KulturNest e.V.: Nurturing creativity, sustainability, and playfulness. Our friendly NEST welcomes you to share new ideas, actions, and connections, inspired by the values of art and nature.
Nature Connection Sundays
Whole experience
Thank you for your interest in Nature Connection Sundays.
This is your opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, learning how to engage your senses to fully embrace the forest and all it offers.
On this page you have all the information you need to prepare, but feel free to reach out with any further questions
Dates of the next walks:
Sunday:
October 12th - CANCELLED
November 16th
December 14th
We meet in Biesenthal at Cafe Franke around 10:30. Here you can purchase sandwiches to take with us on our walk. Bathroom available.
We aim to get started by 10:50.
About forest bathing
This forest therapy experience follows the approach of the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. This method not only focuses on immersing oneself in nature but also emphasises the relational aspect between humans and their surrounding environment. This practice is inspired by Shinrin-Yoku, the Japanese art of 'forest bathing,' and incorporates Western therapeutic and mindfulness approaches.
In Relational Forest Therapy according to ANFT, participants are guided through a clearly defined sequence of experiences that encourage relaxation, the opening of senses, and the deepening of the connection between participants and the forest/nature.
Invitations during the walk are open, meaning there are no expectations regarding what participants should experience or receive. As guides, we simply open the door to the experience, the therapeutic role is fulfilled by nature.
Benefits
Health benefits of spending time in nature, especially in the forest, include:
1. Strengthen the immune system
2. Lower or raise blood pressure (homeostasis effect)
3. Reduce stress
4. Improve mood
5. Increase concentration ability
6. Aid recovery after surgery or illness
7. Boost energy levels
8. Improve sleep
Various studies on this topic:
1. Immerse Yourself in a Forest for Better Health, New York Department of Conservation
2. Book: "The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative," by Florence Williams
3. Shinrin-yoku (Forest bathing) and Nature Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review
Where?
Our walks will take place in Biesenthaler Becken Nature Park.
The route goes from Biesenthal, reaching Hellmühle at Hellsee - Plötzensee and back to Biesenthal.
We will start with a visit to the local bakery Café Franke where you can buy sandwiches, coffee and use the bathroom.
On the way, we will have time for snacks and warm tea.
As this activity is not funded by any external grant, we would appreciate donations to support the work of KulturNest.
Suggested donation 10€ - 30€.
How to prepare?
We're happy that you'll be joining us for this adventure in the forest. To ensure you have a good time, here are a few recommendations of what to bring:
Stay Hydrated and energised:
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Water or a thermos of tea.
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A small snack of your choice to keep those energy levels up.
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Bring insect repellent – a handy companion for our outdoor escapade.
Dress for Forest:
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Opt for comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing including a rainproof jacket, if needed.
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For your protection against ticks, wear full shoes with socks pulled over the ankles and long trousers.
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Choose sturdy, flat shoes – we'll be out and about, whatever the weather.
Preparations cont..
Wildlife Awareness:
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The forest is home to a variety of creatures. We will walk carefully, quietly and respect our environment taking all rubbish home with us.
Allergies Matter:
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If you have allergies, be sure to bring your medications along. We want your experience to be as enjoyable as possible.
Mind Your Well-being:
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Take a moment to assess your physical and mental health before diving into outdoor activities.
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If you have specific health concerns, it's always a good idea to consult with professionals beforehand.
Get Creative!
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There will be time given to sketching and journaling. Please bring your own materials (notebook and pens) with you.
Meet Your Guides
What to expect from this immersive experience with Dagna Gmitrowicz and Thea Schnering?
Certified ANFT guide Dagna has the expertise to give us an introduction to Shinrin Yoku, the Japanese art of Forest bathing. Entering into the forest we will learn how to engage by awakening all of our senses.
Thea will then combine her knowledge of Tai Chi, Qigong, breathing techniques, voice and sound to deepen our connection both with the forest and with ourselves.
As you are guided through different parts of the forest you will have time to yourself for reflection and observation in your journals and sketch books.
There will also be time together to share in our group. Listening to one another helps us to engage with Nature from multiple perpectives.
To close our time, we will enjoy sandwiches, snacks and a tea together, before heading back to Berlin.
Dagna Gmitrowicz
I am a certified Forest Therapy guide with training acquired from the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) from the United States. Over the years, my professional focus has been the seamless integration of the natural environment and the visual expression language into endeavors dedicated to personal development and mental health.
My academic qualifications include the completion of a Postgraduate Four-Year Course in Psychotherapy at the Erickson Institute, complemented by a Postgraduate Course in Art Therapy. In addition to my therapeutic pursuits, I am a dedicated painter, channeling my studies towards capturing the inherent beauty of our surrounding world.
Presently, my studio and practice are established in Berlin, where I actively contribute as a board member of KulturNest e.V. My commitment to fostering cultural enrichment aligns harmoniously with my broader objective of promoting well-being through the harmonious intersection of nature, art, and therapeutic practice.
Thea Schnering
This experience is about more than just getting some fresh air - we will explore the forest with ALL our senses and consciously experience the echoes of nature.
Metaphorically, we dive into the forest, bathing like forest birds!
I am your expert for voice, singing, and personal development. Bringing over 30 years of experience teaching singing and confidence as a speech coach, and my training as a mentor for personal development and life strategies, not to mention my roots as an actress and singer on stage.
On these Sundays I will be combining voice and breathing techniques with elements from Tai Chi and Qigong, which I have also been practicing for 15 years.
In my regular work, I accompany people who want to discover their voice not only as an expression, but also as a path to inner freedom and authentic impact, and I am sure the forest has much to teach us about this too.
Elisabeth Fraser
Your host and first point of contact for these events is Beth Fraser.
Hailing from the UK, trained in Fine Art in London, then working as many things including project management, hosting and painting trees. Beth, will meet all your enquiries with her ready smile and make you feel at home in the forest whether this is your first time with us or you are a regular.
Summer
Photographic insights by John
instagram.com/jonnjiss
Spring
Photographic insights by Luise
Winter
Photographic insights by Dani
These photographs were taken during the Accessible Forest project in 2024.
For more information about this project visit accessibleforest.com