Rewilding Our Spirits: Exploring in Nature

In a world that often feels disconnected and overstimulated, returning to nature offers a profound path to healing and self-discovery. As a nature-based psychotherapist and yoga therapist trained in Ayurveda, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of nature therapy—also known as ecotherapy—in restoring balance to the mind, body, and spirit.

What Is Ecotherapy?

Ecotherapy is a therapeutic practice that integrates nature into the healing process, recognizing the deep, inherent connection between humans and the natural world. This approach encompasses a range of activities, from guided nature walks and gardening to expressive arts and mindfulness practices, all aimed at promoting mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

The Science Behind Ecotherapy

Research supports the efficacy of ecotherapy in addressing various mental health challenges:

  • Stress Reduction: A 2018 meta-analysis of 143 studies found that increased exposure to green spaces is associated with decreased cortisol levels, lower blood pressure, and improved self-reported health .

  • Anxiety and Depression: Studies have shown that ecotherapy can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, with participants reporting improved mood and emotional well-being .

  • Cognitive Function: Engaging with natural environments has been linked to enhanced cognitive functions, including better memory and attention .(healthindustrytrends.com)

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Ecotherapy has shown promise in alleviating PTSD symptoms, particularly among veterans, by fostering a sense of connection and purpose through nature-based activities .(realitypathing.com)

Rewilding Our Spirits

Rewilding our spirits involves reconnecting with the earth to rediscover our authentic selves. Through ecotherapy, individuals can cultivate resilience, enhance self-awareness, and restore a sense of balance and harmony.

Whether you're seeking relief from stress, healing from trauma, or a deeper connection to yourself and the world around you, nature offers a sanctuary for growth and renewal.

Begin Your Journey

If you're ready to explore the healing potential of nature, I invite you to embark on this journey with me. Together, we can navigate the path to wellness, guided by the wisdom of the natural world.

Note: While ecotherapy offers significant benefits, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new therapeutic practice, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Using familiar plants for healing

For over 35 years, I’ve turned to the natural world—not just as a backdrop to healing, but as a partner in it. My journey as a psychotherapist has always been rooted in a deep respect for nature’s rhythms, and my study of herbs and spices has only deepened that connection. My trainings and studies in Ayurveda and native herbs and spices began 35 years ago when I was concerned with keeping my young family well.

I’ve seen firsthand how these plant allies can support mental, emotional, and physical wellness. Whether it’s the calming presence of chamomile during times of anxiety, or the adaptogenic strength of ashwagandha in moments of burnout, herbs and spices have become an integral part of how I support clients on their healing journeys.

My background in Ayurveda as a yoga therapist has given me a framework to understand the body and mind in ways that go beyond symptom management. Ayurveda teaches that healing is not one-size-fits-all—it’s about restoring balance in a way that honors each person’s unique nature. I carry that philosophy into every session, weaving together plant medicine, psychotherapy, and mindful movement when appropriate.

I don’t believe in quick fixes. I believe in ritual. I believe in rhythm. I believe in the quiet power of coming back to the earth, and back to ourselves.

If you’re feeling called to explore natural ways of supporting your wellness—emotionally, mentally, or physically—I invite you to begin that exploration with me. Together, we can work with nature’s tools to help you feel more grounded, resilient, and connected.

Art in Nature: Creating with Presence, Inspired by the Earth

Nature is more than a backdrop—it’s a creative force, a teacher, and an invitation to slow down and see the world with fresh eyes. In a fast-paced, screen-saturated world, reconnecting with the natural world through art offers not only inspiration, but also healing and mindfulness.

Nature as Muse
The textures of bark, the shifting light in a forest, the quiet geometry of leaves—when we pause and observe, nature becomes a wellspring of creative inspiration. Whether you're sketching a windswept tree or writing poetry beside a stream, the natural world helps us move beyond overthinking and into the present moment, where creativity flows more freely.

Creating with Nature
We don't need expensive materials or elaborate setups to make art. Nature provides what we need: leaves, stones, petals, branches, shadows. Using natural elements to build mandalas, weave fiber, or print patterns not only deepens our connection to the earth but reminds us that we are part of a larger, living system. It’s art that breathes, biodegrades, and evolves—just like we do.

Art as Mindfulness
Art-making in nature encourages us to slow down, breathe deeply, and engage with the world through our senses. This isn't about perfection or product—it's about presence. Each brushstroke, collage, or arrangement becomes a meditation, a way of anchoring into the here and now. It’s a gentle way to process emotions, find balance, and rediscover joy.

Join Me Outdoors
Through guided workshops and one-on-one sessions, I offer space to explore creative expression in natural settings. Whether you’re an experienced artist or simply curious, these practices invite you to reconnect—with nature, with creativity, and with yourself.

Let nature be your studio. Let creativity be your practice. Let presence be your path.