Finn's First Walk

It's been 6 months since I last guided a Forest Therapy walk. Then, at the end of November, the weather was so very cold, though with a large group of primary school teachers, we soon warmed to the beauty of the place.

I've been much of the last three months in northern Ghana so as things warmed up here at home, I wasn't present to organise any walks. Yesterday, though, I guided a walk for a group from the English Speaking Cancer Association who support people suffering cancer here in the Geneva region. The ESCA team was interested in exploring Forest Therapy as a well-being practice and team-building activity.

Because I've been away so long, my little Jack Russell terrier mate, Finn, decided that it wouldn't do to be left at home. I've never taken him on a walk. He's deaf and really is Mr Zen so I've never been worried about him being a distraction. My concern really was that it might have people asking to bring their dogs and I don't feel ready for that just yet. I really do want people to be able to get connected to the Nature around them and always being worried about where their dog is, calling for it, just gets in the way of that, or so I fear.

I had no worries to take him yesterday, knowing that he would bring even more Nature connection to the 7 participants. And so it proved. Finn ensured that each and every person had ample opportunity to give him a good, thorough pat and caress. He sat quietly throughout and this photo of him, in his best red harness, at the tea ceremony just captures his spirit so totally.

It feels good to be back.