How these began:
In 2019 I was able to attend ANFT training in Norway and complete the six month practicum for certification with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy as a Guide.
While in Finland I learned of the Japanese practice of “Shinrin Yoku” which literally translates as “Forest Bath”. I thought I need to would go to Japan! I read the book “Shinrin Yoku: The Japanese Art of Forest Bathing” by Yoshifumi Miyazaki (2018) and discovered in the back a list of references. There was Amos Clifford and the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy which provided training to become a certified guide. I discovered a training in Norway available soon—and applied and attended.
I was then living at the Sisters retreat house in the Hickory Nut Gorge and began conversations with Conserving Carolina which invited me to give a presentation at Walnut Creek Preserve, and encouraged me to offer “Forest Bathing” walks after I completed the six-month practicum. Nearly 100 people attended the presentation! One woman, who began “Asheville Wellness Tours” invited me to offer Forest Bathing, and I agreed. Then, the pandemic arrived! People from everywhere were beginning to learn about “Forest Bathing” and wanting to experience outdoor, safe activities. People traveled to Asheville from Florida, Europe, Africa, South America, and began coming to Transfiguration Preserve. It was a heady time.
While the interest is steady and continues, I shall never forget the healing nature of these walks during the extreme stressful years of the pandemic.
Each of the events now include such an array of Mindful activities that have slowly come into being because of the response of participants who experienced the pristine, sanctuary nature of the Preserve.
Tanner Pickett, from Montreat Conference Center, who attended a “Sacred Saunter” down to the River one Sunday, told me how he’d always found fly fishing to be a meditation. I invited him to create an event. He asked me to instruct him in the forest bathing approach, which I did, and he created “The Way of Water: Fly fishing as Contemplative Practice”.
Another is a Yoga instructor, also certified in Ayurvedic Medicine as well as being trained in Nature and Forest Therapy and offers “YOGA in NATURE” down by the river.
Jim Stilwell, an Asheville artist and now a close friend of mine, offers ART IN NATURE.
Kelly Bruce, (Natural Wanders) is a brilliant, creative ANFT certified Guide, and a close friend of mine who is helping me as I expand to more responsibilities now with Transfiguration North Carolina.
Marsha LePhew, who is also in my Mindfulness class, is now another certified ANFT Guide and offering walks at the Preserve when she is able.
John Thomas (JT) Whitfield, a brilliant naturalist and creative maker of art with nature has begun guiding new events he has conducted with Journals, and multiple means of “Creativity in Nature”
Click here for a list of current events.
WHAT OTHER RETREATS AND WAYS ARE THERE TO COME to Transfiguration Preserve?
We have provided for Clergy Retreats, Church Vestry Retreats, Spiritual Direction, and “Quiet Day” Retreats.
Do you have ideas for gatherings here?
Please contact me and let’s see what may be possible!
We welcome exploring these together!
Mattie Decker
828-333-3508
