Self-Forgiveness Nature Therapy Walk (Small Group)

A slow, guided nature therapy walk for setting down guilt and self-blame and practicing a gentler relationship with yourself.
About this Event

"The forest does not punish the fallen tree. It grows new life from it."

This is a theme-specific nature therapy walk focused on self-forgiveness. New to nature therapy? Our Intro to Nature Therapy walk is the gentlest place to begin. For other theme-specific walks, such as addiction recovery support, please see our current listings on our Eventbrite profile.

Rooted in nature-based support and depth psychology, this guided walk offers a structured, unhurried way to set down the weight of guilt, regret, and self-blame, even briefly, and to practice a steadier and more compassionate relationship with yourself. Self-forgiveness is not about excusing or forgetting. It is about loosening the grip of shame enough to reflect clearly, take responsibility where it is yours to take, and move forward with less self-punishment. The outdoor setting does much of the quiet work: it lowers stress, softens rumination, and restores the kind of attention that hard self-judgment tends to consume.

This walk is open to anyone carrying old mistakes, difficult choices, grief over the past, or a harsh inner voice that has been hard to quiet. It may be especially meaningful for people in recovery, those navigating regret or life transitions, and anyone ready for a gentler, more durable way of relating to their own history. You do not need to share the details of what you carry. You only need to be willing to slow down.

Your guide, Flint, is a board-certified holistic health practitioner, holds a PhD in depth psychology, and actively volunteers part-time as a provider for the homeless. His approach is grounded and evidence-informed, focused on helping people step out of depletion, notice what is present, and recover a steadier and deeper connection with themselves.

Meeting Location: The group will meet on the second observation deck on Dam #1 Bridge. The nearest available parking area is at the Newport News Park Discovery Center.

What to Bring: Please wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any personal items you may need to feel comfortable outdoors. Optional items include a small notebook, pen, sunglasses, hat, or light backpack.

Important Notes: Only 8 tickets available per walk. This session is for adults only. The walk activities are gentle and low-pressure, but participants should be able to walk slowly on natural outdoor surfaces and stand or pause for short periods. This walk touches on emotionally meaningful material, so please attend in a way that feels manageable for you, and step aside or pause at any point. Please check the weather beforehand and plan accordingly. Sessions will still occur if it is raining, unless there is inclement weather (e.g. lightning, high-winds, etc.).

This is a non-clinical, nature-based support experience and is not psychotherapy, medical treatment, diagnosis, or crisis care.

If you believe you may need clinical mental health support, please consider contacting a licensed therapist, counselor, psychologist, or medical provider. If you are in emotional distress, experiencing a mental health crisis, or having thoughts of harming yourself or others, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 for immediate emergency assistance.