“Nature has been for me, for as long as I remember, a source of solace, inspiration, adventure, and delight; a home, a teacher, a companion.”
Lorraine Anderson, Author
Connecting Women with Nature
is at the Heart of Everything We Do
Friends of the Forest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing nature-inspired wellness programs designed specifically for women. We believe that true wellness lies in the harmony between our inner selves and our natural world. Our mission is to guide women toward this balance by fostering a deeper connection with nature, enhancing physical well-being, and cultivating inner peace.
In the loving presence of Mother Nature, our offerings foster healing, build community, and encourage self-discovery. At all Friends of the Forest offerings, you will find a supportive network of like-minded women, a pathway to inner peace, and a harmonious lifestyle that honors your true essence.
Our Ethos
Everything we do, we do with love and kindness: for people, for the more than human world, and for the greater good. We commit to being honest, fair, ethical, and compassionate in all our dealings. Every choice we make is with honor and respect for our planet, an intention that is felt deeply by the people who experience the magick and power of Mother Nature.
We Believe in Compassion
With thoughtful intention, we hold a welcoming and calm space, a true sanctuary for women—a place of refuge and healing for all women who seek it. We want you to feel on every level; there is room for you here to be yourself, to learn and grow and let go, and to become even more of who you are. All women need a place to connect, be seen, and be cherished.
Let’s inspire each other, help each other, play together, create magick together, and rise together.
Take a Nature Wellness Journey With Us
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Wonder Walks In Nature
Forest bathing is a wellness practice. It is a mindful and slow walk in nature during which your guide will share mindfulness practices and invitations designed to awaken your senses, tune in to the present moment, and reconnect with nature. In the process, stories surrounding nature - both inner and outer, often arise.
It is unlike a usual stroll in the park, a hike, or a nature walk. Science and research studies on forest bathing have quantified health benefits, including improved mental clarity, increased body immune functions, increased production of anti-cancer proteins, lower stress levels, lower blood sugar levels, and lower blood pressure, amongst many other benefits.
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Equine-Inspired Wisdom
We’ve developed mindfulness offerings for women to find peace and inner connection, take time out from the world, and bring themselves into the present moment with the help of horses. By engaging in a connected relationship with horses, you become mindful of your body and emotions and deepen your spiritual connection to the natural world around you.
In addition to enhancing self-awareness, connecting with horses can also deepen our spiritual connection to the natural world. Horses are majestic creatures that embody strength, grace, and freedom. We can tap into their energy and connect with something greater than ourselves by spending time in their presence.
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Women's Personal Development
We offer you a safe space to be who you want to be. You can be the version of yourself that you love the most, and you’ll be held for all of you (including the messy parts). These curated workshops offer a unique opportunity for deepening personal transformation, awakening, and healing. In these classes, you will find a safe and supportive space to explore your innermost desires, fears, and aspirations. Surrounded by like-minded women who truly see you, you can share your experiences and learn from one another.
These offerings help you reconnect and realign your energies with the Earth while fostering a profound appreciation for the beauty and serenity of our natural world.
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Nature-Inspired Creative Arts
Our nature-inspired creative art offerings help you reconnect with your imagination and experience joy through nature and art. By immersing oneself in the natural world, participants can find inspiration and develop a deeper appreciation for the environment.
One of the main benefits of our nature-inspired art classes is the sense of tranquility they provide. Being surrounded by the beauty of nature allows women to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels. This calmness fosters a conducive environment for creative thinking and self-expression.
It is our hope that these classes are enjoyable and also contribute to your personal growth and promote a sustainable future for our planet.
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Our Rebloom Initiative©
It is our passion to help women who are recovering from their cancer treatment find a new way of living through restorative nature-based wellness programs.
Nature has always been a source of solace and healing for humanity. The serene beauty of the natural world has a profound impact on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Spending time in nature can be particularly therapeutic, offering a respite from the challenges you have faced during your battle with this devastating disease.
We understand that financial constraints can often prevent individuals from accessing much-needed programs like this. That is why this program is offered on a sliding scale basis - ensuring that no one is turned away due to lack of funds.
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The Path of the Wise Woman
Our Wise Woman offerings are founded on the belief that plants, flowers, & herbal remedies are a gift from nature. These gifts are given to us so we might heal and balance the mind, body & spirit and restore our connection with the more than human world.
All of us at Friends of the Forest embrace a simpler, sustainable existence that is more harmonious with nature. We have a deep reverence for Mother Earth and her bounty that may run deeper than most; this respect for nature is but a piece of the whole part that makes up the Wise Woman’s path.
We are proud to be a community resource for women who wish to learn more about the Wise Woman tradition and develop a deeper connection with Mother Nature.
Adjusting to Life After Cancer
The Rebloom Initiative© is a Friends of the Forest initiative offers women who have completed their cancer treatment the opportunity to reclaim their lives, renew their bodies, and experience healing connections with other women through restorative nature-based wellness workshops and retreats.
For many women, a key dimension of healing is to be in community with women who share your wound and your strong intention to find healing. We hold this space for you—a healing space for women to come together to share, to offer support to one another, and help define your new normal of living after you’ve completed treatment.
Our nature-based wellness approach offers hope and healing to women cancer survivors by empowering them emotionally and allowing them to reclaim their lives after battling this devastating disease. The generosity of our donors ensures that financial limitations do not hinder access to these life-changing services. Together with our supporters, we strive towards creating a world where every woman has the opportunity to heal and thrive.
Rediscovering Your True Self in Nature
In our technology-driven world, disconnecting from nature—and, by extension, ourselves—has become all too common. We often spend our days glued to screens, wrapped in a virtual reality that severs our ties to the natural environment. Yet, by immersing ourselves in nature, we can rediscover a vital sense of peace and connection essential for our emotional and spiritual well-being. This bond is particularly meaningful for women, as it resonates with the essence of feminine healing—a way of being that honors and embraces feminine values and attributes.
Mother Nature has a vast array of lessons to teach us about balance, interconnectedness, and self-discovery. By spending more time in nature, you allow yourself to be reminded of your place in the world and reconnect with your true self. Nature is waiting for you; all you have to do is embrace it.
Feminine healing is about embracing a life that is joyful, natural, creative, and rich in beauty, radiance, and spirit. By immersing ourselves in nature, we can rediscover a sense of peace and connection that is essential for our emotional and spiritual well-being. This, in turn, helps us honor and embrace our feminine values and attributes, awakening the natural cadence of living in tune with our deeper nature.
So why not take a break from your busy schedule? Step into nature's embrace and let her rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Allow yourself to be reminded of your place in the world and reconnect with your true self. Nature is waiting for you; all you have to do is embrace it.
Musings
By immersing ourselves in nature, we can rediscover a sense of peace and connection that is essential for our emotional and spiritual well-being.
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The Essence of Feminine Energy
Feminine energy is inherently restorative and nurturing. It is about being rather than doing, feeling rather than thinking, and receiving rather than giving. This energy is often overshadowed by societal norms that prioritize masculine energy—characterized by action, control, and logic. While both energies are essential, the overemphasis on masculine traits can lead to an imbalance, causing many women to feel disconnected from their true selves.
Nature is a powerful source of feminine energy and healing. It has the ability to ground us, connect us with our bodies, and soothe our spirits. The beauty and serenity of nature offer a space for women to soften into their feminine being, let go of control, and receive the restorative energy it offers.
We believe that every woman deserves to experience the radiant beauty of her true self.
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A Softer Approach to Healing
In a world that often encourages women to do more, be more, and fix themselves, feminine healing offers a refreshing and empowering alternative. By reconnecting with your true, feminine nature and embracing the lessons of nature, you can experience profound growth and fulfillment.
Feminine healing is not about striving for perfection. It’s about honoring your natural cycles, trusting in the process of growth and change, and surrendering to the ebb and flow of life. When you embrace the beauty of your true nature, you unlock the power, radiance, and joy that reside within you.
We invite you to join us on this journey of feminine healing. Together, let's restore, soften, and illuminate the trust and radiance of our deeper nature. Our offerings are crafted to support you on your journey of feminine healing.
