There is goodness in the world, for sure, and outside is where I feel it most. When in a place of uncertainty, I walk, stop, ponder, and walk again. I aim to think less and simply absorb the calm feelings while the earth whispers, “You’re doing great, promise.”
Easy it is to look around and feel unaccomplished when invasive plants mock with their outrageous spring growth, making territory for birds to nest, knowing you can’t touch them until the dead of winter. They’ve won, for now, but my eye is on them.
The birds make everything come alive with their songs and presence. Despite the freezing wind, I walk forward, taking it all in, knowing it’s good for my soul, and what is good for the soul is unspoken at times. The trees ask no questions. The pond moves in her own ways with or without us. The animals go on with their days and nights, surviving as they best know how. And me? I keep surviving, too, wondering how I can best serve the planet by helping out in some fashion.
Our great pine, the one I wrote about last month, decided to let go of half his weight from the wicked wind about two weeks ago. We discovered this yesterday as my husband and I went into the woods to measure the tree’s girth (11 feet, 3inches), and the whole time I had a feeling. I had a feeling during that storm. I didn’t want it to be true, so each time I planned for a walk, it was just too cold or too drizzly, but in my heart, I knew something had changed. I’m a little funny that way.
When I began writing at night before bed nearly a year ago after taking a channeling class, I found myself pouring out words without thinking, and while I did so, visions of our trees and the meadows created an atmosphere of whimsy, comfort, and a sense of something much bigger. Upon reflection and conversations with my amazing Reiki teacher, I realized I was channeling from a deeper place. A conduit of energy for my whole life, this was no different.
Admitting fully I’ve had super intuition as far as I recall, it wasn’t until I began to purposefully practice peace in nature with moments of quiet that the impact of being an empath showed how much energy from others I took on as a teacher. I know the stigma around this term, yet I’m perfectly at ease saying who I am:) Everyone should be! This discovery brought tremendous healing once I understood the concept, the avenues of healing and growth I had to pursue, and even the hidden hardness of this truth, but now those places and pieces stand revealed. I continue to find new avenues to explore.
Channel writing and meditative practice allowed the idea for Forest Therapy to blossom after I pursued coursework in the topic of Sylvotherapy. I finally had a name for what I experienced during this year plus of healing after leaving the classroom and finding solace in the woods. I felt so lost, but I found my grounding in nature, at home. Now, I open our land to help others however Forest Therapy will fit into their journeys. I love to be in the company of trees and all of nature; I know I’m not alone.
Empath, channel, and spirit work are common terms in the world of holistic practice. Not all practitioners are channels or empaths, nor are people doing any spirit work required to be anything other than what their journey asks for. When teaching, I constantly channeled from a higher place, sensing what worked for each student, what the situation demanded, and how to navigate what sometimes felt like a battlefield of emotions from every corner of that giant building. I took it all on unknowingly. Many teachers are empaths called to serve with their hearts. Eventually, however, the universe changes plans.
It all made me ill. It took over seven years of searching, thinking it was a physical illness, feeling pain and inflammation daily to finally find an honest and amazing teacher (yay Reiki Amy, again:) to help me see that everything I took on at school became baggage I wasn’t processing or clearing. I had gone the medical route without answers. Long story short, now I have learned how to cleanse and clear, and I manage my gifts much better, and when that sensation arises, I head to the woods, ask for clearing help, and remove all not mine to carry.
The world has a lot going on.
Daily clearing practice is a requirement for me. I highly recommend it, especially in these times, but use your intuition on who to trust when seeking guidance or services. Unfortunately, not everyone is honest in the healing/spiritual business. Thanks to Amy, who immediately saw my empathic nature and natural channeling abilities, the load instantly lightened with her honesty. And this, this my friends, is what healing is all about. Truth!
The truth now brings me to our first exciting event this year as part of opening my home Forest Therapy Practice and also offering Channel Writing services for those who are interested. Not all people who want a natural experience are into channeling, so the services are not required together at all. Since my gifts are ever clarifying and strengthening, so too will my offerings. I will also offer past life regression sessions based on a great mentor now in spirit named Jan, who has given me the confidence to do so!
I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the support and kindness shown from people who I have just come to know and old friends. Though this may not be easy for people to really conceptualize, that’s ok! It’s a reason I’m having our Earth Day Event on April 19, 10-12 pm. The details are on my EVENT page:) Registration is required only so we can fit cars- let those cars be filled! Please wear boots:)
So thank you, my friends, for being so patient, kind, and understanding. My goal is to offer this magical property to anyone who needs a sense of peace, grounding, or even simply a break from the world.
I welcome you. The trees welcome you. They are whispering your name right now:)
Blessings!
Love, Shennen
