In 2009 a seed of an idea planted in my mind and sprouted a few roots. In 2012, the conditions changed, the environment was right and these roots finally took hold. The first bold, brave shoot went up,  the first buds appeared and so began my professional life as HumaNature Connect!  I would like to indulge if I may in a bit of reflection on the last 3 months that have been and the new year that is to come before I sign off for a well earned Christmas break, if I do say so myself.

The first flowers bloom

On September 10th 2012 – HumaNature Connect became a reality and kicked off with a workshop collaboratively facilitated for the Australian Association for Bush Adventure Therapy – Victoria group.  I guess they  found it  beneficial  and engaging as we were invited to present a longer and more comprehensive workshop at their annual National Forum in 2013: Widening the Lens

October 2nd: Conference presentations seemed to be the theme with another  very successful workshop  presented for approximately 40 people at the Australian Association of Environmental Education Conference – Creating Our Next Courageous steps (click for accompanying paper: Exploring Connections to Nature through a process of Experiential and Arts Based Inquiry ).

October 21st saw  the inaugural Creatively Connecting to Nature Network event at Darebin Parklands. A very passionate group of educators from primary and Secondary Schools as well as CERES and the Port Phillip Eco Centre gathered to share stories about how and why we have come to be passionate about connecting to nature and creatively facilitating this for others. This hands on experience involved a walk around the park that followed the Aboriginal Spiritual Trail with creative reflection taking place at each stop. We finally ended up with small presentations of our journeys  in the form of song/movement, found objects, sketches, feel and spoken story. This took place by The Nest, an awesome new sculpture that represents Bunjil the creator’s egg. The metaphor was a fitting place to discuss the vision and passion that will bring the Network alive starting  again early in 2013.

The first crop of fruit begins to ripen:

November and December: Phew…. what a few months this has been, I have some exciting programs on the drawing board for 2013, combining canoeing and creative expression, and a retreat as well as series of professional development workshops.

I am now heading for some restorative time in nature at Aldinga Beach in Adelaide and riding my mountain bike in Victoria’s High Country yeehaa!

I want to thank everyone for their inspiration and support and  I wish you all the best for Christmas and the New Year.

See you in 2013!