Whether going outdoors to engage in horticultural therapy, land work, communal walks or wilderness expeditions, taking people outside is generally recognised as being beneficial to mental health. With the rise of interest in mindfulness, these practical activities are often combined with mindfulness practices which in turn are broadly drawn from Buddhist sources. Practical tasks have often been the foundation of spiritual practice in this tradition, as exemplified in the Zen adage 'chop wood and carry water'.

This workshop, which will focus on practicalities of the work as examples of good practice, will look at ways in which activities undertaken outdoors for mental health and wellbeing can be understood and enhanced through an understanding of Buddhist psychology. At Tariki, we have been working with Buddhist models of psychotherapy for many years and this exploration points towards a practical, other-focused approach. Mind states are conditioned by what we do and what we experience and an appreciation of our place in the wider settings of our lives. We will look at the facilitator's role as accompanist of the process and at the importance of mindful embodiment in what we do.

Although this event is part of the Ten Directions training course for ecotherapy practitioners, anybody can book and take part in this public online event. If you are interested, please do buy a ticket.

Please note that we will not be recording this online event. We cannot offer refunds to people who do not show up assuming that they will get a recording.

About Caroline Brazier

Caroline Brazier is the author of seven books on Buddhism and psychotherapy and many papers and articles. Caroline holds an MPhil in counselling, diplomas in counselling and groupwork and a supervision certificate. She is a BACP Accredited psychotherapist. Caroline originally trained as a teacher and has worked extensively in education, health and with women's groups. She has been a teacher and is an ordained Jodo Shinshu Buddhist priest (Japanese Pure Land Buddhism). She set up the Ten Directions training programme in ecotherapy over a decade ago.