Accessibility, Comfort, and Safety

Growing up in MN, we always joked that my mother had a coat for every 10 degrees. From -20 to 100  was a lot of coats!  

She taught me that nothing can stop you from going for a walk outside if you have the right gear.

"There's no bad weather, just inappropriate clothing," is a little incorrect, though, since we in Kansas know about hail and tornados. I'd say: "There's mostly no bad weather, just a need to prepare well, and consider how long you intend to be outside."

Some people experience the country land where we do Moonful Forest Therapy as very rustic, while others feel it's barely wild, and certainly not as wild as the mountains. 

Living in Kansas, we get all 4 seasons and are blessed with diverse experiences. They each pose some challenges for people who run hot or cold, are bug-sensitive or have other safety or comfort needs.

So to help everyone the best I can, here's some of my highlights.

Accessibility at my moonful outdoor country sessions:

1. We walk about 2-3 blocks distance, slowly, on uneven (mowed grass) earth.

2. Bathrooms: a clean wooden outhouse, woods, or indoors (not wheelchair accessible).

3. All invitations are choice- you decide what works for you and alter what doesn't.

Bug Encounters:

1. You can stay on the path or go off; on-path lowers risks of tics, pokey plants, or animals. 

2. March-Oct, I recommend shoes and pants tucked in to socks, or strong bug spray (deet or picaridin) to protect from tics.

  June-Sep, I recommend shoes and pants tucked in to socks, or strong bug spray (deet or picaridin) to protect from chiggers.

3. Natural bug sprays, stickers or bands can protect from mosquitoes and other bugs, but aren't effective enough for tics and chiggers (an exception might be Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, but it needs to contain 30 percent oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), which is more than plain, unformulated "lemon eucalyptus essential oil".)

4. Shower right when you get home. If you get a tic off before it's embedded for 24 hours, the chances of a tic-born illness are super low.

If you need, use a tic mitt. Put all your clothes in the wash.

See my video about protecting from bugs.

When it's HOT for you:

1. Wear a hat and/or sunglasses, and thin longsleeves of a light color.

2. Bring a water bottle with ice.

3. Come with wet hair (ex. don't dry after showering), or wet your neck with a bandana, as the evaporation will cool you. 

-I often offer a washcloth to wear wet around your neck to cool through evaporation.

See my video about staying cool.

When it's COLD for you: 

1. Wear layers of cotton and wool, or even snowpants (even if it's not snowing).

2. A scarf and face mask can make a big difference.

3. Pack extra warm gear. Since we are moving slow and not hiking, it will likely feel cooler than you’re used to. If it’s rainy or muddy, consider clothes and shoes/boots that can get wet. Bring a separate pair of shoes/socks for the drive home, and a plastic bag to put dirty items into for the car ride. Bring an umbrella and/or raincoat.

4. Bring a hot drink. 

-I offer a fire, hot tea, and more movement if it's really cold out. 

Be brave.

Challenge yourself to meet your comfort and safety needs, even if it's different from others in the group. I've never heard anyone in my groups judge another person's comfort choices. I highly encourage and support all self-care, and this meditative nature experience is worth it. 

Other Options, including In-town

If the country conditions aren't accessible, I DO offer in-town sessions and retreats at cozier places.

Your safety is super important. I strive to give options and leave the choices up to you. 

Nature can be incredible, if we prepare to get close. We can be very cozy if we take a moment to get ready. 

Have a unique situation or condition?

If you need to ask questions that weren't answered here, before you know if you should come to a country session or an in town session, you can email me or book a free 15 minute phone call.

See more about me on my Bio.

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© Shannon Gorres, 2026. Written by a human, not AI or chatGPT. Please contact me to request permission before sharing. I will give you permission to share sections of it when you include "by Shannon Gorres, www.DivineNatureTherapy.com"