Testimonials from participants of:
Finding Presence in Nature (proudly presented as part of Sunshine Coast Council’s Healthy Sunshine Coast program 2023)
Workshops at Sunshine Coast Council libraries
As featured in the media:
“Welcoming atmosphere, instructions clearly explained " - participant, May 2024
“I learned something new about myself and the bush. " - participant, April 2024
“Yesterday was totally simple bliss” - participant, August 2023
“Thanks so much, i really love reconnecting with nature … feeling of pure bliss after attending” - participant, August 2023
“Well run session with the right amount of balance between guidance and self discovery” - participant, June 2023
“helped me focus on the benefits of being in the natural outdoors, and I felt much calmer and more connected by the end of the session. … Very grounding” - participant, May 2023
“An authentic, passionate & gentle host of relaxed guided connection to nature, like a beautiful outdoor meditation.” - participant April, 2023
“Loved Jay as a guide, she embodies the calm and joy of connecting with nature. The gardens were beautiful and green and peaceful and I walked away feeling more peaceful and in love with the world.” - participant March, 2023
“Jay was an excellent host and gently guided the participants through the session. It was an amazing experience for us.” @Mountain Creek, January 2023
“[for] a while after the session, I was able to relax. I realised I am part of nature and part of the world. I became calmer and more accepting” @ EJ Foote Memorial Sanctuary, Spetember 2022
“I felt calm and peaceful, safe and at home in the bush setting. I felt like my whole being and thinking had slowed right down." @EJ Foote Memorial Sanctuary, March 2022
“Jay’s way of presenting was mesmerising and calming while at the same time intriguing and informative opening us up with invitations to explore our environment in possibly new and different ways.” @EJ Foote Memorial Sanctuary, March 2022
“I finished the session feeling relaxed and connected with myself with a lingering deep peace.” @Woodfordia, December 2021
“I arrived feeling Monday stress and fatigue and had a racing mind filled with everything I needed to do throughout the week. I left feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, revitalised and centered.” @ EJ Foote Memorial Sanctuary, September 2021
“The awareness that in this public park, on my way to somewhere to do something, I would ordinarily have walked past all the beautiful things I saw this time and neither fully seen them or felt their presence.” @ Petrie Park, June 2021
“This was a really nice and calming day, we were able to slow down and get back to nature. I noticed things about the world and myself that I hadn't noticed before.” @ Black Mountain reserve, August 2020
“Jay, you held a beautiful safe space for sharing, you made shy children feel comfortable trying new things, you met the needs of a group of adults and children (no easy feat), you were gentle, respectful, flexible and kind.” @ EJ Foote Memorial Sanctuary, 2021
“This was a great experience for my daughter and I. We loved the way Jay guided us to slow down and use our senses to explore the environment in detail.” @ Majura Reserve, September 2020
Here's a 20 youth leaders forest bathing with me at Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden during the Kids in Action conference in September 2022 - you can watch the whole 2 day event re-cap or skip to 0:43 to see 6 seconds of them forest bathing
More about Kids in Action: https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/kidsinaction/
“The nature connection course is a relaxing adventure into nature. It is a chance to make a connection with the Earth, the forest and nature and provides techniques which can strengthen and deepen those connections. Suitable for those who feel a bit uncomfortable outdoors, as well as those who consider themselves to be totally in sync with their natural surroundings.” U3A Sunshine Coast, March 2023
“Outside, people, quietness, reflection: refocus the way we perceive our surroundings”. U3A Sunshine Coast, March 2023
“Members were very positive about the short course, commenting on the considerable preparation that Jay had put into the course, the focus on making use of all the senses, and the sacredness of the tea ceremony upon conclusion of each session.” U3A Sunshine Coast President’s report March 2023
“Makes you stop and listen and revisit what quiet means to you.” U3A Sunshine Coast, March 2023
“The best thing about the nature connection course is that it provided the impetus I needed to spend time outdoors” U3A Sunshine Coast, March 2023
“The activities have heightened my awareness and taught me valuable techniques that I can use to improve my connection with nature… [they] helped me to gain an insight into the life of the surrounding forest.” U3A Sunshine Coast, March 2023
“The dedication Jay has to nature has given us a role model to follow” U3A Sunshine Coast, March 2023
“This course helped me slow down, understand that I/we are part of nature, as soon as I step into the forest I have this happy feeling that comes over me like I’m home.” U3A Sunshine Coast August 2022
"I valued the scientific base from which the course was based with the influence of research and documented evidence the basis of the learning" U3A Sunshine Coast August 2022
"Part nature based, part meditative, part social - meeting other like-minded people." U3A Sunshine Coast August 2022
"The course gives a great insight into how to connect with nature, how to be aware of the history of where you live, how to care for the environment and how this will enhance your own wellbeing." U3A Sunshine Coast August 2022
“space to think and contemplate beauty.” March 2022
“I loved the session - it was deeply restorative and nurturing and was a good start for the day …” January 2022
"I felt more relaxed and present in my mind and body.” October 2021
“I felt a little more relaxed and more connected to my outdoor garden. Ready to explore the garden more and feel a part of it.” May 2020
“It was great taking a few moments to pause and connect with the outdoors. I noticed things in our local park that I’ve never seen before. Jay was a wonderful guide, thoughtful, fun and calm.” May 2020
“Excellent presentation & engagement” @Beerwah Library
“Jay was a wonderful presenter - loved it and would recommend to anyone” @Beerwah Library
What was one highlight of this workshop for you?
“Calmness” “Your wonderful energy” “Connecting with outside” @ Caloundra Library
“People sharing their experiences” “Jay’s pleasant nature and enthusiasm” “reminder of instances of my yesteryear” “using all of the senses to be more nature connected” @Kawana Library
“Really noticing the trees around me” “taking time to reflect and be present” @Coolum Library
Held Outside newsletters include news on upcoming sessions, further information on nature connection and ideas for nature bathing on your own
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© 2021 Held Outside
Buderim, Qld.
I acknowledge that this area of the Sunshine Coast (Australia) is the unceded lands of the Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi people and that a sentence on a website is not enough. I do my best to respect country and the elders and teachers past, present and emerging through how I live, speak and work.
May we all tread gently.