Conservation Areas Help Locals Process Grief
While out wandering around in the woods with David Goudy, retired executive director of the Montshire Museum of Science, UVLT’s VP of Stewardship Jason Berard recently learned that some of UVLT’s Conservation Areas are used by a local support group that helps participants process and share grief in community while hiking. David connected Jason to Kristen Johnson, the Palliative Care Program Manager of Bereavement Programs at the Jack Byrne Center at Dartmouth Health to learn more.
Jason: “What can you tell me about how and why this hiking group was started?”
Kristen: “The Dartmouth Health Palliative Care Bereavement Hiking Group was established over three years ago with the intention of creating a support group centered on meaningful connection and grief support balanced with movement and time in the outdoors. We view grief as a natural human response to honor and share with others through compassion, kindness, and a sense of shared community. The sensory response experienced during time in the outdoors throughout all four seasons organically offers opportunity for thoughtful reflection in grief as we continue to observe the parallels of nature and grief.
Through supportive partnership complimenting my role in grief support with the expertise in outdoor education and natural science of trained community program volunteers like David Goudy and Andy Williams, I believe what we offer continues to add meaning and support to those we serve.”
Jason: “How do UVLT’s Conservation Areas help with your work?”
Kristen: “Trails like ‘My Walden’ offer a deeper layer of our shared intention. They enhance the environment and give us a place to see representations of grief from each other and experience the beauty of holding space for grief within a community. We are so very grateful for this land that is caringly maintained and thank UVLT for permanently protecting these special places for all to connect with nature through all the seasons of their lives.”
Kristen was also kind enough to share a few words from participants about how the Bereavement Hiking Group and UVLT’s conserved lands and trails have helped them process their grief.
“Our ability to access the Upper Valley Land Trust trails and scenic landscapes has been a source of comfort and healing for me. I have found solace in nature. The tranquility and beauty of these trails has provided me with a soothing experience and has allowed introspection and emotional processing.
The Land Trust has allowed me the ability to connect with my feelings and emotions in a safe and supportive environment.”
“I strongly feel time in nature is healing and I experience it (endorphins and all) after every hike we take. Our walks are a unique blend of the benefits of nature with physical exercise and support from the group and [facilitated by a leader with] background in grief counseling, none which is possible without the beautiful, almost sacred, places we walk.”
“Kristen Johnson’ s DHMC Bereavement program includes gentle hiking: It has proved essential to my management of grief. Drawing in the beauty of nature as we mourners rhythmically walk and fill our lungs with the purity, we find peace. What’s more, the woods and wildflowers don’t just stir our souls; they also move us to share our experiences, and in this way, we help one another in our grieving. Kristen’s creation of this nature-inspired form of bereavement therapy is nothing less than brilliant.”
Thank you to Kristen for her work and to the members of the Palliative Care Bereavement Hiking Group who shared their experiences with us.
