Highlights from Haiku Workshop at the Escondido Library

Susan J. Farese of SJF Communications taught her 2 hour “Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku” workshop at the Escondido Library on February 27, 2025. Many thanks to Principal Librarian, Adult Services Azar Katouzian for hosting/coordinating the workshop and for her photos.

Thanks as always to all of the participants for attending, interacting and sharing their work!

Left to right:
Debbie, Jessica, Susan, Debi, Pamela, Rudy and Oliver
Photos by Azar Katouzian; Collage by SJF Communications

We began with an interactive fun ice breaker – getting to know each other.

After introductions and a review of her published work, Susan taught her Power Point presentation about writing Haiku and shared her nature photography as prompts to encourage Haiku writing. We all practiced writing Haiku and had the opportunity to share our work. As always, it was a great discussion and we equally had so much to say about the creative process and the parallels with Haiku poetry and visual arts.

Enjoy these Haiku from Susan’s nature photography prompts….

“Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku” Workshop

Escondido Library 2/27/2025

Sunset Cliffs – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Little waves be small

but will always strike truly

As us humans be

by Oliver (age 9)!

~

Mist above white waves

Rumbling sea below the rocks

People, perched above!

by Susan


Hummingbird – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Little hummingbird

Will fly faster peacefully

When the flowers bloom.

by Oliver

~

Master of the flight

Protective of its life space

Drinker of nectar

by Debi


Rocks at Torrey Pines State Beach- Photo by Susan J. Farese

Small pebbles might fall

still they keep their own balance

And strong in sunlight.

by Oliver


Sunset – Photo by Susan J. Farese

The blood-red night sky

Conjured from the depths of hell

Message from Hades

by Debi


Moon Rise and Yellow Traffic Light – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Captured by the Moon

Saw the signal to slow down

Thank you, universe

by Pamela


Carlsbad Flower Field – Photo by Susan J. Farese

I can find comfort

In a crowd of wild flowers

But not with people

by Pamela

~

Beautiful flowers

Delicate, colored petals

Waving in the breeze

by Debbie


Julian Leaves – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Crispy, rustling leaves

A potpourri of colors

Waiting for a rake

by Debbie


Great White Egret at Santee Lakes- Photo by Susan J. Farese

Susan (great white egret)

Ivory plunge

Contemplating the nest step

Great white egret soars!


Jacaranda Tree- Photo by Susan J. Farese

Jacaranda trees

Bloom but once annually

Purple hues unite!

by Susan


More Haiku Inspired by the workshop

My hesitant breath

Fear, my mountain Everest

Eyes open I jump.

by Rudy

~

Ruffles, the dog

Morning you are there

Hungry you seek attention

Soft coat ruffles hand.

by Rudy

~

Colors red and blue

Visit me and leave fast

Dreams of flying now.

by Rudy


Heavy

Blanket of darkness

Feels like a heavy blanket

Covering my soul

by Debi

~

Broken

Pieces of my heart

Shattering to the cruel Earth

I lie here, broken.

by Debi

~

Soaring, easy flight

Masters of the ancient sky

Behold, my dragon

by Debi


Writing in silence

Hum of imagination

Words vibrate inside

by Pamela


It’s 80 degrees

Doesn’t feel like wintertime

in Escondido

by Debbie

~

Pickle Ball has rules

Don’t volley in the kitchen

Or you’ll lose the point

by Debbie

~

Montessori School

Wonderful community

Of special people

by Debbie


Waikoloa

Warm sun, gently breaking waves

Me, fully relaxed

by Jessica

~

Sea turtle swimming

In the warm afternoon sun

So oblivious

by Jessica

~

With snorkel and mask

Sea turtles and rainbow fish

Such a sparkling world

by Jessica


For more information or to book a workshop (Individual or Group) with Susan:
Information LINK: https://sjfcommunications.com/haiku-workshops/
Or, Email info@sjfcommunications.com or sjfcommunications@gmail.com.

Creativity Blossomed at Haiku Workshop at the Potrero Library

Susan J. Farese of SJF Communications taught her 2 hour “Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku” workshop at the Escondido Library on November 2, 2024. 

Many thanks to Branch Manager Berlyne Arteaga for hosting/coordinating the November 2, 2024 workshop and for her photos of the group.

Thanks as always to all of the participants for attending, interacting and sharing their work!

Left to right:
Phyllis, Susan, Lollie, Jan and June

Photos by Berlyne Arteaga and Susan J. Farese;
Collage by SJF Communications

We began with an interactive fun ice breaker – getting to know each other.

After introductions and a review of her published work, Susan taught her Power Point presentation about writing Haiku and shared her nature photography as prompts to encourage Haiku writing. We all practiced writing Haiku and had the opportunity to share our work. As always, it was a great discussion and we equally had so much to say about the creative process and the parallels with Haiku poetry and visual arts.

Enjoy these Haiku from our Workshop….

“Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku” Workshop

Potrero Library 11/2/2024~

Hummingbird – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Jet roars past my nose

Wings blurring beyond man’s sight

Hummingbird visit

by Jan


Carlsbad Flower Fields – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Rainbow colors bloom

Mother Earth’s message to all

Spring is here again

by Jan


Coyote Chorus

Many voices sing off-key

Winters chill soft breath

~

Morning light fades dark

Cocooned warmth – feel hot breath

Open eyes – dog nose!

~

Innocence tumbles

Heart bleeds love lost in one blow

Domestic Abuse

by Jan


Winter

The coldest season

Animals hibernating

Snow on mountain tops

by June


People

People are funny

People run, walk, laugh, cry, talk

Also fat, skinny

by Phyllis


For more information or to book a workshop (Individual or Group) with Susan:
Information LINK: https://sjfcommunications.com/haiku-workshops/
Or, Email info@sjfcommunications.com or sjfcommunications@gmail.com.

Healing Through Art: A Guide for Caregivers and Patients

By Guest Blogger, Alyssa Blake, BSN, RN
(with Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN)

Celebrating Nurse’s Week (May 6-12, 2024)!

“Grandma’s Camp” by Alyssa Blake, BSN, RN

“Celebrating Nurse’s Week

Many thanks to Alyssa Blake, BSN, RN for writing this guest blog!

In a world of advancing technology and pharmaceutical breakthroughs, we often focus on the latest and greatest drugs to treat patients.

Yet, something as simple as incorporating creativity into patient care may speed recovery and improve quality of life. Not only that, it may help address caregiver burnout.

In this blog post, we review the healing benefits of art for caregivers and patients and how to integrate it into patient care.

How does art help with healing?

Since the 1960s, different forms of art such as music, visual media, writing, and even dancing have been used to help patients. In fact, the concept of using art for healing forms the basis of art therapy—a treatment in which mental health professionals use visual art to help patients process distressing events.

Besides helping with mental health issues, common illnesses art can treat include:

  • Dementia/Alzheimer’s
  • Stroke
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Chronic Pain
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Cancers
  • Obesity

This list is by no means exhaustive as art is versatile and can be used with all kinds of patients.

Although we haven’t yet determined the specific impacts on diseases, research suggests that art may:

Through the act of creating art, people may better understand their illnesses. Further, it may help manage difficult emotions which could explain these health benefits.

Even patients who aren’t creating art seem to experience benefits from exposure. For instance, one study found that people felt greater calmness and tranquility after viewing nature-inspired displays. Moreover, patients reading poetry reported an increased sense of well-being and connection to spirituality.

“Buddy in the Leaves” by Alyssa Blake

We need to do more research to better understand this phenomenon. But, given what we do know, it’s safe to say the arts influence our physical and mental health and can be a great way to advance wellness.

How to Combine Art and Medicine in Patient Care

Integrating art into patient care sounds great, but how do we do it? One need look no further than Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory.

Known as the matriarch of modern nursing, Florence revolutionized more than sanitation practices with her ideas. In her famous “Notes on Nursing: What it is, What it is Not,” she explains the influence of the environment on our health. Specifically, she highlights the impact of air, water, light, cleanliness, and drainage on our well-being.

After reading these inspiring words, many focus on improving air and water quality to promote health. However, we may also interpret these readings in the context of creative art and wellness. Indeed, in her writings, Florence mentions the impact of “beautiful objects,” and “brilliance of color” on patients’ recovery (Nightingale, 1860). She then discusses the need to include artwork in patient rooms and the importance of hobbies to foster well-being.

Keeping this guidance in mind, strategies healthcare centers may employ to combine art and medicine include:

  • Placing visual art and plants in rooms and common areas
  • Facilitating drawing, craft-making, writing, or music sessions.
  • Giving art supplies, coloring books, and journals to allow independent art creation
  • Encouraging appreciation through art interpretation exercises
“Golden Hour” by Alyssa Blake

As a nurse and caregiver to my chronically ill father, I have witnessed the success of these techniques firsthand.

Working during a pandemic and supporting my father these last few years, I encountered many challenges. There were even several instances in which my father passed away and was brought back to life again

Throughout this hardship, what truly helped my father recover and prevented my family from falling apart was art. During his 6-month hospital stay, I made it a point to paint cherished scenes from snapshots of his beloved garden to portraits of our pets. I then hung these pictures in his hospital room. These artworks served not only as reminders of his favorite memories but also as motivators that encouraged him up until his discharge.

Besides making visual art during this trying time, I wrote poetry to express what I could not with ordinary words. Through this practice, I released pent-up negative emotions to manage stress and clear the way for hope to blossom.

Inspired by this experience, I began my own art business Smile Canvas Creations to help others with art, like I did for my family. I also embarked on a campaign to share knowledge about art’s healing power, which has brought me here today.

Now that I have reviewed the health benefits of art and how to include it in patient care, there remains one last topic to discuss—how to address caregiver burnout with art.

Addressing Caregiver Burnout with Art

Since the pandemic began, there has been a mass exodus of healthcare workers from the field with many citing burnout in their decision to leave.

Factors that may contribute to this state include:

  • Understaffing
  • Long work hours
  • Lack of resources and support
  • Second-hand trauma from caring for patients
  • Lack of self-care

Besides increasing turnover, this emotional fatigue may increase medical errors and lead to poor health outcomes for patients and caregivers alike.

Health Issues Burnout May Cause include:

  • Mental health problems
  • Obesity and weight gain
  • Chronic illnesses including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer
  • Immune system dysfunction

This phenomenon isn’t exclusive to just formal caregiving, though. Family caregivers face the same risk of burnout trying to meet the daily needs of sick loved ones.

Similar to patients, creative outlets can manage stress in these environments and improve all caregivers’ health.

In healthcare settings, administrators could implement training or continuing education classes that focus on creativity, for example. These classes might include drawing, music, or creative writing like haiku workshops. Alternatively, managers could install coloring posters in break rooms and organize “Paint and Sip Nights,” for coworkers to paint and socialize.

Nature photography and Haiku by Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN

Educators may also use these strategies to prepare students entering the field. For instance, one nursing program included a one-hour class inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi in their curriculum. This involved students repairing broken pottery with golden lacquer and self-reflection. After the exercise, students reported a greater sense of connection with others and appreciation of their work.

Although family caregivers may not have access to formal support like those mentioned above, they can find similar opportunities by joining support groups that host these activities.

Nature photography by Susan J. Farese

In brief, these creative activities allow caregivers to cathartically release negative emotions and improve their health. Likewise, incorporating art in patient care aids patients’ recovery.

What will you create now that you know about art’s extraordinary impacts on wellness?

Finally – Please stay tuned during the first week in May, 2024 for our Nursing and the Arts Podcast, where we will post an interview Alyssa Blake, BSN, RN in conversation with Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN!

Questions?: Email Susan at info@sjfcommunications.com


References

American Art Therapy Association. (2022). What is art therapy? Fact sheet. Retrieved April 21, 2024, from https://arttherapy.org/what-is-art-therapy/

Caregiver stress: The impact on physical health. (2022, October 7). Retrieved April 21, 2024, from https://www.ncoa.org/article/caregiver-stress-the-impact-on-physical-health

Farese, S. (2021, 1993). Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring. SJF Communications.

Gonzalo, A. (2023, July 2). Florence Nightingale: Environmental theory. Retrieved April 21, 2024, from https://nurseslabs.com/florence-nightingales-environmental-theory/

Kim, K. S., & Lor, M. (2022). Art making as a health intervention: Concept analysis and implications for nursing interventions. ANS. Advances in nursing science, 45(2), 155–169. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9064896/

Kwok, I., Keyssar, J. R., Spitzer, L., Kojimoto, G., Hauser, J., Ritchie, C. S., & Rabow, M. (2022). Poetry as a healing modality in medicine: Current state and common structures for implementation and research. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 64(2), e91–e100. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35584740/

Lankston, L., Cusack, P., Fremantle, C., & Isles, C. (2010). Visual art in hospitals: case studies and review of the evidence. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 103(12), 490–499. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2996524/

Levins, H. (2023, July 27). High rates of clinical burnout and patient safety issues at even the best hospitals. Retrieved April 21, 2024, from https://ldi.upenn.edu/our-work/research-updates/high-rates-of-clinical-burnout-and-patient-safety-issues-at-even-the-best-hospitals/

Martin, B., Kaminski-Ozturk, N., O’Hara, C., & Smiley, R. (2023). Examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on burnout and stress among U.S. nurses. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 14(1), 4–12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10074070/

Nightingale, F. (1860). Notes on nursing: What it is, and what it is not. D. Appleton and Company.

Ruth-Sahd, L. A., & Deibler, A. (2024). Kintsugi: Fosters student nurse externs’ and new nurse residents’ sense of respect, resilience, and rebuilding post pandemic. Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing: DCCN, 43(1), 36–39. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38059711/

Spencer-Thomas, S. (Executive Producer). (2022, February 8). Poetry as an antidote to burnout – A nurse’s perspective on healing practices: Interview with Susan Farese [Audio podcast]. Hope Illuminated. https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast/105

Stuckey, H.L., & Nobel, J. (2010). The connection between art, healing, and public health: A review of current literature. American Journal of Public Health, 100, 254-263. https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.2008.156497

Wolanskyj-Spinner, A.P. (2018). Visual art intervention reduces pain and anxiety, improves mood among individuals with blood cancers. Healio. https://www.healio.com/news/hematology-oncology/20181218/visual-art-intervention-reduces-pain-and-anxiety-improves-mood-among-individuals-with-blood-cancers


More References and links!

Savvy Nurse Writer: https://savvynursewriter.com/ (Janine Kelbach’s writing business for other nurses) 

Nursing in the Arts -Facebook Group Page:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/nursingandthearts

Alyssa Blake’s Websites and Socials

Alyssa Blake’s Writing Business: Rethink Wellness RN https://www.rethinkwellnessrn.com/  

Alyssa Blake’s Art Business- Smile Canvas Creations – email contact: smilecanvascreations@gmail.com Website: https://rethinkwellnessrn.wixsite.com/smilecanvascreations

Instagram Page https://www.instagram.com/smilecanvascreations

Facebook Page “Smile Canvas Creations” 

Linkedin- www.linkedin.com/in/rethinkwellnessrn-alyssa-blake

Susan J. Farese’s (SJF Communications) Websites and Socials

Susan J. Farese’s SJF Communications Website: https://sjfcommunications.com

Linktree: https://www.linktree.com/Sjfcommo/

Instagram Page https://www.instagram.com/sjfcommo

Facebook Page  https://www.facebook.com/sjfcommunications/

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanjfarese/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sjfcommo2023/

X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/sjfcommo


Creative Collection from Recent SJF Communications Haiku Workshops!

The following are Haiku poems from my recent workshops in Lakeside and Casa de Oro, CA. It’s always so rewarding for me to see how creativity develops with attendees! Sometimes, my nature photography prompts (or attendee’s photos) will encourage and spark writing about the actual photos seen, sometimes, a creative spark ignites and words appear that bring the past to light!

Enjoy these Haiku….

A yellow moonrise

Will it being mischief or peace?

We shall wait and see

-Anonymous attendee at library


RESCUE ME

How miraculous

A sister! A family!

Light in the darkness

-Attendee who discovered she had a half-sister a few years ago….

after losing both of her parents.

~

Thirty-four years gone

It is still hard to believe

I live, love, for you.

-Attendee about the loss of her parent


Incessant drumming

Wet Earth, muddy paws, messy

Where are you sunshine?

Attendee who wrote this reflecting on the noisy (and seemingly endless) rain…


GRATEFUL

Phenomenal me

I have crawled through broken

To a life I love

~

34 years gone

It is still hard to believe

I live, love, for you.

Attendee wrote about resilience and loss…


FLOWERS

Birds of paradise

Colorful, feathery plumes

Gently swaying  tall

-Attendee writing about a favorite flower, at library workshop


Once an awesome Miss

Succumbs to the elements

And passes away…

Time’s a miracle

That so loses its intrigue

The longer it goes.

Was it what you thought?

Are the gates really pearly?

Or was it a myth?

Did you get to hear

the celestial choir hymns?

Was it what you dreamed?

Are you joining in?

Do you feel at home there yet?

Do you know you are gone?

Did you meet Danny?

Is he who you thought he’d be?

Was he grown or not?

Was he as happy

To finally meet Mommy?

He waited so long.

Did you see Jesus?

Was he what you thought he’d be?

Did he know your name?

-Attendee writing about recent loss of her Mother


CEDAR WAXWINGS

This fluttering flock

All swooping down together

Perching on branches

Softly twittering

With jaunty crested heads and

Pale yellow bellies

Searching for berries

AS bright as their red-tipped wings

So hungry in Spring.

Their grumpy faces

Wearing black masquerade masks

Always make me smile

Attendee that enjoys birdwatching and is especially is intrigued by Cedar Waxwings!

~

HARPER

Leash Manners – take 2

An all-breed puppy

Soft white fur, muscle and bone

Perpetual smile

She’s ready to play

Joyful and exuberant

Yet happy to work

Busy all the time

She zooms through the garden to

Hunt, chase, dig and bark

I call her to me

She quivers with excitement

To practice our tricks

Looping around me

Weaving with agility

Through my walking legs

When we are both tired

We will snuggle together

Relaxed on the couch.

Attendee who write about her dog Harper!


CAREGIVING

I care, I love, who?

Never in my wildest dreams

My care for elders!

Truly I did so

Wholeheartedly giving all

Nothing left for myself

Now injured, who cares?

Overwhelming pain, depressed

Love, care for ME first!

Tender loving care

Memories of Mom and Dad

Worthiness of life!

Attendee reflecting on the toll and satisfaction that caregiving had for her…

Interview: Nature Unplugged Owners Sebastian Slovin & Sonya Mohamed

By

Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

When was the last time that you ‘unplugged’ from your devices and appreciated or partook in ‘nature’?

If your answer was today, this week, recently etc. – No worries…but if there’s a gap…there’s definitely hope!

In this interview, you will ‘virtually’ meet SJF Communications’ clients Sebastian Slovin and Sonya Mohamed, Owners of Nature Unplugged in Encinitas, California. We spent some great quality time ‘unplugging’ outdoors together at the beautiful San Dieguito County Park in Rancho Santa Fe for this fun photo shoot, inspiring conversation and of course, connecting with nature!

And now…without further ado..please sit back, relax and enjoy our SJF Communications interview with Sebastian and Sonya, owners of  Nature Unplugged!

Sonya Mohamed and Sebastian Slovin,
Nature Unplugged

SJF: Welcome Sebastian and Sonya! So nice to chat with you both today. What compelled to create Nature Unplugged together?

Sebastian:  The origin of Nature Unplugged began about 10 years ago, when I started by providing unique outdoor experiences around San Diego. The aim was to get people off of their devices and out into nature by combining movement and mindfulness practices. I offered a variety of outdoor experiences – such as guided hikes, outdoor yoga, surfing, stand up paddling, and snorkeling – based on my  expertise and background as a professional bodyboarder (boogieboarder), yoga instructor and nature enthusiast. My time in the ocean and on the mat inspired the services/experiences that Nature Unplugged provided.

A few years later, I met Sonya. While I grew up exploring the beaches and waves of Southern California, Sonya adventured in the woods of Valley Forge National Park near her home outside of Philadelphia. It wasn’t long before we started to explore ways to combine our individual skills and passions and share them with the world. We were fortunate to enroll in the MA of Leadership Studies program at the University of San Diego. It was there that our vision for Nature Unplugged really came together.

While at USD, we began to create curriculum specifically designed to help people cultivate wellness through healthy relationships with technology and a deeper connection to nature. Our focus right now is creating momentum for this movement. We offer workshops, speaking engagements/presentations, and one-on-one coaching. Our vision is to create conscious individuals and thriving communities through healthy relationships with nature and technology.

SJF: That’s awesome! What a way for each of you to live your purpose! Sonya, please describe 3 types/groups of people that would be ideal Nature Unplugged clients

Sonya: Sure, we work with several categories:

New Professionals/Millennials

  • We work with new professionals and millennials who are seeking work-life balance and want to prevent or manage burnout.  This group often works in jobs where tech/screen times are heavy and finding balance is critical for their success in work and happiness beyond their professional roles.

Parents, Caretakers and Educators

  • We work with parents, caretakers and educators who are raising and developing young people in this digital age. We offer plans/tools/tips on how to teach healthy boundaries with technology and how to reconnect youth to the outdoors and nature.

Students

  • We work with adolescents (middle school/high school) who may have an imbalance with their tech use/screen time. This could be due to gaming/social media/etc.   

Sonya Mohamed and Sebastian Slovin, Nature Unplugged

SJF:  What motivates you as entrepreneurs?

Sebastian and Sonya: We are both highly creative and are energized by the process of starting something new. We feel uniquely equipped – with our personal, professional and educational backgrounds – to create and share tools and resources that can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and communities.

SJF: Any roadblocks or challenges with Nature Unplugged along the way? Any challenges working together as partners/spouses?

Sebastian: While we’ve had some wonderful successes over the years and built great connections with individuals and communities, we’ve also had some challenges along the way. We work with people of all ages, though our formative work was primarily with adolescents ages 12-17. Often we would connect with parents who were very eager and committed to helping their children become less attached to/dependent on their smartphones, video games, or other devices. As you can imagine, that’s not the same mindset and eagerness the youngsters met us with.

As for working together as partners/spouses, there are sometimes added challenges and conflict with our dual roles. It can be hard to separate our personal and professional boundaries. Purely from a business partner standpoint, we are also quite different people. Sebastian is fueled by the larger abstract thinking and brainstorming where Sonya has more of a task and process orientation. Most often this is a useful balance that produces both the innovative ideas and the ability to implement them and bring them to life. It can also lead to misunderstandings and frustrations, as there’s a natural tension between the two.  

That being said, we are grateful and feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn a lot about work and leadership dynamics through our MA in Leadership Studies program. We’ve learned (and continue to learn) how we work best individually and as partners. With styles and approaches that are very different, we have learned how to capitalize on our strengths and manage our tension points. The awareness and attention to those differences make for a great partnership.

SJF: Thank you for that incredibly astute explanation! Despite potential challenges you two work very well together!

SJF: How would you talk about Nature Unplugged to your 13 year old self(selves)

Sebastian: Great question! I’d say: “ You know 13 year old Sebastian, when I look back on my my life, do you know what stands out? It’s the relationships I’ve had, the face to face time, and the adventures of mixing it up out in the ocean and in nature. Your time is precious. Do what makes you feel alive”!

Sonya: I would say: “Never lose sight of your wild self. Run a muck outside as often as you can for as long as you can. Find some friends, get out into nature, explore and goof around. Play is not something reserved for children! You’re going to face a lot of pressure to conform and to take yourself more seriously. Stability is valuable, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of your happiness. Get in touch with what you want and don’t be afraid to go for it. It will be tempting to fill all your free time with tasks, and TV shows, and social media. Be careful there, you won’t be happier for it.

SJF:  Why should we unplug?

Sebastian: Simply put: it feels better when we do. There is a growing body of research supporting the benefits – mentally, emotionally and physically – of getting off our devices and outside.

 

Sonya Mohamed and Sebastian Slovin Nature Unplugged

SJF: Pricing points?

Sebastian: For more information about Nature Unplugged presentations, workshops and coaching plans and pricing email: sebastian@natureunplugged.com or call: 858-775-6486

SJF: What is your Motto/Tagline and how it evolved for Nature Unplugged? 

Sebastian: Our mission/motto: Cultivating consciousness in the digital age

SJF: Describe your awesome, simplistic (yet extremely effective) Nature Unplugged Logo Design

Sonya: I designed and created the logo, using the ‘N’ from Nature and ‘U’ from Unplugged to create something beautiful and relevant to our work.

SJF: Who are Role Models in the entrepreneurial, fitness, academic etc world for you both?

  • Terri Monroe
  • Zachary Green
  • Brene Brown
  • Fred Kaufman
  • Jack Kornfield
  • Michael Phelps
  • Jon Kabat Zinn
  • Byron Katie
  • Michael Gervais
  • Jim Carrey
  • Paulo Coelho
  • Thich Nhatt Hanh
  • Jose Stevens
  • David Whyte
  • Dr. Seuss

SJF:  Wow, such a great list. We’ll need to follow up and see any connections that might ensue! If you had to do it over again, (starting a business)….

Sebastian: We would have done it sooner! It’s scary (we still feel that fear a bit) and it’s taken us some time to lean into the discomfort and just go for it.

SJF: But…if you didn’t ‘go for it’ we wouldn’t be working together! So glad you leaned in!

SJF: Describe a workshop/presentation for Nature Unplugged

Sebastian and Sonya:

TITLE: “Nature Unplugged: How to Cultivate Consciousness in the Digital Age”

Presentation:

This interactive and dynamic presentation is all about the what and the why. What are we filling our time with and why? The focus is on why balance between time we spend/spent with technology and out in nature is important, and then practically speaking, how to find balance when we’re constantly being pulled and lured into imbalance. We explore the latest research on increased tech use and the benefits of nature, sharing our own personal stories in search of balance. Also included are tools and practices offered as takeaways to inspire attendees to take action and create meaningful change in their daily lives.

SJF: How much time are the presentations?

Sebastian and Sonya:

Typically 1 hour but can range 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.

SJF: Where do you teach/provide the presentations?

Sebastian and Sonya:

We’ve presented in a wide variety of locations such as: schools (5th – 12th grade), universities, and businesses.

SJF: How about the Workshops:

Sebastian and Sonya:

Workshops are highly interactive and are a combination of content, small group work, and personal reflection and practice. More than simply delivering information, we provide opportunities for reflection, guide practices and offer tools to make immediate and impactful change.

SJF: How much time is spent in your workshops?

Sebastian and Sonya:

We offer half-day (4 hour) and full-day (8 hour) workshops.

SJF: Where do you teach/provide the presentations?

Sebastian and Sonya:

We hold workshops on site at schools (5th – 12th grade), universities, and businesses. Workshops out in nature (parks, reserves, etc.) are also available.

SJF: What are some of your Workshop Learning Outcomes?

Sebastian and Sonya:

  • Discover (or rediscover) the beauty and benefits of nature
  • Regain control of the tech/media in your life by setting healthy boundaries
  • Live more intentionally by developing or deepening your mindfulness practice
  • Reclaim a spirit of playfulness and reinsert free time into your day
  • Try new things, learn to lean into discomfort and push the edges of your comfort zone
  • Understand your values, how they inform your behaviors and attitudes, and learn how to align your goals to them
  • Build capacity for self-reflection and self-awareness

SJF: Anything else you’d like to mention? 

Sebastian and Sonya: Thanks so much for your time Susan and SJF Communications. We really appreciate it. The only thing we’d like to share with your readers is:

“We’d love to hear from you and continue the conversation. What obstacles are you facing? What do you want to know more about? What about Nature Unplugged resonates with you? Don’t hesitate to reach out!”

SJF: Please let us know how to find Nature Unplugged 

Sebastian and Sonya:

Nature Unplugged Website: https://www.natureunplugged.com

Email: Sebastian@natureunplugged.com and Sonya@natureunplugged.com

Short Video: https://vimeo.com/204711401

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatureUnplugged/

Instagram: @natureunplugged

and

https://www.instagram.com/natureunplugged/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/natureunplugged

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nature-unplugged/

Books by Sebastian Slovin:

The Adventures of Enu: https://amzn.to/2je98Bi

Ashes in the Ocean: https://amzn.to/2q4F0LC

SJF: Many thanks, Sebastian and Sonya –  for sharing your purpose, goals, story and information about Nature Unplugged!

Here’s a little recap video of our time together with mindset, mindfulness and movement in mind!

Thanks for stopping by!

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