Bronwyn Paynter is an occupational therapist (OT) who helps OTs internationally create nature-based programs and businesses using her proprietary NatureOT Method. Bronwyn is passionate about the evidence for the health and wellbeing benefits of nature and skilled in coaching occupational therapists to develop, implement and evaluate innovative and effective programs in partnership with nature. Bronwyn’s training in Forest & Nature Therapy guiding in 2017 was personally transformational and led her to purchase a 33 hectare private sanctuary with heritage protected bushland on the Fleurieu Peninsula to share with others and indulge her own nature connection for wellbeing. Bronwyn holds qualifications in occupational therapy, permaculture design, WHS management and auditing, and project management, but mostly she loves nature and people.
Treenet Symposium Speaker
Bronwyn Paynter
Biography
Session Abstract
Forest Bathing
Forest Bathing is a chance to immerse in the natural environment, an opportunity to awaken and engage our senses as we allow ourselves to just ‘be’ in nature. NatureOT Forest Bathing is based on the Japanese shinrin yoku practice and is delivered in acknowledgement that all cultures across the world, including Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, have practiced nature connection through generations.
Every Forest Bathing experience is unique. Forest Bathing is typically a 2-3 hour experience and includes wandering slowly, taking time to stop, smell, touch and notice nature. It is not about bushwalking, nature identification, thinking or knowing. Forest Bathing is a gentle guided experience where we can separate from the busyness of daily life, disconnect from technology and experience nature through our senses in an embodied practice that rests and restores our attention, mood and nervous system. There is a growing body of evidence about the benefits of Forest Bathing for psychological, cognitive, physiological, neurological and immune function. Our mini Forest Bathing experience will include a guided ’tune up’ for our senses, an invitation to connect with and notice the Adelaide Botanic Garden nature and an opportunity to share what we notice.
