🍃 What is Forest Bathing?

Forest Bathing was popularised in 1980s Japan.  Directly translated from ‘shinrin yoku’ – shinrin = forest, yoku = bathing.  There is no water involved!  It comes from the idea of bathing in the forest air.  An antidote to the stress of technology and modern life overwhelm, Forest Bathing gets you to slow way down, be with the good chemicals emitted by trees and find your calm through mindfulness.  As a certified guide, Margaux’s sessions take you through breathwork, a very slow walk with frequent stops for activities to tune into your senses over two hours.  We collect discarded leaves, sticks and other special pieces from nature.  To make a meaningful mandala (creative arrangement), finishing with a tea tasting ceremony and short mediation.  Participants report feeling very calm, rejuvenated and relaxed.  Sleeping better and feeling a general improvement in wellbeing for many days or even weeks afterward.  And being a practice like yoga or mediation you can continue using the skills you learn to regulate and soothe in daily life, connecting to nature and yourself.

 

✍️ What kind of Creative Workshops do you offer?

Margaux is an experienced facilitator across community and creative expression.  Offering painting, drawing, writing and beyond options for community groups, kids, corporate settings, workplaces and friendship groups.  Margaux’s creative workshops are founded in fun over outcome.  The idea is to play with the process and let it flow, seeing what happens, learning and enjoying along the way.  Creativity being for everyone if we just allow ourselves to have a go!

 

🎟️ How do I join a session?

Public sessions are currently held monthly for Forest Bathing and Painting in the Park (Creative Workshop) at the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens, with tickets available through Humanitix.

Private sessions for Forest Bathing or Creative Workshops for friendship, workplace, home schooling etc groups can be scheduled at your request.  Please reach out!

Special sessions are often created as part of Retreat collaborations.  Previous requests have included sessions for yoga, kids and lifestyle coaching retreats.  If you’d like me involved with your retreat or event, please reach out!

hello@healscapes.com.au or 0493 766 064

 

🎨 Where do I find your Paintings and Art?
I currently have pieces on display and for sale at:

  • The Crafty B’s Hive, Shop 5/401 Esplanade, Torquay QLD 4655
  • Hatch Design & Creative Store, 1 Pier St, Urangan QLD 4655
  • HBNC (Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre), 22 Charles St, Pialba QLD 4655

My style is colourful and often described as ‘graphic’.  You can check out my artist profile here:
https://islandviewdesigns.aflip.in/FC_Artist_Directory#page/12

 

🖼️ What kind of Landscape Design services do you offer?

I offer advice and consultation for landscape and planting design.  I am particularly interested in landscapes with a health and wellbeing focus.  Deepening meaning, connection and comfort for private residential and community spaces.  I have a background in community engagement, placemaking, streetscape and public space, development and residential design.  Reach out with what you have in mind and I will see where I can assist.  A recent highlight was facilitating a ‘Planting Design Basics’ adult learning Night Studio at HBNC.  I am passionate about empowering people to understand climate, plants and design.

 

✨ What is dance IT out and when does it start?

dance IT out is envisioned as an hour for you to let loose in a dimly lit and safe space to all kinds of fun music.  From across the decades, genres and musical tastes.  A chance to feel the moves rather than feel you have to look or to dance a certain way.  This super fun no alcohol, drugs or creeps dance space is planned to be up and running for the new year!

 

🗺️ Where are you located?

Based in Hervey Bay, and currently offering sessions in the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens, on the Esplanade and in other local locations by request and with Fraser Coast Regional Council permitting.  Other locations for services including Maryborough, Bundaberg, Howard, Tiaro etc are being explored.  Again please get in touch if you have an idea of how I can help in your location.

 

Margaux Ellis, holds a paid Blue Card to work safely with children.  And is certified in Comprehensive First Aid.
HealScapes is an ASIC registered business, ABN 11 834 822 578