Tree Babies Classes – A new way to develop babies senses in sync with our own
Tree Babies classes take place in nature and gift us with the most sensory-rich experience which delights babies and grounds parents.
One of the great benefits of being in nature is that it stimulates our senses. For babies, this is an incredible experience as so many things are unknown and exciting to discover. As adults, we can forget to slow down and connect with our senses. This is how we literally make sense of the world so when we connect with our senses we deepen our connection to nature.
We use mindfulness in Tree Babies classes to ground and anchor us to the present. There is so much we can worry about; past experiences, resentments, unhealed trauma and fear about the future, expectations and wanting to control the outcome.
Getting grounded in our body through our senses is powerful. We teach basic mindfulness in Tree Babies for parents to create a grounded practice.
Sight
It’s useful to soften our gaze in nature. Urban environments can be stressors to the eye and demand you to be alert at all times. the University of Michigan psychologist, Stephan Kaplan says we enter into a state of “soft fascination” in the woods. The practice of softly gazing and noticing can be deeply healing and relaxing.
Listening
Enjoying the “cognitive quiet” of nature that calms our sensory systems and clears the mind. Closing your eyes and listening to the depth of sound helps us to feel connected to the moment. Just listening to pre-recorded nature sounds can help us feel more relaxed.
Touch
Touch is about bringing awareness to how things feel. It can be our clothes on our body. It can be how the breath enters our body. It can be how our body feels resting against a tree or on the floor. Hugging a tree means you get up close and personal with phytoncides which are antimicrobial essential oils that protect trees from germs and help to boost mood, immune system function, stress and anxiety and even increase creativity.
Smell
Walking in the woods is like having an aromatherapy session! As well as the phytoncide oils that help to defend trees, there are also oils called terpenes that make us feel good, enhance mood and calm and energise us. One particular oil that is released is called D-limonene which smells like citrus and is so powerful that it is claimed by some research in Japan to work better than anti-depressants to help promote wellbeing with patients with mental illness.
Taste
Becoming aware of taste at a deeper level awakens our senses. There is great depth in taste. There are flavour, texture and temperature amongst other things. You may have a sense of anticipation around taste especially if it’s your favourite thing to eat.
Our sixth sense
Being in nature can help us develop our sense of intuition and connection to something bigger than ourselves. To source energy. Nature creates a sense of awe for life. It helps us to remember that all things are temporary and change and grow. It can help us develop gratitude for our brief moment on the planet and to remember who we are.
To find out more about becoming a Tree Babies Guide click here.
Tree Babies-Our essential resources list for teaching parents and babies in nature
I thought I would share some of my favourite resources from our Tree Babies Guide course to inspire you.
Reading list
Our Tree Babies course covers everything you need to know but I always suggest cultivating a daily practice of learning.
You can order some of these books for deeper reading from Red Lion Books to support an amazing family-run independent bookshop. Send an email copying this list or any of the titles and Jo at Red Lion will send them out to you, [email protected]
Connection
Continuum Concept-Jean Liedoff
Vital Touch-Sharon Heller
Mindfulness
Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life by Thich Nhat Hanh
The Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness: How Mindfulness Can Change Your Life in
Ten Minutes a Day by Andy Puddicombe
Four Agreements-Don Miguel Ruiz
Untethered Soul-Michael Alan Singer
The New Earth-Eckart Tolle
Forest bathing and nature practice
The Healing Nature Trail: Forest Bathing for Recovery and Awakening Book by Tamarack Song
Your Guide to Forest Bathing: Experience the Healing Power of Nature Book by M. Amos Clifford
Forest Therapy: Seasonal Ways to Embrace Nature for a Happier You Book by Sarah Iven
Other useful resources for Tree Babies classes
Calm app-This is a great way to tie up what you do in sessions with the home practice for parents
Headspace app-This app offers a grounded way to add mindfulness to your day
Insight Timer-A huge range of mediations, mindfulness exercises and much more
To join us as a Tree Babies Guide and join the Tree Babies Revolution, click here
About Blossom & Berry
Blossom & Berry offers expert training, support & resources on baby massage, yoga and parent and baby wellness for professionals & parents across the world.
Blossom & Berry training is designed to give you everything you need to succeed. It gives you a complete teaching practice and mentorship program in a box.
Our training is the most comprehensive teacher training and business package on the market with no restrictions on what you can do and no ongoing licence fees ever.
“I would love to invite you to join my network of over 1000 teachers across the world sharing the benefits of nurturing touch and connection with parents and babies.” Gayle Berry – Master trainer and international expert on baby massage and yoga, founder of Blossom & Berry.
Your success is our success and having a transformational and nurturing experience is key.