Creative Connectivity sylvotherapy, yoga, meditation, and environmental design services enhance the Saron Sophia community through nature-based wellness opportunities. There are many creative options available by combining these practices.
Yoga and meditation aim to connect one to self. An understanding of the natural environment, including sustainable/permaculture design practices, connects one to nature. The integration of sylvotherapy into these practices deepens the connections leading to more holistic wellness.
The phrase 'forest bathing', commonly used in place of sylvotherapy, is the Japanese practice shinrin yoku. Sylvotherapy is not a new practice, but has been inheritedly been present throughout human existence.
Opportunities are broken down in to five types: curative, creative, culinary, recreational, and energetic (see below). Sessions can focus on one type or, for more in-depth experiences, a combination of two or more. All opportunities focus on all the familiar five senses at some level (sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch), the additional five senses (proprioception, nociception, thermoception, interoception, equilibrioception), and always the 'sixth sense' (energy/extrasensory perception/connectivity).
All Creative Collaborative services incorporate focus on the Saron Sophia community pillars: environment, experiences, engagement, education, enhancement, and exploration.
Curative
Focus on scientific rational basis based on the action of phytoncides, terpenes, oxygen, negative ions, Mycobacterium vaccae bacteria (present in the soil), chromatology, and aromatherapy. This relates to nature and built environmental design, as well as permaculture design. Can relate to horticulture and yoga.
Available in combination with other types in one-on-one, private, public, and partner group sessions.
Culinary
An offset of creative sylvotherapy aimed at creating from nature's gifts for consumption. Holistic meal preparation incorporates dietary healthy benefits of ingredient choices. Group collective meals can include the final serving being a mindful gratitude tea/tisane ceremony. Can include horicultural therapy.
Available in combination with other types in private, public, and partner group sessions.
Energetic
Focus on the chakras... incorporates either active or passive yoga/meditation depending on the activity. Energetic is incorporated, at some level, into all of the other types listed. Connection to self is the foundation to deepen awareness. Connecting with our own authenticity leads to true well-being. Basis for yoga and meditation practices.
Available individually or in combination with other types in one-on-one, private, public, and partner group sessions.
Creative
There are many options of incorporating creativity while engaging with nature. There are many options, but an example is creating nature mandalas from elements found on a hike in the forest. Leaving the mandala within nature in honor of the natural restorative process and in gratitude for the healing energy provided during the hike.
Available in combination with other types in private, public, and partner group sessions.
Recreational
Recreational activities focus on each of the senses with a variety of creative opportunities. Active play and passive activities aim at developing concentration, dexterity and creativity, while promoting relaxation. Beneficial for all, but great for individuals with ADD/ADHD and neurodivergency. Can include yoga practices.
Available in combination with other types in one-on-one, private, public, and partner group sessions.
Combinations
Offerings involve all types at a basic level. It is however recommended that a la carte option are added based on goal /theme.
Examples:
Yoga/Mediation - add
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Curative, Creative a la carte options
Horticultural therapy - add
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Curative, Creative, Culinary a la carte options
Sound/Music therapy - add
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Curative, Creative, Recreational a la carte options
Rates for group sessions are based on amount of types included, length, and number of participants.
Creative Connectivity Program Lead - trained in experiential & collaborative education practices, environmental educator/mentor, sylvotherapy practices, yoga/meditation (including trauma and somatic), healing/therapeutic environmental design, biophilic interior design, sustainable design, and landscape/permaculture design.
To inquire about programs or design services email CreativeConnectivity@SaronSophia.org