Seasonal turns & hello to the new decade!
‘Tis the season of reflecting, thanksgiving and resting. Isn’t it a wonder that we so naturally slow down with the completion of the year every time? This year is special because we approach the completion of a decade and the beginning of a new one! Seasons and cycles. Endings and beginnings.
In this final blog post of this decade, I share some seasonal turns.
2019 began almost like Summer. Several #ThrivingFromRest events and projects - both nature/forest therapy and yoga nidra, were already lined up for the year, with more coming on board as the earth spun its way around the sun. The earth is abundant and I am thankful! I am most proud of constantly seeding and constantly showing up. Some highlights of this summer season - corporate/staff well-being with GIC Singapore and Aberdeen Standard Investments, youth-focused nature/forest bathing workshops supported by SkillsFutureSG and the Lifelong Learning Council, rest and yoga nidra collaboration with PAÑPURI, retreat offering with Museflower Retreat & Spa for a second year almost like a homecoming, guiding and speaking at the International Forest Therapy Conference 2019 , launch of the Gallop Extension, Singapore Botanic Gardens at the invitation of the Singapore National Parks Board, forest bathing seminar with the Department of Tourism, Cordilleras Administrative Region of the Philippines, support programmes with the Singapore Cancer Society , Singapore Association of Mental Health as well as the Breast Cancer Foundation, the beginnings of a private coaching practice. And many more! And of course, I’m immensely grateful to a whole host of media partners who took interest in my work and featured them in the best possible ways, from press articles to film features. Thank you!
Summer … I basked with exuberant energy and wonder. Giving and receiving. Thankful for how things have worked out.
Then, the Autumn season slowly approaches. Not night, not dark. But a beautiful dusk. A natural, slow and gradual transitioning - a purposeful change. This season, I came to realise my role as a connector, as an inspiration, as a leader. I am grateful that my work in spearheading nature/forest therapy in Singapore and Asia has began to bear fruit - I now have well-read and well-informed participants who join my classes because they want the ‘hands-on’ and experiential practice, regular students who bear witness to the benefits of a regular guided practice. And it was most satisfying that Singapore now has three more nature/forest therapy guides-in-training - two of whom were my walk participants, motivated and inspired to journey on this path now too (and still many more who have connected with me in various ways and allowing their paths and thoughts to simmer some more). I stepped up into the role of a connector when I realised I was the sole person who knew every single of them as well as my other two co-pioneer guides. Alone, we are trees. Together, we become a forest. In time to come, you can probably expect some exciting line-ups from this lush forest!
Autumn … I embrace new roles and new circumstances, releasing long-held patterns and trusting the process.
And throughout the year, I’ve been in Winter seasons. The times of quietening, listening, and non-doing. Practising the medicine that I advocate! :) To be #ThrivingFromRest! To humbly look back in perspective, humbly give what I can, and humbly receive what is given. To continue to honour myself and my clients through learning and discovery - I’m happy to add Certified Mindfulness Life Coaching to my practice and also the beginnings of a women-only night nature/forest bathing series honoring and exploring our relationships with ‘the night’. Celebrating my clients, celebrating me, celebrating life! And I celebrate you, dear reader! :)
Winter … I take care of myself and others by honoring my needs, and I rest
For me, the arrival of 2020 seems like the dawning of a Spring season! Fresh air, morning dew and a dazzling sunrise.
Spring … I am excited for what’s to come!
So please stay tuned to these exciting offerings, including some PLAYFUL and HAPPY collaborations serving up in March 2020 (check out Happiness Conference 2020 and stay tuned to Soul Happy Journey!). I am not the best or most regular newsletter writer-cum-sender … so for my most updated events and classes please follow and checkout my Facebook and Instagram pages instead! If you are keen to work together in 2020 - whether a private coaching for your own journey, or to design and organise your company’s staff well-being event, or to collaborate as like-minded partners, feel free to reach out any time!
The turning of the seasons bring us into a new cycle and the awakening of a new decade! :)
Here’s to your journey of #ThrivingFromRest ! Wishing you peace and love in all ways!
~~With deepest gratitude, Youmin~~
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Do you feel called to go on a restful and thriving journey for your personal development? Or maybe you just want some ideas or help in your staff well-being vision for 2020? Or perhaps you are looking at ways to build in nature, mindfulness and mental wellness progammes for your school in 2020? You can reach out to me here!
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