When I began this course, I was anticipating topics of instruction to be mostly technical and practical, with a review of relevent literature and research; sort of a “How To” approach to the components of forest bathing.  And all that was certainly delivered.

However…

I did not expect the course to provide such extensive opportunities for self-reflection, self-examination and self-expression; for tapping into our intuitive selves, andmour place, as a human, in nature.  This is not alway straightforward or comfortable work, but I found it very rewarding and, in fact, necessary and indispensable.  I feel like an important “How To” was “How to be a human being”, or “How to be your best self”; so unexpected, and so welcome!  Thank you for that…

The readings, exercises, invitations and activities in this course are all are all constructed and presented so thoughtfully; I will continually re-visit and review them.  I also look forward to reviewing (and answering) the thoughtful questions you provided in response to my work, both from a practical and conceptual lens.  Your availability for out-of-class consultation was very welcome, if under-utilized (by me).

For an online course, the amount of sharing between the participants was quite remarkable!

I believe the most effective form of leadership is by example, and you leadership in this course was exemplary; from the open and welcoming energy that each live session started with, to the finely crafted invitations and thoughtful responses to assignments, and the real honesty with which you presented your own reflections on your personal journey, you created a environment of safety and honesty and intimacy that informed the coursework and discussion, which was invaluable. 

Thank you so much for everything, Milena, this course went above and beyond my expectations.  I intend to keep in touch with you and my fellow classmates.  I can’t wait to see what happens next!