A programme of walks, branded ‘self-care stomps’ are the leading the way to emotional wellbeing at Thorncombe Woods this autumn.
Local therapist Emma Pritchard is using the Dorset County Council owned Thorncombe Woods as the perfect location to hold monthly walks to encourage wellbeing and mindfulness. Self-Care Stomps are open to people of all abilities and those who are less-able. The pace of the stomp depends entirely on individual abilities; nobody will feel like they can’t keep up.
The walks are aimed at people who have busy lives and who have limited time for themselves; anyone affected by a bereavement or loss; anyone looking to rediscover or redefine themselves; and anyone who has a caring role either within their job or family.
Emma said:
“Self-care stompers have been able to use this woodland space to not only walk mindfully, but also to attach to their senses of sight, smell and listening, mirroring forest bathing – a practice developed in Japan during the 1980s and which is the cornerstone of Japanese preventative healthcare.
“Rushy Pond has proven to be a wonderful spot to carry out a 15-minute relaxation session. A combination of poems have ended our walks at Hardy’s Cottage, and we have then all enjoyed reflections and chats over refreshments at the friendly Hardy’s Birthplace visitor centre.”
Daryl Turner, Dorset County Council’s Cabinet Member for the Natural and Built Environment, said:
“It’s great to know that Emma is able to use our woodland for the benefit of her wellbeing clients. Our priority outcomes are focused on a Safe, Healthy, Independent and Prosperous Dorset. The healthy outcome includes reducing the commonness of mental health and increasing physical activity in adults. Emma’s walks do both these things, which is why we are happy to endorse this type of activity.”
The next Self-Care Stomp is on Friday 21 September at 10am. Visit Emma’s website www.dorchestercounsellingandwellbeing.co.uk<www.dorchestercounsellingandwellbeing.co.uk> or follow her Facebook page ‘self-care sparkle’ for more information. The first walk is free and there are more planned for Fridays 19 October and 23 Nov.