Debbie Thurlow-Circle Holder & Nature Bathing Guide

Debbie Thurlow-Circle Holder & Nature Bathing Guide Like many of us, I’ve always wanted to make a difference to people’s lives. Much as I love my boys deeply, motherhood at times was bewildering and overwhelming.

⭕️ Certified circle holder
💚Mental health first aider
🌳 Forest bathing guide+
❤️ Mother
✨Helping women in midlife to slow down, find freedom and reconnect through circle work & nature immersion ✨ I used to be a Social Worker, which was often hugely rewarding, but I became disillusioned by spending more time in front of a computer screen than with my clients. I dropped to part-time hours and stud

ied Holistic Massage so I could help people directly. After having children I took time away from paid work to focus on them – and this is where I truly discovered the power of massage. A monthly massage treatment became the cornerstone of my self-care, once I’d convinced myself I wasn’t being selfish or overly indulgent in taking this small slice of time for myself. I have experienced first-hand the power of massage and reflexology in restoring calm and balance when life is full-on. And I believed in it so much I went back to college to learn more and train as a complementary therapist. Now I wish everyone could experience the deep care a massage or reflexology treatment offers. I think the world would be a kinder, more peaceful place if we all took this time for ourselves. I love helping other women create that small space in their lives, let themselves be cared for, for once, and leave feeling lighter, freer and more relaxed. To discuss how you can introduce more self-care and relaxation into your busy life, just contact me. All questions welcome!

23/04/2026

Nature bathing under the blossom tree.

On Tuesday this tree caught my eye and I couldn’t help but step underneath it. It was magical and yet no one else seemed to even be noticing it. Too busy or too distracted. (I know those feelings)

However by stepping off the pavement and immersing myself in the blossom I forgot about my to do list and the state of the worlds and quietened my mind.

This is the beauty of nature bathing. It provides a break from busy minds, anxious feelings and tense bodies.

Anyone can nature bath or forest bath, it doesn’t require special skills. It just requires you to give yourself permission to do it.

That is one of my main roles as a forest bathing guide. Helping you to make space to slow down and tune into your senses so that you can reap the benefits of spending mindful time in nature.

For more information about future forest bathing sessions please follow my account or message me with your email and I’ll add you to my mailing list.

I love the blossom. It cheers me up no end. Today at nature writing for wellbeing we spent time observing and celebratin...
17/04/2026

I love the blossom. It cheers me up no end. Today at nature writing for wellbeing we spent time observing and celebrating the blossom in the orchard area of the park. We did our own bit of singing to the blossom (a late wassail if you like).

Then we wandered off under the trees. I noticed how the blossom on one tree was in different stages. Some in full bloom, some only just opening and some still firmly closed. A reminder that everything, even the blossom, blossoms in it’s own time.

I wrote this for the blossom:

Dearest blossom
Thank you for the joy you instil in us.
Appearing after the long winter to bring us hope.
Reminding us that the seasons come and go.

Dearest blossom
My wish for you is to be brave.
Be bold.
Hold strong through the storms of the season.
May you feel relief when the time is right to let go.

I highly recommend getting out and observing the blossom this weekend if you can. Soak up the colours and the scent. Notice it all and enjoy 💚

Thanks for the session today

Stumbled across the most beautiful exhibition at Nunnington Hall on Saturday; Wild Woven. “Native hedgerows are a defini...
13/04/2026

Stumbled across the most beautiful exhibition at Nunnington Hall on Saturday; Wild Woven.

“Native hedgerows are a defining feature of the UK countryside, composed of a rich tapestry of shrubs and trees that have evolved alongside local wildlife.”

There were some stunning textile pieces on show by reflecting on the importance of hedgerows to our ecosystem.

What a treat.

I also spotted some of the tallest snowdrops I’ve ever seen.

One of the many things I love about forest bathing is that you can’t do it without slowing down. When people attend my s...
11/04/2026

One of the many things I love about forest bathing is that you can’t do it without slowing down.

When people attend my sessions they are often surprised by how slow we walk. At first it can feel a little strange however by the end of the session people have dropped into a slower rhythm and they feel calmer and more relaxed.

By slowing down we notice the small things that we would otherwise miss; textures, colours, sounds, smells.

Yesterday I slowed down enough to spot the tiniest of new buds. There was no way I would have seen them if I had been walking at my usual pace.

The reward for slowing down is huge, not only in terms of nervous system regulation and reduced stress levels but in the joy we can discover. 💚

09/04/2026

Over the last two months I’ve been watching the willow trees wake from their winter rest. Seeing the leaves unfurl and the colours become vivid once more is such a joy.

There are some amazing trees at and this is one of my favourites. There is something special about standing under a willow tree 💚

Do you have a favourite tree? I have quite a few in and around York and beyond!

Early April always churns up a mix of emotions for me because the signs of new life and awakening energy are interwoven ...
06/04/2026

Early April always churns up a mix of emotions for me because the signs of new life and awakening energy are interwoven with grief.

My mum died 24 years ago this Easter and the further into midlife I get the loss seems to fluctuate between being a faint swell and a strong surge.

Losing my mum in my twenties had a big impact on me and has shaped the person I’ve become.

My mum died not long after finally starting to put herself first and doing the things she really wanted to do. That was a stark lesson for me and one I’ve carried with me ever since.

When the first group of women showed up for my midlife circle taster session in November 2023 they arrived with mixed experiences of life; grief, joy, forgotten dreams, unwelcome expectations, fulfilment, purpose and a whole heap of other stuff.

There were common threads though and they actually reminded me of my mum. Questions arose like:

-what do I want now?
-where have I lost myself?
-if not now, when?

These kind of questions are hard to grapple with and are often ones we push down or don’t speak out loud.

Midlife however seems to usher in a reckoning, it makes us think about our mortality and what we want for ourselves. The questions become louder.

And so this nudge I’ve often felt to ask “what else is there” has formed the heart of midlife circle. Answers aren’t provided, advice is not given but I have created space for everyone who comes to start to weave their way back to themselves.

If you are interested in coming to midlife circle please get in touch. New dates will be in the diary soon.

04/04/2026

A day out to look at art and trees and old buildings. But mainly art. Because art is a tonic to difficult times. It can inspire us to see more in life. It reminds us we can be creative and it is a powerful tool to connect us.

Trying to hold on to the strands of my own purpose (outside of caring / parenting) has been challenging in recent months but days like today remind me the strands will be waiting for me, because they are part of me.

02/04/2026

An almost full moon from earlier in the week.

The older I get the more important the moon feels to me. Maybe since losing my regular menstrual cycle it has become more of a guide…

It has anchored me these last few years when things have felt turbulent in my inner and outer worlds. I especially remember watching out for the moon phases during the pandemic when time seemed strange. It felt so comforting to tune into this reliable rhythm.

There is always something special about catching a glimpse in the night sky or seeing a faint outline early in the morning and I hope I never lose that awe.

It certainly felt energetic on Tuesday night as the clouds cleared and the moonlight intensified.

This is the pink moon, the first moon of spring. You might want to use this moon phase as a time to let go of what you don’t want to take further into spring with you. Or you may just want to enjoy a spot of moon gazing.

It was too cloudy to see the moon tonight so I hope this ten second clip provides you with a little moon magic 🌕

Remember spring doesn’t happen overnight. If you’re not feeling full of spring energy there is plenty of time. Unfold at...
30/03/2026

Remember spring doesn’t happen overnight.

If you’re not feeling full of spring energy there is plenty of time. Unfold at your own pace and go gently with yourself.

The wheel of the year turns once more as we enter into the lighter half of the year. The spring equinox has arrived.Spri...
20/03/2026

The wheel of the year turns once more as we enter into the lighter half of the year. The spring equinox has arrived.

Spring is a gentle reminder that we live in a continuous cycle of death and rebirth. There are both fallow and abundant times, there is darkness and light. We need these differing elements to survive and that’s the ebb and flow of life.

A time to celebrate then the longer days and brighter light. To feel the shift of earth energy and perhaps shake ourselves out a little.

I’ve taken great comfort from watching the blossom appear, the leaves start to unfurl and the bulbs push through. It is a particular tonic when things feel difficult and knowing that the days will now get longer has boosted my spirits that’s for sure.

So, may stepping into this new season allow you to feel a sense of hope and potential even if only in a small way.

And I very much hope you can get out and enjoy the spring flowers, the increasing birdsong and the longer hours of daylight.

Happy spring equinox!

For more info about the circles I run please see my pinned posts. I will be back holding space after Easter.

19/03/2026

Evening birdsong. Spring is certainly in the air for the robins and blackbirds. 💚🎶🍃

Yesterday at the supermarket I watched as Dad’s with their children looked at the rows of flowers and tried to decide wh...
15/03/2026

Yesterday at the supermarket I watched as Dad’s with their children looked at the rows of flowers and tried to decide which ones to choose for mothers day.

I felt like going up to them and telling them not to bother. To instead spend time thinking about what mothers actually want.

Because all the mothers I know want a safer, fairer and habitable world for theirchildren to grow up in.

So how about instead of the plastic wrapped flowers air freighted across the globe we focused on making real change to slow down the climate crisis.

How about instead of the chocolates we worked towards affordable childcare, flexible working and decent paternity leave.

How about instead of the bath bombs and hand cream we created maternity services that are for fit purpose.

How about instead of an overpriced lunch we all stood up against mothers being killed and injured in conflicts around the globe.

I’m all for celebrating mothers I just wish we did it in more meaningful ways.

Standing in solidarity with all the mothers out there today ❤️

Address

York

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 2pm - 6pm

Telephone

+447767142401

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Debbie Thurlow-Circle Holder & Nature Bathing Guide posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Debbie Thurlow-Circle Holder & Nature Bathing Guide:

Shortcuts

Featured

Share

Category

Self-care made simple

I’m Debbie and I am a qualified Complementary Therapist. I offer Reflexology, Holistic Massage and Aromatherapy Massage to women. Like many of us, I’ve always wanted to make a difference to people’s lives. I used to be a Social Worker, which was often hugely rewarding, but I became disillusioned by spending more time in front of a computer screen than with my clients. I dropped to part-time hours and studied Holistic Massage, seeing this as a new way to help people.

After having children I took time away from paid work to focus on them- and this is where I truly discovered the power of massage. Much as I love my boys deeply, motherhood at times was bewildering and overwhelming. A monthly massage treatment became the cornerstone of my self-care, once I’d convinced myself I wasn’t being selfish or overly indulgent in taking this small slice of time for myself.

I have experienced first-hand the power of massage and reflexology in restoring calm and balance when life is full-on. And I believed in it so much I went back to college to learn more and train as a complementary therapist.

Now I wish everyone could experience the deep care a massage or reflexology treatment offers. I think the world would be a kinder, more peaceful place if we all took this time for ourselves. I love helping other women create that small space in their lives, let themselves be cared for, for once, and leave feeling lighter, freer and more relaxed.