I’m often asked if my nature therapy walks are kid-friendly. The truth of the matter is: my experiences are geared toward inspiring adults to reclaim their childlike sense of wonder and awe, so they're naturally kid-friendly.
It seems that as we age, we drift apart from nature. Life happens, egos grow, and responsibilities make it hard to justify “play time.” The thing is, we ARE nature and when this connection fades, our connection with our true selves is equally affected. So how do we get back into balance? It’s simpler than you might think. I challenge you to carve out 30 minutes a day for outdoor exploration. If you have children, include them in the activity. It could be a walk around the neighborhood, playtime in the backyard, or simply lying on your back and watching the clouds or the sunset. Don’t be afraid to get dirty or silly! As you wind down, you might want to discuss what you’re grateful for in that moment. Here’s a more specific invitation: Spend 15 minutes wandering slowly, looking for signs of spring in your yard or neighborhood. After that, spend 15 minutes sitting quietly, observing the natural elements around you. If you're still and quiet, you might just tempt some birds or wildlife to forget you’re even there! What are you noticing about these experiences? Talk to your children about what they’re noticing. Sharing and witnessing each other without judgement goes a long way to strengthen our relationships. Tree hugs and kisses! xoxo Kelly About the Author Kelly Bruce is a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide/Trail Consultant and the founder of Natural Wanders. She leads forest bathing and nature therapy walks in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. Subscribe to her e-newsletter for more inspiration from nature and to learn about upcoming walks, workshops and retreats. Each Wednesday, she’ll provide inspiration to help you wander into wellness, naturally. In the meantime, follow along on Instagram and Facebook. Photography by @zailaffitte. This article originally appeared in The Swell Life, the official blog of Portfolio Vero Beach Magazine.
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Welcome! I'm Kelly Bruce, a certified nature and forest therapy guide. Read on for inspiration on improving your overall wellbeing, naturally!
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