For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, there is a kilometer rainforest Forest Therapy Trail; on the property; “The Zaborin Walk” meaning a place in the forest to ‘sit to forget’. This theme is a derivation of Japanese Zen terminology.
Awake in the wild meditation is a unique way to be in nature. As Sarah McLean aptly says: “meditation is an essential travel partner on your journey of personal transformation. Meditation connects you to your soul, and this connection gives you access to your intuition, your heartfelt desires, your integrity, and the inspiration to create a life you love.” The thing about meditation is you become more and more you. This nature connection enhances the meditation experience; as guests can be guided by invitations along their “slow walk” to engage all senses and soak in the moment. Heather says “we often forget we are nature in the rush of a digital world. With population density in cities, this nature connection is lost and we lose the deeper connection with ourselves. In human evolution, people were immersed in the natural environment and had a symbiotic connection with it”. The research based therapeutic benefits of being amongst trees are bountiful; including stress reduction which has a multi-factorial impact on disease processes.
William Shakespeare once said“ 0ne touch of nature makes the whole world kin” ….only spread a fern frond over a man’s head and worldly cares are cast out and freedom and beauty and peace come in” John Muir. I have been planting multi lingual peace poles along the nature trail with the silent prayer “May Peace Prevail on Earth”. The reflective prayer is in 28 languages at present. Heather feels the message for world peace and inner peace bode well with the philosophy at Qii House and serves as a gentle reminder that all things great and small are connected.
The track is always evolving; Heather has been working on a number of projects with John, a local artisan who has made some beautiful embellishments for the rainforest walk sourced from the property; including seating, tables and hand rails, and steps in accordance with guidelines from the Director of Forest Therapy Australasia as part of the international accreditation process.
“In summary, the Consultant encourages Qii House to proceed with its laudable, ambitious and timely plans to enrich the upmarket property with an ANFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Trail conforming to international standards. In My Nature is pleased to assist Qii House and its staff and representatives along this journey to make this project a fruitful, mutually beneficial cooperation…. In this regard, I think it’s minds alike to consider marketing Forest Therapy in the format of a ‘Certified Forest Therapy Trail/Space’ at Qii House. “In My Nature” offers this as a consulting service so that people are guaranteed an evidence based nature therapy – everyone is talking about Shinrin-yoku!
As a certified forest therapy guide I can visit your lovely space and evaluate the surroundings to implement a forest therapy trail or space with signage – you don’t need more than 1 or 2 kilometres for an immersive and healing Forest Therapy experience. Your guests can meander along this curated trail and deepen their experience with nature. This way, you can also add an element of sharing knowledge and educate more people on the benefits of spending time in nature, the Shinrin-yoku way. A certified trail will attract more people to explore the beautiful forests surrounding the Qii House to experience the benefits of immersing in nature in a new way!
Qiihouse Lorne will be the first such location to introduce this concept to visitors in the Otways – you will be offering a dose (or many doses) of the “Medicine of the Forest.”
Susan Joachim Director of Forest Therapy Australasia.
Heather is also currently researching the indigenous flora along the track and has made plaques with notations detailing both common and botanical names to enhance the learning experience. In her next project, she will be working with Dean Smith Dancing Bear; sculptor extraordinaire, on a monster masterful wood and bronze sculpture along the rainforest walk.” I am absolutely thrilled with the way it is all coming together”.
