Debbie Thurlow Circle Holder and Nature Bathing Guide
Restore and replenish yourself in nature and circle
Hi, I’m Debbie. I run forest bathing and circle sessions in and around York. I support you to manage the demands of life by taking regular pockets of time for yourself.
People who come to my groups find themselves living life as a juggle, with their own needs right at the bottom. They might be balancing work with caring responsibilities, family challenges and health issues - or some other mixture of things. And all this while living in a patriarchal, capitalist society that wants us to keep on keeping on without pause. Deliberately scheduling time to regulate is essential, it’s an act of rebellion.
Our time together has a ripple effect too, equipping you to de-escalate tension and cope with the storms of everyday life. Because, let’s face it - the storms keep coming!
More than anything, I want us to normalise slowing down. Slow moments aren’t a nice-to-have. They are absolutely vital if we are to navigate life without burning out.
MidLife Circle
Release the midlife stress
A monthly gathering with other women to speak freely on what’s holding you back, grinding you down or filling you with rage, or simply be, quietly soaking in time to just rest.
With plenty of laughter, snacks and possibility in the mix too.
Nature Circle
Reconnect with yourself
Nature Circle is a chance to reconnect with yourself, nature and others.
Spending time in nature can lower stress, improve mood and release tension.As can spending time with others in Circle, so I am delighted to bring these two things together!
Forest Bathing
Decompress under the trees
Forest bathing offers us the chance to slow down, heal, and has such a rich body of evidence supporting its benefits that GPs now write green social prescriptions for it.
I make forest bathing accessible in and around York.
Testimonials
Some commonly asked questions!
I’m not spiritual - is a Circle for me ?
Yes! At the heart of all the circles I run is the value of slowing down and getting real about what you want and need right now. It’s not all ‘love and light’! Yes, you’ll probably see some crystals, and objects from nature - because there’s lots of evidence that nature has the ability to soothe and down-regulate our nervous systems. But you are free to be you, however spiritual or not you are.
Do I have to come every month?
Any practice that’s good for us is best done regularly - think yoga, meditation, walking, getting enough sleep. So I do encourage people to make regular bookings where possible, but you are also very welcome to book on as a one-off, or whenever you can fit it in.
Are your sessions women-only?
MidLife and Nature Circles are for women and non-binary folk only. Everyone (age 18+) is welcome to book onto a forest bathing session.
Do I have to swim?
If you’ve wondered whether forest bathing involves having a swim, you’re not the only one! But there’s no swimming involved in forest bathing. It’s all about nature immersion. You can enjoy a swim at Pool Bridge as part of your Nature Circle session , but you don’t have to.