Hello, I’m Sabrina
Welcome to my page!
I’m currently studying for a Masters in Environmental Management at the National University of Singapore.
What is one word that describes me?
I’m a multi-potentialite!
Thanks to my varied interests, I’ve dabbled in commercial property management, hospitality and tourism, photography, urban farming and forest therapy.
I’m constantly dreaming up new ideas and adding new things to my list of interests. Some say that this makes me a “jack of all trades but a master of none”, but I beg to differ! It’s just the way my brain is wired – always looking out for new & fun things to do. After all, our human lifetime is limited! This took years of soul-searching and self discovery for me to get to this point where I’m more confident of myself and not constantly trying to fit myself into what society says I should be (it’s tough and still very much a work in progress).
I thrive in the creative and imaginative realm, which means that I’m innovative in solving problems. I am also highly empathetic, allowing me to better understand my customers’ or clients’ needs.
ABOUT MY LOGO AND VALUES
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
The letter ‘S’ in my logo represents the fiddlehead of a silver fern frond. When the fern leaves first emerge, they are often tightly coiled.
The unfurling fern frond is referred to as the koru in Māori. The outer coil has a circular shape, signifying perpetual movement in the continuous cycle of life and the interconnectedness of all beings. The inner coil turning inwards, represents a return to the point of origin; reminding us of who we are (our authentic selves).
In this constant chaos of uncertainty and change in the external world, we face constant pressures that may cause us to conform and deviate from our authentic selves, leaving us in a state of conflict. Hence it is a poignant reminder for us to maintain our inner balance and harmony by taking the time to still ourselves and look inwards.
In short, the koru symbolises new life, growth, strength and peace.
This resonates strongly with my core values, reminding me to live the limited length of my human lifetime to the fullest and to consciously choose a path that is in line with my own values (not society’s)! We always have a choice.
MY SELF DISCOVERY JOURNEY
The turning point in my life was in 2017 when I embarked on a self discovery and healing journey solo travelling in New Zealand for one year. At that time, I was at a low point my life, searching for ways to heal from depression or perhaps to escape from the stressful life in Singapore. It was the best decision I have made as I’ve discovered the healing powers of Nature. You’re surrounded by loads of Nature every day in New Zealand!
This has taught me the joys as well as sorrows of living in close quarters with Nature. Mother Nature is beautiful yet fragile and dangerous if you’re not careful. Many tourists succumb to the perils of Nature
because of ignorance. Nature commands Respect and deserves our Care. In the Māori world view, this connection between humans and the natural world is expressed through Kaitiakitanga – which means guardianship and protection. I really love this word and for some reason, it has been ingrained in me ever since.
Another powerful word that I have adopted from the Māori language is Manaakitanga, which helps to guide my relationship with other beings. It means more than just hospitality as it comprises of the words ‘Mana’
and ‘Aki’. Mana refers to the power, force and authority of a person, place or object, whereas Aki means to encourage or urge on. Hence together as a word, Manaaki is saying that your hospitality is encouraging and growing the mana
of others and receiving the same from them.
Since then, I’ve sought to share my learnings with others, becoming a certified forest therapy guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy! We have guides all over the world. In our fast paced life, a guided walk in Nature provides you with a sensory and immersive experience with activities designed to help you slow down and re-connect with yourself and Nature. Doing so helps to calm your nervous system and relieve from stress, providing many health benefits in the process.
If this sounds interesting to you, feel free to connect with me and find out more!
To saunter means to walk at a slow and leisurely pace. In the Middle Ages, people would go on pilgrimage ‘To the Holy Land’ and wander through the villages. They were known as “A la sainte terre” or the saunterers.
“People ought to saunter in the mountains reverently and not hike through them!” ~ John Muir, American naturalist and the “Father of National Parks” in USA
Forest Therapy
Forest therapy originated from the Japanese practice of “Shinrin-Yoku”, which means forest bathing or 森林浴. The practice started in 1980s by scientists who studied the health benefits of nature on human health. Since then, plenty of scientific research has proven that there are positive impacts of nature-based experiences on human health and happiness.
In our fast-paced city life, forest therapy offers one a temporary respite and a safe space to slow down, reflect and reconnect with nature.
A walk with a certified Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) guide encourages one to saunter in the forest rather than hike through it.
Forest therapy guides are not therapist as they do not treat or prescribe treatments. Instead, they are trained to partner with nature by offering open, invitational, non-prescribing approach, enabling individuals to slow down and develop their own relationships with nature.
This allows one to reconnect with nature in their own ways. When one forms healthy relationships with nature, they would naturally feel drawn to protect and restore the health of our planet.
“In stillness lives wisdom.
In quiet you’ll find peace.
In solitude you’ll remember yourself.”
~ Robin Sharma
Forest therapy is a sensory and immersive experience, allowing you to slow down and reconnect with nature. Come and join me on a walk!
Blog
About my travels, musings and ideas…
