Support Vicki's Dream to Become a Forest Therapy Guide

Help Vicki Become a Certified Forest Therapy Guide!

Hi, I’m Vicki Basta—an artist, instructor, and passionate advocate for the healing power of nature. For years, nature has been my sanctuary, offering peace, grounding, and creative inspiration through life’s challenges. Whether creating a nature mandala on the earth, walking a forested path, it helps me let go and release the constant mind chatter and feel calm and present, where I can drop into to stillness. Experiencing that calm mind has been a long-term challenge for me, but each time I attune with the frequencies of the earth, I access that innate state of being and I believe its benefits can extend to others. In a world that often feels disconnected, the grounding power of nature offers a path to healing and renewal. This belief fuels my passion for pursuing my dream of becoming a certified forest therapy guide. By sharing these experiences, I hope to help others reconnect with nature, themselves, and a sense of inner peace. However, as a disabled woman, I’ve faced significant barriers, including being unable to access the financial resources needed to pursue this dream. Now, I’m reaching out for your support to help me become a certified Forest Therapy Guide in 2025.

Why Forest Therapy?

The beauty, sounds, and scents of nature have been a profound source of healing for me, particularly as I navigate life with chronic health conditions. During COVID, I deepened my connection to trees through a tree-hugging practice that kept me grounded during uncertain times. This passion inspired me to lead guided tree-hugging groups, helping others mindfully engaing with the grounding presence of trees. It was also then that I discovered the forest therapy guide training program, offered through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides (ANFT). This training equips guides in the practice of Forest Bathing—a mindful approach to slowing down, engaging the senses, and forming a heart-centered, relational connection with nature. It's a philosophy that deeply resonates with me. The program also delves into the science behind this practice, including its proven effects on stress reduction, enhanced immunity and overall well-being—compelling evidence of nature's profound healing power.

My Journey to Becoming a Guide:

After experiencing the transformative power of a guided forest therapy walk, I knew I wanted to share this practice with others seeking healing and mindfulness through nature. However, the 6-month certification program costs $3,350, with additional costs for a 4-day immersion ($495) and a wilderness first aid course (up to $300)—a total of $4,145. These expenses are beyond my reach due to my circumstances, but with your help, this dream can become a reality.

How You Can Help:

Your donation will help me cover the training costs so I can share the healing power of nature with others, while allowing me to pursue a path that aligns with my values, gifts and abilities. As a certified guide, I’ll lead low impact and transformative walks to assist individuals, groups and organizations in my community to mindfully connect with their innate well-being, and foster a deeper connection with the natural world. This emerging field is spreading across the globe and is changing lives, and I suspect it is changing nature as well. Nature needs us as much as we need nature.

Please consider donating today and sharing this video with your friends, family and community in support of my journey! Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference.

https://www.instagram.com/vickibastaphotostyle

* Learn More About the Forest Therapy Program: https://anft.earth/

Thank you for your kindness and support. Together, we can make my dream a reality and inspire others to find healing in nature.

Much love and gratitude,

Vicki

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