“I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery—air, mountains, trees, people. I thought,
‘This is what it is to be happy.'”
Sylvia Plath
American poet, novelist, and short story writer
Kathleen Lowe
Founder & President
Kathleen Lowe, the founder of Friends of the Forest, is a certified Mindful Outdoor Guide through the Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership and received her certification as a Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT). Her walks adhere to the evidence-based framework developed by the ANFT, which is rooted in the Japanese tradition of Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), ecotherapy, and the Way of Council. This standardized approach is designed to enhance wellness, reduce stress, and nurture the health of both individuals and communities through guided, immersive walks in forests and natural settings.
Kathleen’s walks are specifically designed for women, creating a safe, nurturing space for women to slow down, connect deeply with the natural world, and support their personal healing, mindfulness, and sense of peace. Holding space for women in nature is especially important, as it allows women to reconnect with their innate wisdom, build community, and release the stress and demands of modern life in a restorative, supportive environment.
In addition to her certifications, Kathleen has completed training in somatic healing, which she now integrates into her forest therapy practice. Somatic practices help women become more attuned to their physical sensations, release stored tension and trauma, and ground themselves in the present moment, creating a holistic experience for body, mind, and spirit.
Kathleen’s love for nature extends beyond guiding forest therapy walks. She is a passionate advocate for environmental conservation and sustainability, inspiring others to develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world and take action toward its preservation. She believes that women who connect deeply with nature carry this awareness into their communities, creating a ripple effect of healing, empowerment, and stewardship.
With a bachelor’s degree in the History of Art & Architecture from Brown University, Kathleen sees nature as a living canvas — rich with texture, color, and beauty that invites reflection and personal expression. She finds perpetual inspiration in the tranquility, joy, and depth of emotion that the natural world evokes, and she shares this gift with women through guided experiences that nurture connection to themselves, each other, and the earth.
In 2026, Kathleen is beginning a personal journey with the Sisterhood of Avalon, a community dedicated to remembering, reclaiming, and renewing the ways of Celtic women’s wisdom and spiritual practice. The Sisterhood honors the Divine Feminine and supports women on paths of self-discovery, spiritual awakening, and empowerment through study, community, and shared ritual rooted in the Avalonian tradition. This journey deepens Kathleen’s commitment to creating spaces where women can slow down, attune to seasonal rhythms, and access their own innate wisdom.
Through her walks and year-long programs, Kathleen continues to weave together the medicine of trees, the lessons of the seasons, and the teachings of women’s sacred traditions. These experiences offer participants a path to resilience, reflection, and renewal — helping women move gently into their own growth, healing, and stewardship of the natural world.
Luna, My Mystical Guide
Rest in Peace Sweetest Girl
Luna Left Our Earth On Monday, November 6, 2023
My beautiful Percheron, Luna, embodied beauty, positive energy, and healing power. Now that she has moved on from this world, her spirit continues to shine, offering her wisdom and love in a new way. In her mid-20s, Luna retired from her former life and stepped into a role that perfectly suited her gentle soul—a teacher, a wise sage—helping us humans connect with our hearts and bodies in sacred, shared moments.
Even in her passing, Luna's energy surrounds me, inviting me to open my heart and tap into the inner wisdom and connection she always inspired. Horses are mystical beings of this earth, and Luna was a guide like no other, helping to balance body, mind, soul, and emotions.
Though she is no longer here physically, Luna's magickal spirit lives on, offering me—and anyone who knew her—the chance to reflect, be present, and feel her love in every moment. Her energy will always be with me.
