Into the Woods: A Meditative Hiking Adventure

There is a deep, restorative magic in the forest. For as long as I can remember, the woods have been my sanctuary, a place where I feel most at peace—one with the moment, and deeply connected to my surroundings. When I step into the woods, it’s as if I’m carrying a tangled ball of yarn inside me, knotted with worries, stress, and noise from the outside world. But nature, with its quiet wisdom, helps me unravel it. The flowing stream clears my mind, and the wind gently whisks away my chaotic thoughts, leaving room for my soul’s truth to emerge with clarity.

Nature’s Power in the Psychotherapy Realm

The integration of nature into the psychotherapy realm—often called eco-psychology—is not just a practice; it’s a powerful tool for healing. Research has shown that time spent in nature can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and increase feelings of connectedness. Nature has a grounding effect, offering a mirror for self-reflection and allowing us to reconnect with our bodies, our breath, and the natural rhythms of life.

In my work as a therapist, I have seen time and again how stepping outside the confines of four walls and into the forest can allow clients to feel more open, more willing to engage with their inner selves. It provides a safe container for personal exploration—one that encourages healing, grounding, and emotional release in ways that are sometimes difficult to achieve in traditional settings.

The Birth of “Into the Woods”

During the height of the COVID pandemic, when isolation, fear, and uncertainty were at their peak, I felt a calling to create a space where people could safely connect—not just with each other, but with themselves and the natural world. That’s how “Into the Woods” was born. It became a symbolic experience for clients and community members to step out of their fear and into the embrace of nature.

I never charged for these hikes. I ran them only when I felt the inner calling, and I noticed how often people entered the woods as strangers, yet emerged grounded, lighter, and more connected—sometimes to each other, but always to themselves. Afterward, it wasn’t uncommon to see people lingering in the parking lot, talking for long stretches, keeping the connections brewing long after the hike had ended.

No matter the weather—whether it was raining, snowing, shining, or freezing—I never canceled a hike. We’ve walked through rainstorms, snow, and in freezing temperatures, embracing the unpredictability of nature as part of the journey. Sometimes there were 20 participants, other times only one or two showed up. But regardless of the size of the group, the experience was always meaningful, and the connection with nature remained constant.

During that challenging time, these hikes became a consistent, sacred practice. Now, they’ve grown into a quarterly offering, continuing to serve as a reminder that nature is always there to guide us back to ourselves.

The Healing Benefits of Nature and Grounding

The benefits of eco-psychology and grounding—the act of connecting physically with the earth—are profound. By simply walking barefoot on the earth, breathing in the fresh air, and taking in the sights and sounds of the forest, we activate our parasympathetic nervous system, bringing our bodies into a state of rest and repair. It’s no wonder that nature has become an integral part of my personal practice and my work with clients.

Grounding in nature can:

• Reduce stress and anxiety

• Improve mood and focus

• Enhance feelings of connectedness to self and others

• Help regulate the nervous system

• Promote emotional and psychological healing

Into the Woods as a Symbol of My Journey

There’s a personal layer to “Into the Woods” for me. In college, I played the role of Cinderella in a musical rendition of Into the Woods—a role that has stayed with me throughout my life. Cinderella’s journey through the forest is symbolic of our own life journeys, with all their twists and turns, uncertainties, and moments of clarity. In the same way that Cinderella found herself in the woods, I have continuously found peace and guidance in nature’s embrace.

The forest is a metaphor for life’s complexity. It challenges us, quiets us, and ultimately, shows us the path forward. The woods offer a space for deep introspection, for unraveling what feels tangled, and for discovering the clarity and peace that’s always been within us.

A Quarterly Offering of Connection

“Into the Woods” continues to be a sacred space for those looking to connect—to themselves, to others, and to nature. Whether you’re seeking clarity, peace, or simply the joy of being in nature, these hikes are an invitation to slow down, to listen to the wisdom of the earth, and to return to a place of grounding and inner peace.

Register here for our next hike on 10/19 at 8:30AM, South Mountain Dog Park