Happy March Reader!

It's finally starting to look (and feel) like spring! Yesterday I led a Forest Bathing Session at the Botanical Gardens focused on Nature's Early Hints of Spring and boy oh boy did I need that! The shares from those who attended told me I wasn't the only one.

This age and timeline we're living in right now 😮‍💨 feels so FULL and FAST and BUSY.

I often feel like I'm in a race that I did NOT sign up for but can't seem to escape. Do you relate? I'm guessing you might..

It's been a while since I've shared a newsletter, but I'm coming out of my healing cocoon from ankle surgery and honestly, the 'frozen state' my nervous system has been in from the world chaos that's been unfolding.

As the thaw happens, I'm realizing that sharing 🌿The Nature Brief with you each week is something I really need. Being in community with you, offering nature connection invitations to you, sharing how simple it can be to regulate and find HOPE when we slow down, get out of the algorithm of media (and even our little "safe bubbles") to work with nature in a healing capacity.

Nature helps us REMEMBER we don't have to "keep up" with everything.

Not in a 'put your head in the sand and pretend everything is ok' kind of way (because clearly, not everything is ok) but in a 'nature doesn't hold energy around every influence or disaster/catastrophe that happens longer than it has to' way. It simply adjusts and keeps doing its thing.

It responds when it needs to. It rests when it needs to.

I know this is something you KNOW because you are already here.

This month I'll be practicing RETURNING TO and TENDING that knowing/need by showing up here in your inbox with more regularity, offering you nature connection invitations or practices for you to try on to help YOU find your HOPE and feel the support of nature in your life too - without turning away from what’s real.

Here's your nature connection invitation for this week:

🌿 Effortlessly Witness

Step outside and begin by simply noticing what’s already there.

Maybe you glance toward the sky. Not to analyze it. Not to meditate perfectly. Just to look.

Let your eyes rest there for a moment. See the clouds moving. The light shifting.

There is nothing you need to do to make the sky happen. Nothing you need to hold up or manage.

You might notice that awareness itself feels simple. The clouds move on their own. The trees stand. A bird crosses through your field of vision. Rocks hold their place in the landscape.

Your only role, if you choose it, is to notice.

And if at any point this doesn’t feel easeful, you’re welcome to shift your gaze, close your eyes, or orient to something closer. There’s no right way to do this.

You might gently wonder: What changes when I let the world move without needing to respond to it?

This invitation was Inspired by a reflection from Ken Wilber in Mindfulness Day by Day.

If you tried this, what are you noticing? Hit reply and share with me - I'd love to hear. 💚

ANNOUNCEMENT 🌱
- COMING SOON -

Held By Nature: A Nature-Based Wellness Circle for Women

Find connection, HOPE, and strength in a nurturing space dedicated to women navigating the chaos and rollercoaster of life transitions. Whether you're trying to create a new beginning or adapting to unexpected (unwelcome?) changes, this circle offers a safe, restorative and non-performative community leaning into the simple healing power of nature and human connection.

Held by Nature Women's Wellness Circle is opening for enrollment soon.

A blend of forest bathing + nature therapy, somatic practices, and the healing power of women coming together will support your journey through change. If you're ready to prioritize your health, well-being and nature connection practice with like-minded women, sign up here to join the notification list to be among the first to know when doors open.

MARCH EVENTS AT MO BOTANICAL GARDENS 😬 I'm both happy and sad to announce that all the MARCH events at MOBOT have sold out. That just tells me that people really want and need this type of experience. I'm considering offering a few more sessions in March and April at other locations - tap the button below to let me know your preferred location to attend. ​ INTEREST SURVEY

However there are still a couple spots open for the Saturday Morning, April 11th Session!

I've also just added a Full Moon Forest Bathing Evening session for Monday May 11th that's not yet been announced anywhere but HERE! So if you've been wanting to get into one of those - this is your sign 🌕

Thank you for being here, even through the quiet seasons. I’m grateful to be walking into spring with you Reader.

In Peace and Presence,
🌱 Jess

Jess Thenhaus 🌿 Nature Based Wellness Coach | NBHWC, CHHC Certified Forest & Nature Therapy Guide | ANFT 🫶 Helping you cultivate presence, margin & intentionality in your life. CONNECT WITH JESS →

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