a smidge of growth that will hopefully flow into my guiding practice. I’ll wrap this up with a few of my favorite pics from those days!

🌞The First Walk of Summer! 🌞
The next walk is being hosted by the Dover Public Library on Thursday, June 27th from 5:30—7:30 PM.
Registration is required, with a max of 15 participants, and is free! We will be in the woods for 2 hours without access to a bathroom. This program is for older teens and adults only. We will meet at Dover Community Trailhead located on Watson Road. Leave your pets at home. Bring a snack, a water bottle, and bug spray. *
UPDATE: Anyone can join! Dover Public Library card restriction lifted. Just 3 spots left as of this post edit:
https://dovernh.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/guided-forest-bathing-walk-with-aimee-dion-2/
See you there 😄

: FREE Guided Forest Immersion Walk
Saturday, May 18, 2024 ; 10 am – noon
Casey Road Conservation Land, Milton
(at end of Casey Road off Governor’s Rd, near Rte 75 and Rt 16)
Optional: bring a portable chair or seat pad
Welcome: all who are comfortable in social silence
No pets please. Limited to 12 participants. To pre-register: email [email protected]
Sponsored by the Milton NH Conservation Commission

Slow down, connect with nature, focus on your senses -- this is the theme of the MCC's Guided Forest Immersion Walk led by certified Forest Therapy Guides Robin Schumaker and Aimee Dion on Saturday, May 18 at Casey Road Conservation Land. Please pre-register by emailing the MCC at [email protected]

Slow down, connect with nature, focus on your senses -- this is the theme of the MCC's Guided Forest Immersion Walk led by certified Forest Therapy Guides Robin Schumaker and Aimee Dion on Saturday, May 18 at Casey Road Conservation Land. Please pre-register.

Tread lightly, babies are afoot 🐢❤️
How cute are freshly hatched turtles? Very.

Share a favorite Earth Day quote below 🌍🌎🌏

I was contemplating this yesterday, sitting in my yard. Intentional mindfulness isn't about trying to be mindful, trying to be intentional, doing anything, or trying to do anything; so Yoda's wisdom doesn't apply here. How about....just being?

A lot of heart went into this presentation. If you missed it last Wednesday at the Dover Public Library, here it is: Forest Bathing 101. A 👍 and a share is always appreciated. 🌷

Forest Bathing 101 with Aimee Dion Have you ever heard about "forest bathing" and wondered what it means? This program is the perfect way for you to find out more from Dover resident Aimee Dio...

Free presentation Weds 4/10 🗣️

Coming soon to the Dover Public Library: Forest Bathing 101, an interactive presentation. I will introduce you to the practices of Forest Bathing, Forest Therapy, and Mindful Guided Walks, discuss the origins and benefits, and lead you through relaxation and sensory exercises. Free to all, with a public walk in June to follow. Sign ups will be posted at the library soon ✒️

Milton & surrounding residents and , I will be co-guiding a walk with fellow guide and friend, Robin Schumaker on Saturday, May 18th from 10am to noon at the Casey Road Conservation Lot (a lovely spots of woods and brook). Free to the public, limited to 12 people. Email [email protected] to register! 🌲👣

This coming Thursday, March 21, is the International Day of Forests. What makes forests so important that they deserve their own international day of recognition?
1. Forests nurture soil --Forests play a crucial role in preventing soil erosion, as well as stabilizing and maintaining soil quality.
2. Forests trap carbon dioxide --Forests are ‘carbon sinks,’ absorbing and trapping carbon dioxide.
3. Forests provide sustenance --Forests are home to millions of species, sheltering and providing food to sustain wildlife.
4. Forests are natural aqueducts --Forest trees absorb and redistribute an estimated 95% of water on Earth.
5. Forests provide raw materials --Sustainably managed forests provide raw materials such as timber and paper.
In addition to the many physical ecosystem benefits of forests, forests can nurture our mental, emotional and spiritual health. Plan to join us on Saturday, May 18 for a Guided Forest Immersion Walk to learn how to connect with nature and let the forest be your therapist. Meanwhile, take a forest walk this Thursday to celebrate the International Day of Forests!

Celebrate loving yourself, everyday 🥰 - https://mailchi.mp/ed625914ccf2/loveyourselftoday

There have been no posts or updates recently, as my family and I mourn, and process, my father's sudden passing. Though I may be silent on social media during this time of healing, my hope for you is a willingness to connect to the natural world, and all beings around you. May you find peace, joy, and solace in the simplest of things; a sparrow's song, a heart-shaped rock, an oak leaf holding on for dear life as it gently blows in the breeze, sunlight glinting through the trees, the contrast of clouds against the sky.

Will it be a bit chilly for tomorrow's walk? Yes. Will I be bundled up a ton? You can count on it! Taking into account the time of year, this walk is only 1.5 hours compared to my usual 2+ hour walks, and there will be hot tea at the end to warm your body. The afternoon autumn sunlight may warm your heart, too. If you're able to fit this into your day tomorrow, I'd love to have you. I'm closing registration this afternoon. And did I mention it's free?
Sign up link: https://forms.gle/r8Q4EwaHx5UpvEWbA
I'm happy to answer questions if you have them!

Give yourself the gift of slowing down. Come along for a slow saunter this Veterans Day, from 1-2:30pm at the Newington Town Forest. We'll enjoy the mid-afternoon sun in cool temperatures. The terrain will be easy, the pace relaxed. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required, and there is a maximum of 5.
https://forms.gle/r8Q4EwaHx5UpvEWbA
See you then, 🍂👣

This quote is from "Heart Steps: Prayers and Declarations for a Creative Life" by Julia Cameron. She is also the author of "The Artist's Way" and "The Listening Path", two books I also have found to be such a source of inspiration.
Don't be deterred by the words in the titles; the word "prayers" isn't necessarily associated with Christianity or any one religion at all for that matter. Likewise, the word "artist" is meant to be all-inclusive....because art comes in many forms, and we all have artistic and creative talents to share that have nothing to do with painting, drawing, or writing.
I hope this quote inspires you, and perhaps will open your mind and heart to the "guidance and love that come from the natural world." ❤
Thank you for the inspiration, Julia Cameron.

Rain, rain....⛈️Please see below, as this Saturday's event is being postponed. Stay tuned for the new date with an email alert: http://eepurl.com/ihmPxX

Unfortunately mother nature is NOT cooperating this weekend, with a wet and cold forecast headed into the weekend. The Great Bay Open House is CANCELLED ☹️. Many of the planned activities will be shifted into individual programs for the November and December calendar. Stay tuned!

What are your plans for Saturday? Stop by the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Newington on October 21st, where I'll be offering info and leading forest bathing walks. There will also be crafts, ranger-led tours, yoga, and other activities--including raptors and owls! https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=651706573736596&set=a.265547749019149¬if_id=1697224538045235¬if_t=feedback_reaction_generic_tagged&ref=notif

Enjoy a little break from the stresses of daily life with a nature therapy walk at the Great Bay Open House on October 21. Join Aimee of Mindful Wandering for a guided mindfulness walk in the woods to reconnect with nature by engaging your senses and immersing yourself in the natural wonder of Great Bay! Walks will occur between 10am - 2pm, or you can visit her table for resources and more information.

🗓️October 21st, 10am-2pm: Add this free family event to your calendar! Join me for a forest bathing walk and enjoy crafts, ranger-led tours, yoga, and other activities. Plus, you'll get to explore parts of the park normally closed off to the public, like the historic bunkers.

Mark your calendars! The Great Bay annual open house is Saturday October 21 from 10am - 2pm. Drop in any time! Register for updates and reminders at bit.ly/parkerriversignup.

With the weather cooling, the bugs going away and that amazing fragrance of fallen leaves, Fall is an amazing time to soak in some nature...and take time for yourself. Please join me on the next mindfully guided, gentle forest bathing walk on Weds, September 27th in the late afternoon starting at 4pm. We won't be hiking or walking for exercise--just a slow saunter in the woods, and not very far at that. All the details are on my website, and you can register easily here: https://forms.gle/nJFWk8dLmGEDwt7C7
Those of you who've come along on a walk before, and those who haven't--I sure hope to see you there. 😊🌳