Soul Walk Art

by Lynn-Marie Young

I headed out on my Soul Walk and I was feeling both a little anxious and curious!? For whatever reason today I was experiencing difficult physical sensations, mingled with some dark thoughts and old beliefs. I found it difficult to focus too much on nature with the combination of people around and what I realized much later, my attitude towards them and my own inner challenges.

I eventually found a place of solitude, next to what felt like a really welcoming grandmother Pohutukawa tree, known as the “Tree of Life” by Maori. (Also the iconic New Zealand native Christmas tree). I sat there for quite a while and looked out to sea and wondered about the life of this beautiful tree, now with deeply weathered bark and a number of limbs missing.

As I continued my walk, I realized that a number of times, native Fantail birds were around or near me. They symbolize and nudge us to take things lightly, including our frailties and to move on. I was having difficulty taking on this message today, but noted it and thanked them!

On my way back I spotted bunches of vivid yellow wild flowers and also beautiful mauve ones, they really got my attention. So, although there was a shadow with me during the 6 hours, there was also much nurturing, guidance, appreciation and awe!

I will definitely do this again, moving into spring and summer. Like the sit spot, it’s a beautiful practice.

Soul Walk Art is the Soul Walk Project created by Lynn-Marie Young, FTS Certified Forest Therapy Guide, July 2023 cohort.