The Nature of Wellbeing
In this insightful and grounding session, Monica Sander Burns—founder of Society of Trees and certified Forest Therapy Guide—explores the profound connection between human health and the natural world. Drawing on decades of research and her own experience guiding immersive nature-based practices, Monica brings both science and lived wisdom to the conversation.
You’ll discover the growing body of evidence behind nature’s impact on reducing stress, regulating the nervous system, and supporting overall mental and physical health. Beyond the science, Monica invites you to consider the deeper relationship between personal wellbeing and the health of the ecosystems we’re part of.
This session also offers simple, practical ways to integrate nature into your daily life—through mindfulness, attention, and intentional connection—so you can access its benefits long after the experience ends.
Informative, inspiring, and deeply relevant, this talk is an invitation to reconnect—with nature, and with yourself.
*This event is apart of the Nourish Whistler Wellness Series taking place June 2026
Location: Blackcomb Base II
Time: June 6th: 11:00AM - 12:30PM
Speaking & Keynotes
Monica is a Forest Therapy Guide, facilitator and speaker exploring the relationship between human wellbeing and the natural world. Through engaging and thought-provoking presentations, she speaks on themes including stress and burnout, attention restoration, mindfulness, ecological connection and the impact modern environments have on our mental and emotional wellbeing.
Drawing from research, lived experience and years of guiding immersive nature-based experiences, Monica offers talks that are both grounding and deeply relevant to the challenges people face today. Her speaking style is warm, reflective and accessible — creating space for audiences to slow down, think differently and reconnect with what supports human flourishing.
Whether presenting at conferences, retreats, corporate wellbeing events or community gatherings, Monica’s talks leave audiences feeling inspired, restored and more connected to themselves, each other and the living world around them.