The main thing about Tree Babies is ultimately, Connection. Connection to nature, the environment and most of all connection to our babies and those people around us in the circle. Connecting to ourselves and the present moment within the beauty of the world.
The most inspiring thing about being a tree babies guide is bringing new parents & babies together in nature, in the beautiful landscape of Scotland, and allowing them to come away from the hustle and bustle of Western societies view of parenthood. That we can connect without any fancy gadgets or the latest equipment but that we can just be, as we are, standing outside in the fresh air with our baby and each other.
There are many aspects to Tree babies, one is:
Forest Bathing – Connecting with nature through all the senses, see, hear, think and feel. Becoming present within the forest without any distractions. Cultivating presence within a leisurely walk and honouring nature & the spirituality of nature and ourselves.
Forest Bathing originated in Japan during the 1980s and it is called Shinrin Yoku, bringing together both Buddhism and Shintoism.
There is a natural compound found in conifer trees and it is oxygen, walking in the forest means we are among nature’s natural purifiers. There is also a human natural killer (NK) which has been shown to have anti-cancer proteins and healing properties which aid our immune systems. Biophilia is a strong attraction to nature, the living world and everything that is in it.
“There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing” Billy Connelly
This quote depicts that we can embrace nature throughout the seasons in many different ways and these seasons bring about change, transformation, growth and a creative and simple way to connect to others. Parents will feel the wind in their hair, the rain on their face, the sun shining warmth upon their skin but, they will also witness the awe of nature in their baby’s face, learn the capacity to be present in a sit spot and become mindful of the true miracles of nature. Babywearing can enhance that connection as the baby experiences the feeling of your natural movement, that warmth of your body and a settling heartbeat.
There are so many ideas for resources from various teas, creating nature packs, flower crowns, daisy chains and my ideas would flow with every season I feel. The possibilities are endless. Keeping in mind that nature already provides us with so many resources for us to explore and use, summer is light and fun, green fresh grass, dancing with flower/flower crowns. Spring could incorporate planting seeds, gifting little seed packs, visiting local farms for lambing etc. Autumn is our wonderful browning leaves for mandalas, warming teas, gifting cinnamon sticks and ginger teas, immune-boosting bundles preparing for the winter. Winter is full of magic, leaves falling, even more, Christmas wreaths, nature decorations! The seasons easily depict the various natural resources that could be used.
Not only can we create that connection with both nature and baby, but a tea ceremony can bring everyone together in a circle to connect, share and experience community in a circle while consuming refreshing or warming tea.
You will leave a Tree babies class relaxed, present in nature and most importantly, connected, in so many ways.
Guest blog by Rachel Kirkpatrick of Rose Wellbeing Therapies – you can follow her on Facebook here and Instagram here
If you would like to train with us click here.
Tree Babies-Our essential resources list for teaching parents and babies in nature
I thought I would share some of my favourite resources from our Tree Babies Guide course to inspire you.
Reading list
Our Tree Babies course covers everything you need to know but I always suggest cultivating a daily practice of learning.
You can order some of these books for deeper reading from Red Lion Books to support an amazing family-run independent bookshop. Send an email copying this list or any of the titles and Jo at Red Lion will send them out to you, [email protected]
Connection
Continuum Concept-Jean Liedoff
Vital Touch-Sharon Heller
Mindfulness
Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life by Thich Nhat Hanh
The Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness: How Mindfulness Can Change Your Life in
Ten Minutes a Day by Andy Puddicombe
Four Agreements-Don Miguel Ruiz
Untethered Soul-Michael Alan Singer
The New Earth-Eckart Tolle
Forest bathing and nature practice
The Healing Nature Trail: Forest Bathing for Recovery and Awakening Book by Tamarack Song
Your Guide to Forest Bathing: Experience the Healing Power of Nature Book by M. Amos Clifford
Forest Therapy: Seasonal Ways to Embrace Nature for a Happier You Book by Sarah Iven
Other useful resources for Tree Babies classes
Calm app-This is a great way to tie up what you do in sessions with the home practice for parents
Headspace app-This app offers a grounded way to add mindfulness to your day
Insight Timer-A huge range of mediations, mindfulness exercises and much more
To join us as a Tree Babies Guide and join the Tree Babies Revolution, click here
About Blossom & Berry
Blossom & Berry offers expert training, support & resources on baby massage, yoga and parent and baby wellness for professionals & parents across the world.
Blossom & Berry training is designed to give you everything you need to succeed. It gives you a complete teaching practice and mentorship program in a box.
Our training is the most comprehensive teacher training and business package on the market with no restrictions on what you can do and no ongoing licence fees ever.
“I would love to invite you to join my network of over 1000 teachers across the world sharing the benefits of nurturing touch and connection with parents and babies.” Gayle Berry – Master trainer and international expert on baby massage and yoga, founder of Blossom & Berry.
Your success is our success and having a transformational and nurturing experience is key.