Wildernew Outdoor Therapy

We sat at the pond during a session today and got the chance to observe the Yellow Crowned Night Heron stalk, catch and consume its prey, then I unexpectedly captured it in flight. What a day!

We sat at the pond during a session today and got the chance to observe the Yellow Crowned Night Heron stalk, catch and consume its prey, then I unexpectedly captured it in flight. What a day!

If you look closely, sometimes shadowy blotches are actually tons of large daddy long legs gathered together. I find them under bridges near creeks and in rock crevices. I recently learned they gather like this to maintain their humidity so they don’t dry out, which they are prone to do, and since they are nocturnal, they sleep in large groups such as this one during the day! #naturefacts

If you look closely, sometimes shadowy blotches are actually tons of large daddy long legs gathered together. I find them under bridges near creeks and in rock crevices. I recently learned they gather like this to maintain their humidity so they don’t dry out, which they are prone to do, and since they are nocturnal, they sleep in large groups such as this one during the day! #naturefacts

Captivated by the textures of this plant and pleasantly discovered this little moth at the same time (or butterfly? They are surprisingly difficult to tell apart sometimes)

Captivated by the textures of this plant and pleasantly discovered this little moth at the same time (or butterfly? They are surprisingly difficult to tell apart sometimes)

A #mindfulmoment

A #mindfulmoment

What do you see when you look at this rock formation? An excellent tool for #mindfulness - maybe you see the layers that give you a sense of time and weather patterns, maybe you feel the cool, damp sensation it provides while walking beside it. Maybe you wonder how life grows through its cracks and crevices. Maybe you’re pulled in to notice large daddy long legs living there, or snails crawling across it, or water dripping from it. So much life packed into one relatively small space. Take a look. Take a moment to take it in without giving in to the pull toward other distractions. Get curious. Contemplate. It may help your anxiety to lessen, your body to relax, your immunity function to improve, among other benefits.

What do you see when you look at this rock formation? An excellent tool for #mindfulness - maybe you see the layers that give you a sense of time and weather patterns, maybe you feel the cool, damp sensation it provides while walking beside it. Maybe you wonder how life grows through its cracks and crevices. Maybe you’re pulled in to notice large daddy long legs living there, or snails crawling across it, or water dripping from it. So much life packed into one relatively small space. Take a look. Take a moment to take it in without giving in to the pull toward other distractions. Get curious. Contemplate. It may help your anxiety to lessen, your body to relax, your immunity function to improve, among other benefits.

Sounds like a great local resource!

Hey teens! If Summer time might bring up some extra insecurities for you- you're not alone! Join us this summer for our Girl Talk group; a weekly meeting focused on self-worth, body image, and boundaries. Call our office at (903) 561-8955 or email us at [email protected] to sign up today!

No wonder the butterflies love these! Sweet, intoxicating scent and attractive blooms. #butterflybush #🦋 Helps me slow down and be present. 💜

No wonder the butterflies love these! Sweet, intoxicating scent and attractive blooms. #butterflybush #🦋 Helps me slow down and be present. 💜

#WildernessWednesday and the lovely #WindRiverRange … looking at this photo, I remember the really difficult hike to get to this spot. The kind of rocky, unsteady ground with steep elevation gain that leads you to question every life decision that brought you to this point. Yet, you proceed because 1) what other choice do you have? And 2) you know it’ll be worth it. And it is. I think that’s a lot like life. So keep doing the hard work, putting one foot in front of the other, and hold on to hope that sees you through… it’ll be worth it.

#WildernessWednesday and the lovely #WindRiverRange … looking at this photo, I remember the really difficult hike to get to this spot. The kind of rocky, unsteady ground with steep elevation gain that leads you to question every life decision that brought you to this point. Yet, you proceed because 1) what other choice do you have? And 2) you know it’ll be worth it. And it is. I think that’s a lot like life. So keep doing the hard work, putting one foot in front of the other, and hold on to hope that sees you through… it’ll be worth it.

The #magnolia flower has to be one of the best fragrances… like instant peace

The #magnolia flower has to be one of the best fragrances… like instant peace

Eyed click beetle. Is nature amazing or what?!

Eyed click beetle. Is nature amazing or what?!

🧡

Just a little something to brighten your day and remind you that you’re stronger than you think. Nature reminds us all the time that the impossible is possible and growth happens in places where we least expect it!

Haha must be that time of year!

“There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” This is one of my favorite lines— a Norwegian saying that the people live by because they spend more time outdoors than nearly any other culture!

Admittedly, I had reserved a day pass for Lake Tawakoni State Park a while back. As we were on our way, I couldn’t help but think “we should turn around... this is a stupid idea” as it was pouring rain for the duration of our drive.

We arrived at the park and while there were two other cars in the parking area, there wasn’t a soul on the trails. And I couldn’t help but think “there’s no such thing as bad weather... just bad clothing.” I can’t help but believe it’s true. It was a beautiful day for an adventure! More photos to come- check out www.wildernew.com this week for a photo journal of the trip.

Thanks to:
@arcteryx for keeping my top half dry
@salomon for keeping my feet dry
@prana for keeping my legs dry with the Halle pant

People often struggle with depression, sadness, fatigue and low motivation during cloudy, rainy days. Many people assume it means they are stuck inside, waiting for the sunshine to return and life to resume. It has been a long week if this rings true for you! I encourage you to #goOutside anyway. Move your body, observe your surroundings. The rain enhances smells, colors, sights… and you never know what critters may greet you. So, take a stroll in the rain and remember to breathe. It can be very healing. 💚🌧

People often struggle with depression, sadness, fatigue and low motivation during cloudy, rainy days. Many people assume it means they are stuck inside, waiting for the sunshine to return and life to resume. It has been a long week if this rings true for you! I encourage you to #goOutside anyway. Move your body, observe your surroundings. The rain enhances smells, colors, sights… and you never know what critters may greet you. So, take a stroll in the rain and remember to breathe. It can be very healing. 💚🌧

This fella decided to take a short stroll with us in session the other day. We paused to give him space and he encouraged us to slow down. The pattern on his shell was beautiful as was his markings and color!

This fella decided to take a short stroll with us in session the other day. We paused to give him space and he encouraged us to slow down. The pattern on his shell was beautiful as was his markings and color!

A bit of #wildflowers for your #WildernessWednesday

A bit of #wildflowers for your #WildernessWednesday

🐌

🐌

A soothing creekside stroll does wonders for the heart, mind and body. 💚

A soothing creekside stroll does wonders for the heart, mind and body. 💚

A Spring wildflower tour through Arbor Hills 🌼

A little self care 💙💚

A little self care 💙💚

This year we started a beautiful perennial garden and there is such joy in witnessing the growth and beauty. 💜 Hoping this butterfly bush attracts a lot of butterflies and bees!

This year we started a beautiful perennial garden and there is such joy in witnessing the growth and beauty. 💜 Hoping this butterfly bush attracts a lot of butterflies and bees!

#WildernessWednesday was a magically cool and beautiful day at the park after the rain 💚

#WildernessWednesday was a magically cool and beautiful day at the park after the rain 💚

Retreat into Nature in Dallas

What’s your favorite spot?

Retreat into Nature in Dallas From bustling urban walks to stunning rural vistas, these Texas trails can accommodate a variety of experience levels and will have you breaking a sweat and believing in the hidden beauty that Dallas hikes have to offer.

Fully intact 5ft snake skin. #incredible

Fully intact 5ft snake skin. #incredible

Cottonwood trees adding to the magic ✨

Cottonwood trees adding to the magic ✨

Some of you may wonder why, as a therapist, I choose to primarily feature photos of nature on this account. Or maybe you don’t. Each post is pretty intentional in pointing you back toward things that are bigger than you, things that are beautiful, things that matter, things that display an abundance of life. We get bogged down in our own problems, and half the time the answer is in looking up and outside of ourselves. Did you know that simply looking at photos of nature can provide a sense of calm? And spending time in nature helps reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety while improving immune health and social health. It helps us see what matters, which helps us cope. That’s my objective here, to point you back to some of these resources available to you for your betterment. 💚

Some of you may wonder why, as a therapist, I choose to primarily feature photos of nature on this account. Or maybe you don’t. Each post is pretty intentional in pointing you back toward things that are bigger than you, things that are beautiful, things that matter, things that display an abundance of life. We get bogged down in our own problems, and half the time the answer is in looking up and outside of ourselves. Did you know that simply looking at photos of nature can provide a sense of calm? And spending time in nature helps reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety while improving immune health and social health. It helps us see what matters, which helps us cope. That’s my objective here, to point you back to some of these resources available to you for your betterment. 💚

Would you look at that beauty!

Would you look at that beauty!

#ISpy lots of activity at the nature preserve today! #perspective #life #biggerthanme #helpful #nature #optoutside

#ISpy lots of activity at the nature preserve today! #perspective #life #biggerthanme #helpful #nature #optoutside

Things are looking pretty magical around Dallas. 💛

Things are looking pretty magical around Dallas. 💛

Today was a rough one. One of the things I love about spending time in nature is that it is the little details, like this moth, that remind me everything is going to be ok and just breathe. Maybe you need that reminder, too. 💚

Today was a rough one. One of the things I love about spending time in nature is that it is the little details, like this moth, that remind me everything is going to be ok and just breathe. Maybe you need that reminder, too. 💚

Watching magnolias bud and bloom has to be one of the most satisfying experiences. They sure know how to take their time. #lessonsfromnature

Watching magnolias bud and bloom has to be one of the most satisfying experiences. They sure know how to take their time. #lessonsfromnature

“She sprouted love like flowers, grew a garden in her mind. And even on the darkest days, from her smile the sun still shined.” Erin Hanson

“She sprouted love like flowers, grew a garden in her mind. And even on the darkest days, from her smile the sun still shined.” Erin Hanson

“Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books.” John Lubbock #earthday

“Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books.” John Lubbock #earthday

Nature is mesmerizing, the perfect focus for #mindfulness #meditation ... shadows, shades, patterns, constant change and transition. A gentle reminder to pause.

Nature is mesmerizing, the perfect focus for #mindfulness #meditation ... shadows, shades, patterns, constant change and transition. A gentle reminder to pause.

#WildernessWednesday featuring a couple of mantled howler monkeys in Costa Rica. I took this photo in my friend’s backyard! He could perfectly imitate their sound, too. 💚

#WildernessWednesday featuring a couple of mantled howler monkeys in Costa Rica. I took this photo in my friend’s backyard! He could perfectly imitate their sound, too. 💚