West Coast Notes

Empathy Articles

Reflections and science-informed guidance on forest therapy, somatic stress recovery, nature connection, creativity, digital wellbeing, and practices that help people come back to their senses.

April 26, 2024Wendy FigoneCreativity, Insight & Imagination

Nature Mandalas: My Friday Meditation- My new lifestyle medicine ritual. Meditation is proven to slow cognitive decline and increase empathy.

A short reflection on how meditation may support brain health, slow cognitive decline, and help us build more empathy in daily life.

Read Article

Most Popular Posts

April 10, 2025Wendy FigoneForest Therapy

🌿 Why a Forest Therapy Guide Makes All the Difference

The unique benefits of being guided by an ANFT-Certified Forest Therapy Guide

Read Article

February 28, 2025Wendy FigoneScience & Research

The Healing Power of Cedar: My Journey into Phytoncide Bathing

Upcoming Retreat: May 7th

Read Article

January 27, 2025Wendy FigoneSomatic Stress Recovery

"Breaking Free: Liberating Your Body from Emotional Holding Patterns"

When we experience pressure, stress, or emotional tension, our bodies often develop holding patterns that are unconscious physical responses to these feelings. These patterns can show up in various areas of the body, and over time, they can lead to discomfort, pain, or limited range of motion. Below are some common areas where we tend to clench or hold tension under pressure:

Read Article

March 15, 2022Wendy FigoneScience & Research

Health Benefits of Forest Bathing

Try remembering when you spent an extended period of time in nature. Maybe it was a camping trip or a long hike.

Read Article

Most Recent Posts

July 13, 2026Wendy FigoneCreativity, Insight & Imagination

As AI Grows Smarter, What Makes Us More Human?

As AI becomes more capable, our greatest competitive advantage may no longer be intelligence alone, but the uniquely human qualities that technology cannot replace: attention, creativity, embodiment, wisdom, compassion, and connection. This article explores how mindfulness, somatic awareness, movement, and Forest Therapy can help cultivate these capacities by creating the conditions for presence, insight, and innovation. Rather than viewing nature-based experiences as simply wellness programs, perhaps it's time to see them as essential practices for helping people—and organizations—thrive in the age of AI.

Read Article

June 29, 2026Wendy FigoneForest Therapy

Forest Therapy as a Global Movement

A heartfelt reflection on a Forest Therapy Board retreat with Tanberly Conway, exploring how shared nature-based experiences build connection, creativity, belonging, and momentum for the growing Forest Therapy movement.

Read Article

June 22, 2026Wendy FigoneForest Therapy

From Mirroring to Collective Effervescence: Why Shared Experiences Matter for Wellbeing

A science-informed reflection on how mirroring, synchrony, shared attention, and nature-based experiences help people feel more connected, grounded, and restored. This article explores why Forest Therapy, community gatherings, and shared experiences in nature can support individual wellbeing, belonging, and healthier communities.

Read Article

June 10, 2026Wendy FigoneForest Therapy

The Wind Noticed Our Attention

A quiet Forest Therapy reflection on wind, attention, rest, and the small moments in nature that help the mind and body soften. This story explores how a simple breeze on a warm afternoon became an invitation into mindfulness, restoration, and deeper relationship with the living world.

Read Article

Empathy Articles

Search articles

Somatic Ecotherapy

Review Us

Location