BIRD-430: Nature Immersion & Mental Health Workshop

Class Instructor: Chi-Wei Chang

Dates: Sunday, May 3
Time: 8am-10am
Location: Chaetura Canyon
Class fee: $40 for members, $45 for non-members
Class size: 10

Did you know that birdsong is one of the nature sounds that most effectively calms our nervous system? 

This two-hour workshop will explore the ways in which our nervous system is intricately tied to nature. It's designed to be a sensory experience to reconnect to nature and ourselves. As Chaetura Canyon is a bird sanctuary, there will be plenty of opportunities to hear many bird species.

Learn when and how to apply certain exercises for our daily mental wellness, as well as the psychology and neuroscience behind:

• Express sensory inputs for grounding
• Nature sounds and our nervous system
• How patterns in nature affect brainwaves
• Walking outdoors and bilateral brain function

Please note: This workshop includes walking on trails that are well-developed but contain many steps (down and back up) with an elevation change of 100 feet. It is not recommended for those with breathing problems, mobility or balance issues or pacemakers.  Participants must be at least twelve years of age. A restroom is available onsite.

About Chi-Wei Chang:
Chi-Wei’s journey spans international relations, language teaching, and building localization programs at SaaS companies, with global experience in the US, Japan, The Netherlands, and Ireland. Now back in Austin, she's focusing on fostering human to nature connection and sharing the things that helped her maintain balance through the many moves and constant context switching between countries, cultures, and languages. Chi-Wei is founder of Wind Water Wild and holds certifications in ecotherapy, nature-informed therapy, and wilderness first aid. She enjoys hiking, is a hobbyist landscape photographer, and is always eager to plan a next trip to a cold weather location.