Remember that feeling of truly letting go? Of quiet contemplation, surrounded by nature’s embrace? That’s exactly what I found recently on a winding journey along Highways 26 and 53, just 15 minutes outside of charming Manzanita, Oregon. My destination? The enchanting “Magic Rainforest of Wanderland,” where an afternoon of forest therapy and soul collage awaited under the thoughtful guidance of Carolyn Greenwood.
A Legacy of Wellness in the Woods
Carolyn, a certified Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides (ANFT), carries on a beautiful legacy. This verdant oasis, nestled just outside Nehalem, was originally cultivated by her mother, Gwendolyn Endicott, as a sanctuary for people to reconnect with nature and find wellness. And let me tell you, it truly is magical!
Upon arrival, Carolyn’s welcoming furry companions immediately made us feel at ease, setting the perfect tone for our journey into the wild.
Grounding Our Souls in the Forest
The three-and-a-half-hour experience unfolded with a peaceful ease. We began by settling onto the soft forest floor, invited to shed our socks and shoes for a beautiful moment of grounding. Carolyn’s gentle guided imagery helped us tap into our senses, prompting us to truly hear, smell, and see the intricate wonders of the trees, moss, and foliage around us. What truly struck a chord with me was the realization that I wasn’t just observing the forest; in a profound way, the forest was also observing me.
Next, we embarked on a relaxed 15-minute stroll along a circular path, simply noticing what drew our attention. My own feet led me to a serene spot between two towering trees, where I lay on the earth, soaking up its restorative energy. It felt incredibly healing. Everywhere I looked, there were delightful surprises: tiny fairy doors tucked by tree trunks, whimsical masks, small statues, and vibrant mushrooms. Lichen wrapped the evergreens like cozy cloaks and scarves, and skunk cabbage covered the forest floor sprouting memories from my childhood in the S.E. Alaskan forest. Each of these delightful images added to the enchanting atmosphere.
From Forest to Canvas: Crafting Our Soul Collages
Following our immersive forest therapy session, we transitioned to Carolyn’s inviting home for a warm cup of tea and snacks – a common and wonderful culmination, as recommended by M. Amos Clifford in his book, Your Guide to Forest Bathing: Experience the Healing of Nature. Settling in, we then dove into soul collage, a form of art therapy developed by Seena B. Frost.
With acoustic music softly playing in the background, we chose from a treasure trove of images Carolyn had thoughtfully cut and organized by category. The ambiance was perfect for creativity to spark. We quietly gazed at photos, carefully shaped images with our scissors, and filled our 5×8-inch cardboard canvases. Time seemed to melt away until Carolyn’s gentle reminder that we had just five minutes left to complete our creations!
Sharing Our Inner Landscapes
The final part of our artistic journey involved sharing. Using the sentence frame, “I am the one who…,” we described ourselves through our newly created collages. A member of our table group acted as scribe, mirroring back what we shared – a wonderfully insightful process. Our artistic adventure concluded with a silent viewing of everyone’s unique work.
Carolyn truly fostered a space of contemplation, curiosity, and care for our group of eight. As we drove away, I found myself reflecting on the profound moments spent at Oregon Coast Forest Therapy. I left feeling healed, happy, and utterly centered.
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