Warm thanks to Elena Pecherskaya for this painting, “Tracey teaching us yoga under the Tree of Life”.
I acknowledge with respect the Lekwungen-speaking peoples on whose traditional territory I live; and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.
ABOUT TRACEY
I went to University for a long time with the myopic vision of becoming a lawyer when I grew up. It felt all wrong. The moment I was called to the Bar, I let out a howl, turned tail, and followed a winding path that has led me to a way of being and contributing in the world that feels natural and authentic.
With an eclectic combination of Shinrin Yoku/Forest Therapy, Holistic Nutrition and wellness coaching, as well as practices of yoga including physical postures as well as breath, meditation and lifestyle observances, I’m here to support and empower you when you are ready to feel better and love yourself more.
KIND WORDS ABOUT TRACEY
“Tracey's way with this beautiful work is just so right. She is an incredibly attuned listener, in all embodied ways, and a potent guide to both inner and outer landscapes. I am not sure if there is more essential work in these times as the reanimation of direct relationships with more than human beings. Tracey has a powerful ability to bring this reverent practice to life.”
—Fiona Mayhill, Passage Guide
“If you have ever had a magical encounter with the more-than-human community of life, you may know what it feels like to have time stand still, to feel a great flow of affection for the beauty that is so freely and abundantly given, to be dazzled by a kind of reciprocity you didn’t know you were missing. These moments feel rare and fleeting. But, with a bit of focused attention, perhaps in the presence of an experienced and sensitive guide, they are available. Tracey is such a guide. This shinrin yoku practice is a kind of portal tracking; it’s a way of shifting your eyes and ears, your heart and mind, dissolving your urban armor and allowing fresh wonder for the green world to soak in. If you are ready to hear your own wisdom and gladness rise up from the earth, ask Tracey to take you on a shinrin yoku adventure.”
—J.G., Victoria, BC
“A beautiful walk. The thought and preparation that Tracey took was evident. Setting the stage by explaining some of the history and concepts behind forest bathing and the cultural significance in Japan, and then taking time to centre allowed me to enter the experience physically and symbolically. Separately focusing on each of the senses broadened my experience and appreciation of being in the forest. Putting them all together is like having the full symphony… the light and reflections and sound with the fountain on the water with the trees all around... the green curtain of the willows and reflections through the water oh and the ducks. Ending our walk with fir tea and offerings to the Moss lady was perfect. Thank you Tracey. In the future I will be much more present in my walks and treasure them as they are very special times.”
—L.C., Victoria BC
"Tracey has an in-depth knowledge of yoga poses and a knack for putting them together in fresh ways. Her wholehearted presence and zest for life makes her classes uniquely rich and joyful for me. She's a genuine gem of a human! If you're looking for a yoga class that will stretch your body and sparkle up your soul, Tracey's got you covered."
—J.G., Victoria, BC
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
SYA Certified Shinrin Yoku/Forest Therapy Guide; Board member of the Shinrin Yoku Association.
200hr RYT Tiffany Cruikshank; Yoga for Athletes Sage Rountree; Trauma Informed Yoga Outreach; Eat Breathe Thrive (preventing and helping people recover from eating disorders through yoga); Pain Care Aware (yoga for chronic pain with Lisa and Neil Pearson).
Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Canadian School of Natural Nutrition.
Growing organic food for local families with City’s Edge Farm.
Volunteer Health Coach with Self Management BC.
Bachelor of laws (LLB), University of Victoria.
Bachelor of arts, University of Alberta.
One day when you wake up, you will find that you have become a forest. You have grown roots and found strength in them that no one thought you had. You have become stronger and more beautiful, full of life giving qualities. You have learned to take all the negativity around you and turn it into oxygen for easy breathing. A host of wild creatures live inside you and you call them stories. A variety of beautiful birds rest inside your mind and you call them memories. You have become an incredible self sustaining thing of epic proportions. And you should be so proud of yourself, of how far you have come from the seeds of who you used to be.
—Nikita Gill, You Have Become a Forest
