Wild & Fit Winter Women's Weekend

A Sauna from The Sweat House North Bay for the weekend!!!! 

Forest Therapy (as commonly referred to in North America), is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku (‘Forest Bathing’) developed in the 1980’s.  Certified Forest Therapy Guide, Laura Kielpinski will facilitate a safe gentle walk in nature, providing “invitations” for sensory opening activities. There will be opportunities to gather and share together throughout the walk.  These walks are not intended to be nature interpretive or fitness focused in structure, but rather an opportunity to slow down and remember our connections and relationships with the natural world around us. Participants can expect the walk to take approximately 2 hours including time for “tea with the trees”.  Laura looks forward to partnering with the forest and sharing this practice with you!

Studies and research have demonstrated that forest therapy walks may have a wide array of health benefits to an individuals’ emotional and physical well-being including; reduced stress levels, changes in blood pressure and/or heart rate, improved mood and cognition. Other side effects during the walk can also include increased relaxation, personal awareness, insights and reflections, as well as laughter, giggles and playfulness. 

Appropriate clothing (layering for warmth) and footwear is important to be comfortable outside in all types of weather.  Suggested items to bring with you may include; Raincoat and/or warm coat, layering of clothes to accommodate getting warm or cold, sit-upon/small blanket for sitting on the ground, water bottle and/or personal snacks. 

A restorative hatha practice to awaken the mind and body and start the day in nature.  This practice can be modified for any body.  It will include connecting the mind to the body through breath, movement coordinated with breath (vinyasa flows), lateral bends, balancing, and mindful twists.  Yoga mats and towels are provided but participants are welcome to bring their own. 

Let Aleks from Brainy Bird Creations guide you through creating your own work of art! This will be a “blind” paint, meaning you will be guided step by step, but won’t know what the final product is supposed to look like!!!

All supplies are provided!

LAURA KIELPINSKI, OCT

Your event host at Forest Therapy Guide

Laura works full time as the Director of Education and Operations at the Canadian Ecology Centre (CEC).  She is trained as a certified Forest Therapy Guide with ANFT (Association of Nature and Forest Therapy) and looks forward to sharing this practice with guests as the CEC.

Laura is also a qualified OCT teacher, GPS Instructor and Instructor Trainer for the National Green Check GPS Certification program, Instructor for the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s “Project Wild” and “Below Zero” programs.  She holds an honours degree in Physical and Health Education (specializing in Outdoor Adventure Leadership) and a diploma in Environmental Science from Laurentian University, as well as her Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University in Outdoor Experiential Education. Laura holds certifications in Standard First Aid and CPR, Wilderness First Aid (80 hour WFR), ORKCA (canoe training) as well as risk management and safety planning.  Her passions and interests include sharing her love of the natural world with all those around her and helping others to find comfort and enjoyment from spending time in the outdoors. She enjoys being active in a variety of outdoor activities (mountain biking, running, canoeing, hiking, and cross country skiing) with her friends, family and two children.

ALI STEER, OCT

Forest Yoga Flow Instructor

Ali is a graduate of the Grounded Studios 200hr Yoga Teacher Training program. She has been practicing yoga and performing music for nearly 10 years and is passionate about connecting people to nature through unique and memorable experiences!  The idea to pair live music, yoga, movement and the trees is something she hopes to bring more of to the community to uplift, rejuvenate and inspire others!