In-person forest retreats only offered in summer; virtual options offered all year
"Where do we belong is a thread that runs through this brilliant book of essays which encourages you to discover new beginnings as well as celebrate those hidden roots within yourself...."
~ Dr Vanessa Champion, Editor and Founder of the Journal of Biophilic Design, (UK)
"...Highly, highly recommend Debbie...had an immediate impact.."
~ Pat Taggart, Filmmaker & Creative, (USA)
"Thank you (all) so much for making this conference a success. It truly takes a team..."
~ Sarah Gonzalez Coffin Conference Chair, Division 34: Society for Environmental, Population, and Conservation Psychology
Deborah and I have had thoroughly engaging conversations recently around nature connectivity, biophilia, regenerative thinking and a need for (re)engaging all of our senses. These are areas in which Deborah demonstrates her passion, her forward thinking to combine art and science, her research and application to practice for wellbeing designs. Deborah presented to our recent international Biophilia Summit, sharing that passion, her experiences and insights on adaptation and behaviour change, through reading and expanding on extracts from her recent book 'Forest Bathing with Your Clothes On' ~ Martin Brown, FRSA, VP Living Future Europe.
Agriculture, Architecture, Art, City, Construction, Education, Fashion, Imagineering, Leadership, Photography, Product, Anthropology, Research, Verse.
These were topics covered as I gathered with biophilic lovers, architects, designers, psychologists, educators, artists, researchers consultants and presented at the Biophilia Summit. Watch the on demand recording here.
"Many thanks, Debbie, for your interesting session! " ~ festival attendee
"Deborah's 'Forest Bathing' comes highly recommended. The book is compelling reading. The interlacing of big ideas grounded in her local setting is simply outstanding. Thank you Deborah for this important contribution."
~Prof. Emma Stewart, Lincoln University, NZ via Linkedin (2024)
"Wonderful! Just what the world needs right now… ."
~ Dr Wallace J. Nichols, USA Marine Scientist and author Blue Mind via Linkedin (2024)
"As a committee member of the NZ Society of Authors Top of the South Branch, Debbie has helped to raise the professional standards of the committee through her scientific training and work in the corporate world. Her experience with bridging art and science, together with her easy-going and helpful attitude, make her a valuable asset to the committee and its work."
~ Lucy Wilson, Secretary, Top of The South branch, NZSA (2024)
"Having worked with Debbie I can attest to her exceptional qualities as a consultant and facilitator. Her extensive experience in allied healthcare, dedication to nature-based well-being solutions, and international contributions in the field are truly impressive. Debbie's ability to bridge Western, Eastern, and Indigenous philosophies, along with her certifications in forest bathing, permaculture design and meditation, make her a valuable resource and a visionary in her field."
~ David Treleaven, PhD, author of Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness, USA (2023)
"....I have found Deborah to be extremely organised, for example, she will have a
clear plan with objectives when we meet...she is very professional and motivated..."
~ Jess Shirley, Tutor Arts & Design, NMIT/Te Pūkenga, NZ (2023)
"Debbie is a valued committee member of the Top of the South branch of the New Zealand Society of Authors. Representing the Marlborough area, Debbie is a voice for authors in that region, while supporting the work of the committee as a whole. Her contributions to the monthly newsletter are always well considered and warmly received. The committee appreciates Debbie's dedication, clear communication and thoughtful contributions to discussion. She has the knack of making connections with a variety of people, helping to ensure that our authors feel supported in their creative endeavours."
~ Robyn Prokop, Chairperson, Top of the South Branch, NZSA (2024)
"....In essence, Deborah Early's relentless pursuit of knowledge, her critical evaluation of learning materials, and her active and supportive participation in course discussions demonstrate her exceptional dedication to permaculture and sustainable design. I have full confidence in her potential to make significant contributions to the field and inspire positive change through sustainable practices and collaborative learning endeavors..."
~ Richard Pedley, Founder Regenpreneur, Permaculture Certificate Program, NZ via Linkedin (2023)
"My virtual retreat sessions with Debbie far exceeded my expectations of what kind of transformation and awareness could happen via a Zoom call. From the get-go, connecting and sharing with her was very easy and comfortable, and through our conversations and some creative exercises, I was really able to work on being more present and bring an awareness to certain areas in my life that I’m excited to experience going forward."
~ Retreat Attendee who joined an accessible, low carbon, virtual event, USA (2024)
"It is hard to pick out the best part. They are all amazing, inspiring women. They all have stories that bring out emotions in me. Some were educational and I learned from them. Some were nurturing and I needed that. Some were just fun to listen to.....Getting outdoors in nature was the common denominator in all of the presentations. I have enjoyed all of them." ~ summit attendee
Learn what Rebecca from Hike Like a Woman says about my book (start of video to 1.20 min.) Listen to the podcast.
"..a perfect location to hold this workshop.." ~workshop attendee
Photo by A.F.
"...I really enjoyed your workshop!" ~ workshop attendee
Photo by A.F.
"I enjoyed your session. I valued the opportunities to reflect and write." ~ workshop attendee
"I highly recommend this residency experience for other artists and creative beings interested in engaging creatively with nature, and in sharing the positive impact that this can have on wellbeing - not just for the individual, but for others, local community, and importantly for our natural places and species."
~ Emma Toy, Marlborough Artist, NZ (2023)
"..very relaxing...!"
"...so nice to meet other lovely souls.."
Meeting new friends, relaxing and connecting with ourselves and the Earth. A chance to create and recognise that we are part of Nature. Creations which will be featured in Art on the Track Open Studio on the Queen Charlotte Track 4-5 May, 2024
"Wow! That was a once in a lifetime experience. I really enjoyed that.! "
~ Auckland yoga practitioner who joined Dawn Yoga class with Debbie (2022)
"..highly recommend..."
"I enjoyed the small group setting!"
"I treasure those peaceful moments spent in your class"
"Debbie has lived in a few different parts of the world which gives her an international worldview."
"....but most importantly offered and taught me a way to center and focus myself."
~ USA-based client (2020)
"..highly recommend..really helped me in my daily life....!" ~USA-based client
"... My first impression was that the views were sensational, but they truly paled in comparison to Debbie’s teaching. I have been practicing yoga for many years, and have been a Certified Yoga Teacher since 2015. Sadly, I have never mastered the art of Meditation. However, with Debbie’s guidance, I believe that with practice, I will be able to achieve this long-held goal. I cannot recommend this retreat highly enough. The location was magical..... This is a New Zealand “must do!"
~ N.L. Blenheim Yoga Teacher, NZ (2021)
"I treasure those peaceful moments spent in your class" ~ USA attendee (2019)
"The whole experience calmed my spirit, dealt with my pain, but most importantly offered and taught me a way to center and focus myself."
~ USA-based client (2020)
"I entered the Mindfulness Meditation series with an open heart, a curiosity to learn, and only a very basic understanding of Mindfulness Meditation. Once I finished the series, I feel I'd reconnected with myself. In a world that is so often rushed, incorporating Mindfulness Meditation in my daily routine has afforded a restoration of calm, focus and balance that I'm so grateful for."
~USA-based New Mother who joined Mindfulness Meditation series with Debbie (2020)
"A nicely written personal account of a travelers first trip to the rainforests and mountains of Peru. Deborah captures the variety of rich cultures and natural beauties experienced by visitors. Her words embody the sights, sounds, and smells of her experience and portray both the pleasures and challenges of her travels to the reader. An enjoyable read of Deborah's transformative experience."
~ Joseph Bishop PhD - Landscape Ecologist, Penn State University and Chair, of the Science and Education Advisory Committee of the ACEER (Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Research) Foundation.
"Debbie Early has provided an excellent feel for the wonderment and magic of the rain forest to the Andes of Peru." ~ Jerry Cott PhD - Scientific Advisory Board American Botanical Council
"I would definitely want to read more. Well done! ~ Andrew Collins - Gotham Writers Workshop Faculty.
"..... It is accessible and well-written...." ~ Dragonfly Books, UK
" I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Early when she was a contributor to the Herbal Academy's The Herbarium, a membership-only online resource of herb-related articles, multi-media offerings, and herbal monographs. Dr. Early's contributions to this collection of knowledge were submitted on time and were well-written and nicely organized. Communication was a breeze, and she was open to feedback and edits. She was certainly an asset during her time as a contributor, and I recommend Dr. Early for any herbal and/or health-related writing project." ~Annie Hall, Editorial Team, The Herbal Academy, Herbarium
"...I had the pleasure of working closely with Deborah during her tenure as President of the Delaware Valley Chapter of AMWA....I have great respect for her abilities... " ~ Brian Bass, Past President American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) via Linkedin
"Classes with Debbie went very well. Debbie was very patient with me when I asked questions or didn't understand something. She always looks for a way to help you. Debbie is very kind, she is very knowledgeable and stimulates the student. Thank you Debbie for teaching me and making me confident...."
SLF ~ Blenheim, New Zealand (2023)
Private Clients 2018-present
Journal of Biophilic Design, UK 2020-present
Bluewater Lodge, NZ 2022-present
Furneaux Lodge, NZ 2022-present
NUWAO, NZ 2023-present
Airmid Institute, USA 2024-present
Marlborough Art Society, NZ 2024
Emma Toy, NZ 2023
Bay of Many Coves Resort, NZ 2023
Kinetic Physical Therapy, USA 2019-2020
Calm in a Crisis (Community Support Response to COVID-19), USA 2020
Downingtown Library Community Meditation Group/Book Club, USA (2019-2020)
Private Retreats, Mt Gretna, USA 2019-2020
E.T. Richardson Middle School, USA 2020
align.Space, USA 2020
Nan Tien Institute, Australia 2019
Mindfulness in Nature Hikes, Gov. Dick Enviro. Cntr, USA 2019
Private Retreat Sacred Earth, NZ 2019
Private Retreat Kawai Purapura, NZ 2019
Temenos Retreat Center, USA 2018-2019
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Disclaimer - The information on this website and during retreats or workshops etc. is provided as education and should not be used as a substitute for medical counseling with a health professional. Participants take full responsibility for their own participation in events and classes.