Welcome to Sacred Earth Institute

Certified Forest Bathing & Eco-Therapy Professional Courses for the Conscious Educators of Today

Next Forest Friday “Talking with Trees”
Grá Na gCrainn – Celtic Spirit Forest Bathing© Walk

Friday, December 19th – 10:30am – 12 noon at

Castleblagh Woods, Ballyhooly North Co.Cork meeting first at Ballyhooly Lodge,
with optional return to Ballyhooly Lodge afterwards for a cup of tea
including herbal teas, coffee or ceremonial cacao.

Cost: Donation of your choice to the Ballyhooly Lodge restoration and preservation fund.

Note: Booking is essential.

Book Your Place ..

What is Forest Bathing ?

No swimming required, the modern practice of Forest Bathing is a non-religious walking meditation and sensory experience designed for the forest setting, to fully engage with the healing power of nature,

Sacred Origins

With its sacred origins in the meditative nature connection practices of the Shinto and Buddhist Religions of Japan, the modern practice of Forest Bathing was the brainchild of Japan’s Department of Agriculture and Forestry who introduced forest bathing to the Japanese people in the 1990’s as the new practice of “Shinrin Yoku”. Not only as an effective solution to the dramatic rise in stress-related illness brought on by the rapid advancements of the 1980’s technology boom, but also to raise public awareness of the need for expert forest conservation and preservation for the benefit of current and future generations.

Immense Health Benefits

Forest bathing is a sensory experience designed for people of all ages, , which allows you to open your senses while fully engaging with the healing power of nature. This is achieved by bringing your mind and body into a relaxed state of being, making it is possible to become fully aware of where you are and what you are doing in the present moment.

Grá Na gCrainn – Celtic Spirit Forest Bathing©

Although the term “Forest Bathing” was first used in Japan with the introduction of Shinrin Yoku in the 1990s, the practices and techniques of Forest Bathing are also rooted deeply in the spirituality of ancient spiritual cultures around the world.

Our Grá Na gCrainn Celtic Spirit Forest Bathing© takes you on an experiential journey, beyond Shinrin Yoku to the deeply contemplative spiritual practice of “Dadirri” gifted to the Australian people by respected Elder and Educator, Dr Miriam Ungunmerr Baumann from the traditional people of the Daly River region of Australia, before bringing you back to re-connect with the forest magic, nature spirituality and fairy folklore of our Celtic ancestors in ancient Ireland.

Customised Training for Educators & Mind Body Professionals

We provide an inspiring range of professional courses including Celtic Spirit forest bathing© walks for everyone, no previous experience required. For educators and mind body professionals we have a range of training options designed for you to integrate forest teachings into your existing practice by recognising your existing workplace skills.

Stress Reduction

Many scientific studies now show the key benefit of spending time in nature is stress reduction without any harmful side-effects. Reducing stress results in the natural improvement in the health and well-being of all our body systems.

Better Sleep

Many people have reported a vast improvement in their quality of sleep, after spending quality time in nature. These effects can be felt immediately in most people who quickly realise that by spending quality time in nature on a regular basis, the body’s natural sleep rhythms can return to normal.

Calm & Happiness

Of course it’s not rocket science to understand that by reducing stress by spending quality time in nature, and experiencing the resulting sense of calm and inner peace, we can experience a noticeable increase in happiness, and improvement in all stress-related health conditions.

Longevity

Spending quality time in nature on a regular basis has now shown so many health benefits, including reducing stress on the body, improved sleep, increased happiness and overall health which leads to a longer life.

Introducing Grá Na gCrainn – Celtic Spirit Forest Bathing©

Restoring balance and harmony to Mind, Body & Spirit
one step at a time …

We are honoured to offer three unique Diploma study pathways:. Our innovative Eco-Therapy Diplomas are unique in their class. This inspiring study pathway is multi-dimensional which means not only that each 1-day module is individually certified as an add-on to your existing qualification to work with people, but that our Diploma can be studied 1 day at a time in any sequence you are called.

Please don’t hesitate to register your interest at the bottom of the page.

Begin Your Journey Here ..

Forest Eco-Therapy Certificate

This inspiring 1-day masterclass is open to everyone for professional use, or non-professional use and personal interest.

This foundation module explores the origins and practice of forest bathing, from the ancient cultures of Australia, Ireland and Japan and beyond. Including how to intuitively create your own forest bathing practice, which is uniquely yours.

You will discover:

How to conduct your own unique personal forest “welcome ceremony” – drawing on ancient practices common to both the Australian and Celtic traditions, including the importance of doing this.
The unique “3 steps” process to ensure you get the most from your forest bathing experiences every time.
The many reasons why forest bathing is now prescribed by so many Doctors and Therapists around the world.
Plus so much more.

This module can be studied in-person at our Nature Retreat & Holistic Academy located amongst woodlands in the foothills of the picturesque Nagle Mountains, in the North Cork hinterland, and around Ireland.

This module is also the pre-requisite to our Diplomas.

More information will be here soon, stay tuned!

To register your interest in this or any other course on this website
please send email to sharon (at) academyofsoundtherapy (dot) ie

Each 1-day module of our Diplomas is individually certified as a CPD add-on to existing qualifications, which means if you don’t wish to study to Diploma level, and you are already qualified in a related field to work with groups or individuals, you can study your choice of modules in any sequence without pre-requisites in order to gain new skills.

Schedule & Booking ..

If you don’t see any dates which suit you, please get in touch and ask about scheduling a date to suit you and/or your group!

Contact Sharon ..

The Diplomas

Core Modules:

May be studied in any sequence as you are called.

Our Diplomas are multi-dimensional which means that once the first two core modules are completed, your choice of remaining modules – depending which Diploma study path you have chosen – can be studied in any sequence.

More information will be here soon, stay tuned!

Earth Spirit Eco-Therapy Holistic Practitioner’s Diploma

This inspiring Diploma is open to those with an existing qualification in Holistic Therapies who wish to extend their client offerings with the addition of Eco-Therapy.

Commence with the following 1-day modules:

Forest Eco-Therapy Certificate with (Grá Na gCrainn Earth Spirit Forest Bathing©
iSR© Celtic Drum Sound Therapy
iSR© Integrated Yoga Nidra Meditation Certificate

Plus your choice of 1 more specialist module.

Total 4 days in person, plus online and field work.

Earth Woman Wild© Sacred Sound Facilitator’s Diploma

This inspiring Diploma is open to everyone without any pre-requisites. Commence with the following 1-day modules:

Forest Eco-Therapy Certificate with (Grá Na gCrainn Earth Spirit Forest Bathing©
iSR© Sound Bath Professional
iSR© Celtic Drum Sound Therapy
Sacred Women’s Circle with Cacao Ceremony Leader

Plus your choice of 1 more specialist module from the following:

iSR© Integrated Yoga Nidra Meditation Certificate
iSR© Gong Sound Therapy
Sacred Ceremonialist Certificate

Total 5 days in person, plus online and field work.

Forest Eco-Therapy Certificate

Celtic Drum Sound Medicine

Foundation Module

Forest Eco-Therapy Certificate

With Grá na gCrainn – Earth Spirit Forest Bathing

Grá Na gCrainn is the ancient Celtic spiritual practice of connection with nature and all living things as part of Divine creation. A spiritual connection to the Divine life force which exists inside all of us and all of nature. Grá Na gCrainn forms the foundation of our Earth Spirit Forest Bathing© course. Where we study three spiritual traditions from opposite sides of the world and compare the distinct similarities despite the geographical distance between them.

First we embark on the study of the benefits of spending time in nature on a regular basis, then we explore the worldwide forest bathing movement.

We commence with modern Japanese practice of Shin-rin-Yoku, it’s sacred origins and how forest bathing became the cornerstone of the modern eco-therapy movement worldwide.

Next we embark on the study of the practice of Grá Na gCrainn, indigenous nature connection of sacred Ireland. We discover forest wisdom from our Celtic ancestors, how to connect with the faery people, the nature spirits, and the sacred trees of our ancient Celtic forests. Discover the sacred science of our Celtic megalithic sites and marvel at the great inner wisdom of their Creators, our Celtic ancestors.

Last but not least, we embark on a journey in our mind’s eye, to the vast open plains of the Australian outback, where you will discover one of oldest known nature connection spiritual practice on the planet. From the native people of my homeland Australia, and their practice of co-existing at one with nature. Including the many reasons and benefits for doing this as part of our natural existence and daily life.

We explore the similarities and benefits of each spiritual practice as you put them into practice in your own intuitive way, developing your own instinctive nature connection, by identifying what is calling you from deep within your Divine heart & soul.

Sunday October 5th

Ballyhooly, North Co.Cork

FULLY BOOKED

Includes the history, application and practice of forest bathing from three different ancient spiritual & cultural practices from around the world.

Includes designing & developing forest activities and lesson plans, public health & safety plus more.

Career Opportunities

This inspiring 1-day CPD module is for qualified holistic facilitators, practitioners and educators already qualified to work with paying clients, (including Reiki Practitioners) who wish to incorporate eco-therapy skills into their existing practice, and may also be studied by anyone with an interest without any pre-requisites.

Those who are already qualified and working with paying clients can use this module as a CPD add-on skill to their existing qualification and integrate eco-therapy with groups and individuals right away.

Check CPD requirements with your accreditation body and insurance company, as requirements in some countries may vary.

For those without an existing qualification to work with paying clients, the additional study of our 1-day Meditation Teacher Certificate plus required field work will provide you with a qualification to work with groups and individuals, as a meditation practice for stress reduction.

Specialist Modules

This inspiring 1-day module forms part of the following Diplomas:

Wisdom of Danu Sound & Energy Healing Practitioner
Earth Woman Wild© Sacred Women’s Moon Circle Diploma
Master Practitioners Advanced Diploma of Sound Therapy (from International Academy of Sound Therapy)

Celtic Drum Sound Therapy

with Grá Na gCrainn Earth Spirit Forest Bathing©

Discover the art & science of sound therapy with sacred drum for assisting individuals and groups to reduce stress, restoring a state of balance and calm in body mind and spirit. We explore expert techniques as you put them into practice, developing your own intuitive nature connection, which calls you from deep within your Divine heart & soul.

Our special guest professional Bodhrain player will lead you through a 1 hour tutorial in celtic rhythms suitable for any type of drum.

Grá Na gCrainn is the ancient Celtic spiritual practice of connection with nature and all living things as part of Divine creation. A spiritual connection to the Divine life force which exists inside all of us and all of nature.

Included is a Grá na gCrainn – Earth Spirit Forest Bathing© and drum journey experience in our nearby Castleblagh woods.

Grá Na gCrainn is the foundation of our Earth Spirit Forest Bathing© and Eco-Therapy Diploma course.

More Information ..

This inspiring 1-day module forms part of the following Diplomas:

Wisdom of Danu Sound & Energy Healing Practitioner
Earth Woman Wild© Sacred Women’s Circle Diploma

Earth Women Wild© The Art of Sacred Earth Medicine Ceremony

Sacred Earth Medicine Ceremony Certificate
with Cacao

Discover the art of sacred plant medicine and its use in sacred ceremony.

We will focus first on the amazing nutritional benefits Cacao, this Ancient Mayan Food of the Gods

We will also explore plant medicine indigenous to our Celtic lands, including medicinal mushrooms.
(Those which are legal and available in health food shops)

With this inspiring 1-day Sacred Earth Medicine Ceremony Leader Certificate Course, we will first gather in sacred circle, then you will discover how to create & lead your own sacred cacao ceremony, which can be adapted for any sacred plant medicine of your choosing.

You will also experience different methods of preparation and serving, each method suitable for different types of events.

You will also discover where to buy some of the most nutritious Cacao on the planet, ethically sourced from some of the best South American cacao plantations, and processed to nutritional perfection under strict quality controlled environment, with love right here in Ireland.

1-day experiential training 10am to 5pm.

Limited to 8 participants. In many cultures around the world, sacred gatherings are traditionally gender-specific. We are honouring ancient traditions which means this is a womens-only event.

Some private ensuite accommodation is available in our self-catering guest house.
Campervans are welcome in our private carpark.

More Information ..

Earth Woman Wild© Sacred Women’s Moon Circle Leader

Discover how to create your own inspiring sacred womens moon circles, to inspire creativity and intuitive wisdom, just as our Ancestors did. Experience the Manifestery© method of manifestation mastery and discover how to put this into practice creating your own inspiring sacred circles.

Growing our earth woman wild community and reawakening the wisdom of the old ways.

We explore the similarities as you discover and put them into practice, developing your own intuitive nature connection, which calls you from deep within your Divine heart & soul.

More Information ..

This inspiring 1-day module forms part of our Diplomas

iSR© Integrated Yoga Nidra Professional

Discover the art of Integrated Sound Relaxation© and how to intuitively combine sound healing and Yoga Nidra to encourage deep rest & relaxation for stress reduction and self-healing.

Yoga Alliance YACEP Accredited
certified by International Academy of Sound Therapy

More Information ..

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This inspiring 1-day module forms part of the following Diplomas:

Eco-Therapy Holistic Practitioner’s Diploma
iSR© Holistic Practitioner’s Diploma
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Certified Sound Bath Professional©

Certified by International Academy of Sound Therapy, and Yoga Alliance YACEP Accredited course.

We explore the expert techniques as you put them into practice, developing your own intuitive nature connection, which calls you from deep within your Divine heart & soul.

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This inspiring 1-day module forms part of the following Diplomas:

Eco-Therapy Holistic Practitioner’s Diploma
Wisdom of Danu Sound & Energy Healing Practitioner

This inspiring 1-day module forms part of the following Diplomas:

Sacred Ceremonialist Diploma
certified by Institute of Modern Celebrancy

The Art of Sacred Ceremony
& Celebration

Discover the art of sacred ceremony, how to create ceremonies for life’s sacred moments with our inspiring The Art of Sacred Ceremony & Celebration Certificate Course featuring 2-days in person plus field work assignments to be completed at your own pace.

Our Nature Retreat & Holistic Academy

Located in the picturesque Blackwater Valley, at the foothills of the Nagle Mountains of North Co.Cork. On the outskirts of the village of Ballyhooly near Fermoy. Directly across from Ballyhooly Castle and the Blackwater River, within 100 metres of Castleblagh Woods.

With an abundance of sacred and historical sites within 10 minutes drive including: