About the Program
Time & Location
Aug 23, 2024, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EDT
Live Online Event
Join Dr. Monica Shire in this online Lunch & Learn designed to connect you deeply with nature while fostering personal growth and resilience. This course combines practical and meditative elements to offer a holistic experience in the great outdoors:
Building Fire and Fire Meditation: Discover the ancient art of building fire and explore how fire meditation can deepen one's connection to nature and inner self. Learn practical techniques for safely creating and tending fires in outdoor environments while harnessing the therapeutic benefits of fire meditation.
Elevation Risks: Journey into the realm of elevated risks as we explore activities such as creating bridges, elevated walkways, slacklines, and tree climbing. Gain insights into the psychological and physical benefits of pushing personal boundaries in a controlled outdoor setting, fostering confidence, and expanding comfort zones.
Risk Management: Delve into effective risk management strategies when engaging in nature-based activities, including encounters with bees, ticks, spiders, and snakes. Learn how to mitigate potential risks while maintaining a sense of adventure and exploration in natural environments.
Mental Health Benefits of Risk-Taking in Play: Explore the profound impact of calculated risk-taking on mental health and well-being. Learn how engaging in risky play in nature can lead to increased self-esteem, improved emotional regulation, enhanced problem-solving skills, and greater resilience in the face of life's challenges.
Your Instructor
Dr. Monica Shire
Monica Shire, MS M
Ed.D, Educational Leadership: Nature-based Education MS, Mental Health Counseling
Certified Nature Based Therapist
Monica has over 20 years of experience as an early childhood professional serving children and families as a therapist, international adoption social worker and nature-based educator. Monica believes
that when we connect with nature, we connect with ourselves. She utilizes the natural world and critters of all kinds to form therapeutic relationships with children and families. Time in nature has proven to
increase happiness, reduce anxiety and stress, improve attention, increase empathy and reduce the risk of psychiatric disorders.
