The exercises listed below are a part of the coursework for Ecotherapy: An Introduction. They are experiential in nature, allowing you to begin to access the healing power of nature by engaging in some basic ecotherapy activities.
Activity 1: Naming Ceremony
Most indigenous peoples from around the world named their children after things found in nature. We are familiar with this practice through the names of Native Americans like Sitting Bull or Crazy Horse. These names have obvious sources in nature, but did you know that many other names have their origins in the natural world? My middle name, “Bruce,” means “brushwood thicket.” The name “Glen” originally meant “from the fertile valley,” the name “Mary” means “wished for child,” the name “Ann” means “merciful one,” etc.
As you begin your journey into the world of ecotherapy, you may wish to select a new name for yourself that reflects this new identity.
To do this, first go outside to a natural place. The wilder, the better. If you have the time and the opportunity you may wish to do this activity in a national or state park.
Prepare yourself by taking several deep breaths, and by grounding and centering yourself. Once you feel prepared, go into the forest. Keep your attention open and accepting. Set your intention on the activity.
Continue to walk in the forest until you find something that appeals to you. This could be any natural object, animal or plant that your find yourself attracted to. This thing that caught your attention shall be your new name.
For example, if you are walking on the trail and a hawk flies overhead, you might choose the name, “Flying Hawk.”
Once you have found your new name, you may wish to have a ceremony where you announce it to your family and friends. This ceremony may be as formal or as informal as you like. This is your own rite of passage, so you may craft it to meet your needs and expectations.
Now that you have your new name, use it when exploring the skills of Mindfulness-Based Ecotherapy. At our workshops, selecting this name is one of the first things we do. Workshop attendees are addressed by their “nature name” for the duration of the course. This helps to reinforce the idea that attendees are becoming new people as they progress through the workbook and the course.
