This is a continuation of our Move Outdoors series, where we highlight individuals who inspire others to get outside and connect with nature through movement and exercise. Know someone who we should feature? Email news@bcparksfoundation.ca.

MEET MARIE FROM MOVE TO NATURE

Hello! My name is Marie Bourdon (she/her) - human, veteran, Registered Yoga Teacher, Certified Forest Therapy Guide, and lover of nature who lives and plays in Kingston, Ontario, Canada [1].

Growing up, my family went camping any chance we got, usually on Lake Champlain in Vermont. From April to October, my sister and I wandered the trails, swam in the lake, stared at the stars by the campfire, and made giant piles of leaves to jump in. We even woke up to ground covered snow one morning in early spring!

One of the most valuable beliefs I developed during those childhood camping trips is a deep appreciation for nature and the simple things in life – a value that stayed with me since and that inspired me to join the cadet corp and, later on, the military.

Following a medical release from the Canadian Forces at a relatively young age, in nature I found a safe space to heal and to adapt to a new way of living and being. Spending contemplative time in the forest has helped me define what I need to optimize my health and my happiness: movement, community, and nature connection – the foundation to my latest project: Move To Nature (more on that below…).

GETTING OUTSIDE

I like to start my day sitting outside with my bare feet in the grass (weather permitting), sipping my coffee as I listen to the birds, watch the clouds, and breathe the fresh air. I also love to end my days laying in a chaise longue or in the snow, gazing at the stars.

I developed these daily rituals after discovering the “sit spot” practice, an integral portion of a guided forest therapy walk. “Sit Spot” became my way of grounding and meditating. The simple and accessible practice of sitting on my back deck and noticing my surroundings was an anchor throughout the pandemic and especially during stay-at-home orders.

Though my travels were limited, and I was physically isolated, I could still sit in the expanse of the endless sky – slowing down long enough to notice all the life forms that surround me, helping me to remember that I am always connected to all living beings in all ways.

FAVOURITE PLACES TO GO FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Proximity and accessibility are big factors in how and where I choose to spend my time in nature. The Barriefield Rock Garden in Kingston’s East End offers a beautifully crafted nature trail, garden, and park close to my neighbourhood, to the downtown core, and to the military base. There, I can wander slowly to soak in the trees’ atmosphere; stop, sit, and notice my surroundings, or roll out my yoga mat in the park to move or meditate under the trees.

Living close to Lake Ontario, I also soak up the Lake’s atmosphere at Patterson Park - a beautiful community space. There, a flat rock face extends out into the lake and the small but beautiful trails are perfect for a nature stroll. I can roll out my mat to stretch and do yoga on the rock face, sit and meditate by the lake, and slowly walk around and wander in nature. Lucky me!

Last but not least, wild swimming in Lake Ontario is also one of my favourite ways to go on an outdoor adventure! I love the refreshing feeling I get by dipping into the lake, letting it wash away the day’s experiences, acting as a physical, mental, and emotional reset button. I also like to float and gaze at the sky when I’m in the lake. During one of my latest swims, a voice within me spoke and declared: “I’m home.”

I also rekindled my love of cold swimming during the pandemic. Listening to my body’s wisdom, and doing so in a safe and controlled manner, I brave the waters of Lake Ontario from Spring until Fall. During a swim last October, I started a fire in the wild – something I hadn’t done in years! Wild and cold swimming have reignited my sense of adventure, confidence, and trust in my ability to survive and thrive – outdoors and in all spheres of life.

Cultivating these simple nature connection practices fosters a deep sense of wellbeing and interbeing [2] that I can easily access (the more often I practice) and without the need to travel or plan extensively. I can trace this yearning for and appreciation of nature back to my childhood days in Vermont when the beauty of our family adventures lied in their simplicity.

MOVE TO NATURE

Move to Nature is a collection of guided movement and mindfulness experiences that I created in 2020. Hosted outdoors in Kingston (YGK), Ontario, Canada and online, my offerings aim at fostering a deeper connection to ourselves, our community, and the natural world.

It is my hope that gathering in parks and gardens will allow participants to rediscover and experience local landscapes with mindfulness and appreciation; the natural world helping shape and support our practice, reminding us that we are always connected to all beings in all ways.

In short, Move To Nature allows me to share the practices and activities that I love with my community in an outdoor setting – it is both a labour of love and a dream come true!

A portion of all events are donated to Tipi Moza, a local indigenous non-profit organization that provides affordable housing to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

ON PRACTICING YOGA OUTDOORS

Though I have had profound experiences practicing yoga and meditation indoors, gathering outdoors in community adds so much depth to our practice. Moving in nature presents an opportunity to step away from screens and devices to connect with our bodies, nature, and other like-minded individuals.

The sounds and sights of nature also add a beautiful and effortless soundtrack to our practice as well as the opportunity to sky gaze during meditation and relaxation. Besides, moving out-of-doors is a safe way to gather in community as we continue to exist during a pandemic. Some students have come to class sharing that it was their first public outing in over a year.

Having the luxury of fresh air and plenty of space to practice helps participants to exercise in a way that feels safe and comfortable. Moreover, some students walk to class and all in attendance can wander the gardens and trails that are easily accessible from our practice locations. When exercising or gathering in a group of people can feel edgy or uncomfortable, the natural world can help put our minds and bodies at ease and make our sessions even more enjoyable.

MOVE TO NATURE: MOVETONATUREY GK.COM

Move to Nature respectfully acknowledges that the land on which it operates is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Wendat and donates a portion of all events to Tipi Moza.

[1] Traditional land of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Wendat. Sources: Native-Land.ca | Our home on native land and Indigenous People - City of Kingston

[2] Interbeing is a term coined by Zen master Thich Nhat Hahn which refers to the interconnection between and within all beings. Source: The Plum Village Tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh