A.W.E. - Attuned With Earth February 2026

This unique collaboration merges the quiet, healing practice of Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) with the creative exploration of Mindful Photography — offering a rich opportunity to slow down, appreciate nature’s peace and view yourself and your surroundings with fresh eyes.

The sessions, led by Dorota Kiedrowska (founder of Nature Minds) in collaboration with Kelly McIntyre (founder of Present Focus), aim to foster health, wellbeing and a deep connection with nature in our community. Participants will enjoy gentle, guided walk, creative nature art and photography, wild tea ceremony, relaxation in hammocks and more — all designed to bring respite from daily demands, boost wellbeing and help families appreciate their local woodlands in all seasons.

You can book for a one-off session. The 10-month programme concludes with a pocket guide and photo exhibition, featuring images taken by participants — a lasting legacy of their experience.

The free pocket Forest Bathing guide will be translated into Polish and Ukrainian, designed in collaboration with Strathmore Design.

Who is it for

• Adults seeking a mindful escape from daily demands and digital overwhelm
• Anyone in need of emotional TLC or gentle self-care
• People reflecting on life decisions and looking for clarity
• Creatives craving inspiration and flow from nature
• Those easing back into fitness or recovering from injury
• Individuals feeling lonely or disconnected, longing for community
• Nature lovers who want to deepen their connection with the outdoors
• Curious minds wanting to try something new and enriching
• Friends or partners wanting to reconnect in a peaceful, non-judgmental space
• Anyone who struggles to switch off mentally and is seeking better sleep or focus
• People who feel unsafe exploring nature alone and prefer a guided, risk-assessed experience
• Refugees, asylum seekers and anyone seeking sanctuary, healing and belonging through nature

What to expect

This guided outdoor wellbeing session blends Forest Bathing - a Japanese practice of immersing oneself in nature for physical, mental and emotional balance - with Mindful Photography, inviting participants to slow down and truly “learn to see.”

Through gentle movement, sensory awareness, breathing and visual exploration, you’ll connect with the more-than-human world in a calm, reflective way. Activities are guided and mostly silent, with optional sharing at the end.

No prior knowledge of nature, photography or mindfulness is needed. This isn’t about identifying species or taking perfect photos - it’s about noticing, feeling and engaging with nature through a curious, beginner’s mind.

Expect a relaxed, playful atmosphere that encourages compassion, gratitude and presence. You’ll also enjoy:

• Relaxation in hammocks beneath the trees
• Creating ephemeral nature art together using found materials
• Tasting wild trail tea and other seasonal treats to awaken the senses
• Optional water invitations to connect with the stream - no swimming involved, just gentle sensory engagement

Please note: despite the name, Forest Bathing does not involve bathing in water. It’s about immersing yourself in the forest atmosphere, not getting wet - unless you choose to dip your toes in the stream!

What is Forest Bathing?

Forest Bathing, or Shinrin-Yoku, is a Japanese practice of immersing oneself in the rich, healing atmosphere of the forest. Guided by a skilled facilitator, participants slow down and connect their senses — sights, smells, sounds, textures — to nature's peace and renewal.

Evidence shows this practice can ease stress, boost the immune system, lower blood pressure and promote overall wellbeing. Please note, it’s not literal “bathing”—but letting nature nourish you, offering peace, renewal and a deep feeling of connection.

Mindful Photography aspect is to focus on "Learning to See". This means really encouraging everyone to slow down, be present and consciously observe their surroundings. Participants will be guided to think about: perspective, framing, elements. The aim is to make the act of seeing itself a mindful practice, deeply connected to the sensory experience of forest bathing. There won't be any pressure to take "perfect" photos, just to engage with nature through a new lens.

Fitness level

Please note, this is not a workout or destination oriented walk. We won’t go very far, maybe half a mile or less. It is a slow-paced, leisurely, non-strenuous, suitable for most people low-level activity stroll, allowing curiosity and mindful connection with a more-than-human world. It is not so much about walking as it is about noticing and wondering, following guided open-ended invitations. It does not matter whether you’re in shape or not, however this walk is not suitable for wheelchair users. If you are a wheelchair user and would like to participate in a Forest Bathing session, please get in touch at ZG9yb3RhIHwgbmF0dXJlbWluZHMgISBjbyAhIHVr and I may be able to adapt future routes and practices and organise an event in a more suitable area.

Trail

Short, accessible and reasonably easy to walk on (not suitable for wheelchairs).

Essential equipment

Suitable outdoor clothing (lots of layers) and footwear. Bring your own snack and tea. It may be a good idea to bring something to sit on (lightweight camping chair/blanket/mat, if you’d rather not be sitting on the ground), although we will have spares. Use your own insect repellent prior to the session.

Group size

For the quality of experience group size for this session is limited to 12 people maximum (adults 16+). Minimum of 4 bookings are required for the walk to go ahead.

Safety

We will try to avoid busy areas and move from the meeting place to a more secluded spot to make everyone feel comfortable and not worry about being watched or disturbed. The site will be risk assessed prior to the event, however the outdoor environment may change and requires ongoing dynamic risk-assessment, which participants will be made aware of. In addition, for your piece of mind, I also have up-to-date outdoor first aid training and will be carrying a first aid kit. Insect repellent is advisable to apply before the start of the walk (use your own). Details about the meeting place will be sent out in an email after confirmation of your booking.

Tickets

The A.W.E. project is funded by Scottish Forestry and Alyth Development Trust, therefore entry is free, however, donations are welcome. Majority of spaces will be reserved for referrals from community groups, health practitioners or social prescribers — please get in touch if you'd like to refer someone by emailing ZG9yb3RhIHwgbmF0dXJlbWluZHMgISBjbyAhIHVr.

Weather

The walk will go ahead in most weathers, it is therefore essential to wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear, bearing in mind that a slow walk will not keep you as warm as usual brisk walking. Some invitations may include sitting or lying down on the ground, walking barefoot or dipping your toes in a river (you can always opt out from any particular practice or choose an alternative). Please note that in case of severe weather conditions, the walk will be rescheduled and you will receive an email from the organiser with a new date.

Testimonials

You’re welcome to visit to read about other people’s experiences of the guided forest bathing and nature-connection walks, as well as Present Focus to find out more about the mindful photography workshops. We hope you have a positive and insightful experience yourself, which you may wish to share on our websites post-event. You can send your testimonial to ZG9yb3RhIHwgbmF0dXJlbWluZHMgISBjbyAhIHVr or a2Vsc3Rhcm1hYyB8IG1lICEgY29t and we will be most obliged for it as it will encourage more people to connect with Nature mindfully.

STAND OUTSIDE - BE OUTSTANDING!

Above images are from the Den of Alyth.

Also check out other Arts events in Blairgowrie, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Blairgowrie, Meetups in Blairgowrie.