Sarah Welcomes You To The Olive branch.
At The Olive Branch we believe that as humans, we possess a deep connection to nature and that time spent immersing ourselves in the forest through mindfulness, meditation and breath work can promote a healthier lifestyle and encourage the protection of our many green spaces. Sarah is a qualified nature therapy guide, practicing the art of Forest Bathing (Sinrin Yoku). Sarah is also certified in counselling skills a qualified meditation coach and a mental health first aider. My passion is to encourage people to reconnect with nature and to help them discover the natural healing benefits of the the forest. Nature is for everyone and I would like to help others to share in my passion and the wonderful healing of the natural world. I have had many profound experiences of self realisation and self healing through deepening my connection with nature.
our Approach
The Olive Branch aims to offer nature based therapy for the mind, body and soul. This is achieved through Forest Bathing, food education and mindfulness and meditation.
Forest bathing (shinrin Youku)
“when you are intimately connected to the forest through all five senses, you feel restored and refreshed” Dr Qinq Li
Dr Quing Li has done extensive research into the benifits of time spent in the forest. His study has shown that forest bathing can reduce blood pressure, lower stress, boost energy and boost the immune system. The Japanese have been practicing forest bathing for generations and this plays an important part in their own health service. It is proven to help many chronic diseases and promote health and happiness alongside better education about the protection of our natural spaces.
mindfulness and meditation
Modern urban life is stressful for many of us and there is a general increase of chronic stress, fatigue and high blood pressure in society. By connecting to nature we can use the forest to help our body repair the damage. Through practicing mindfulness in the forest we can tap in to our parasympathetic system allowing our body to rest and digest. This alongside meditation in nature can help to reduces stress and improve sleep quality by calming the mind and becoming fully focussed on the ‘now’ so we can acknowledge and accept our thoughts, feelings and sensations without judgment.