In the Company of Trees: Honoring our Connection to the Sacred Power, Beauty and Wisdom of Trees
RSVP to rsvp@drgreenway.org or 609-924-4646.
Andrea Fereshteh found her peace and passion in the woods near her home in Pennington, N.J. A native of the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, Andrea grew up climbing all the trees in her yard and hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway. Upon moving to New Jersey in 2011, her journeys on local trails led her to write a blog post for the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy that led to Simon & Schuster asking her to author an inspiring and poetic book about trees.
The newly published book, In the Company of Trees, comes out in mid-January. The 270-page book is full of short essays, inspirational quotes and full color photographs that can be enjoyed piece-by-piece, allowing the reader to savor the experience.
Andrea credits the lands preserved by D&R Greenway Land Trust and other local conservation groups as having inspired her writing about the ancient and enduring wisdom of trees.
“Practicing being present in nature has been a truly transformative experience for me,” Andrea says. “We are so lucky to have so many amazing preserved natural spaces in our area. They are incredible resources for experiencing firsthand the magic of nature, and I am thrilled to encourage others to get outside and take advantage of our local trails by sharing this new book.”
A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Georgetown University, Andrea writes for educational institutions, nonprofits and freelance publications. She has been practicing yoga and meditation for more than a decade and leads weekly meditation sessions in the tradition of John Main, OSB. Her interest in blending mindful and contemplative practices with nature led her into the woods of Central New Jersey where she has practiced forest bathing for the past two years. Her husband and three lively sons provide a constant source of joy and inspiration.
As the seasons change from winter to early spring, the author will lead a meditation workshop focused on trees, healing and nature. Beginning at the Johnson Education Center, participants will walk through Greenway Meadows Park, pausing to ignite the senses at different points and experience the benefits of being immersed in nature.
Join us on January 24 to hear Andrea’s magical tale and learn about the magnificent life of trees and their invaluable place in our lives. And then come for a walk in the woods – to rediscover your own connection to the world outside.
