"I LOVE the title!" "...very timely..." "...very relevant...

Are you involved in designing for wellbeing and concerned about people and planet? Do you look to the natural world for solutions? To what extent is nature part of your identity? 

Nature is essential to our wellbeing, but how we relate to it can be varied.  How deep is your biophilia – your love of nature and do you experience a sense of belonging in the world? How we impact our natural environment and how it impacts us are some of our most important questions as we grapple with our changing world.

These are True Tales from the Track - but with a difference!  

This collection, which is not a travelogue, is different and deeper compared with what has been written by other Forest Bathing authors including my own previous articles, some of which can be found here. This is an anthology of my lived and professional journey of my contemplative reflections on my connection with nature, woven with the associated evidence-based research in this field. Readers journey with me as I move from the USA North-East to live off-grid on a remote, boat-access only, area of the South Island in the Pacific. I share my experience, living across five countries. I blend both my professional and personal experience into a memoir-like anthology of reflections and biophilic art, weaving together a voyage of belonging, identity, nature connection, culture, death, life, imagination, self-reflection and hope, particularly when we migrate across cultures.

This collection is rich in metaphor, immersive and thought-provoking, bridging Western, Eastern and Indigenous philosophies. I explore reflections on people, places, pharmacology, placentology and phytoncides and I wrestle with how to respond to some of the changes and challenges of our time, especially our relationship with the natural world. 

Immersed alongside me, readers will experience their own journey of reflection and transformation and will explore the parallels between the urban jungle and the remote wilderness, appreciating the beauty, art and poetry of nature. Practical guidance will be offered to deepen their own relationship with the environment and the natural world, fostering creativity, enhancing wellbeing and integrating body, mind and spirit. This anthology of reflections aims to empower individuals to navigate the challenges of nature and embark on a life-changing inner journey that delves into the transformative power of immersing oneself in nature. Learn more about the background of the anthology and read an extract.

Who is this book suitable for?

The collection presents new perspectives on the importance of nature and culture to our identity, wellbeing and adapting to the future. The anthology will be essential for cross-cultural professional teams designing for wellbeing, especially architects, those in healthcare and those involved with conservation and outdoor recreation. Readers will embark on a journey of growth and self-discovery, emerging wiser and stronger for it. Learn about conferences and workshops. 

Do check out my belonging, biophilia and blue mind conversation, with the late Dr Wallace J. Nichols, marine biologist and New York Times best selling author.

I hope to see you at one of the upcoming events.

What those who have read the book say 

"...a real gem.." ~ from the USA

 "...many parts resonate with me..." ~ from the USA

 "It really made me think!" "...clear-eyed and balanced..." ~ from Australia

".. so descriptive, filled with nuances, the language is wonderful. It is VERY thought-provoking and impactful!" ~ from NZ

"... a refreshing read!" ~ from NZ

"...brilliant  book of essays..." ~ from the UK

"...must have taken courage to write...!" from several USA and NZ readers

Learn more of what others say about Debbie's work and how she gives back.

ORDER your signed copy from our Bluewater Lodge store now.

SIGN-UP to join the virtual launch event (now closed). 

Deborah Early, PhD, is a writer, artist, scientist and international educator whose  cross-cultural wellbeing work is at the intersection of healthcare, recreation and the built environment. She incorporates contemplative pedagogy with biophilic art as an interdisciplinary bridge to encourage professionals to explore their own identity and relationship with the natural world. She is the author of the trailblazing book Forest Bathing with My Clothes On: One Woman's Biophilic Journey of Belonging, Wellbeing and Transformation with a Path towards Adapting to Change. She is also founder of The Art of Awareness—a social enterprise dedicated to strengthening belonging and deepening biophilia.

Who has benefited and how?

Through workshops, conference presentations, podcasts, and online education, Debbie focuses on sharing her experience from working, across five countries, in academia, corporate, non-profits and small business organisations, offering professionals the tools they require to  explore their relationship with culture and the natural world.  She has worked internationally as a regulatory medical writer, professional development trainer and retreat facilitator. She has also taught professionals and healthcare providers internationally, at the masters-level, engaging contemplative pedagogy and creative expression for self-care, nature connection and wellbeing, She is passionate about research to practice application and building community. She is closely engaged with current empirical research to inform best practice imaginatively weaving this with creative design. 

What is Debbie's volunteer work?

Debbie tries to give back and over the last 25 years has supported the planting of more than 2000  trees globally. For over 20 years, she has supported an African non-profit organisation which cares for orphaned and abandoned children, as well as the vulnerable and marginalised.  She has continually contributed to numerous environmental organisations overseas and currently serves to support local writing and conservation groups.

Debbie lives, boat access only, on the Queen Charlotte Track in Aotearoa New Zealand. For more details, please go here.