“Cathy Zises is dedicated to the outdoors, nature and is committed to living healthy lifestyle. Her knowledge and education is something she shares willingly and is incredibly priceless. I would highly recommend taking time to slow up and smell the roses with Cathy!”
-A.W., Licensed Social Worker, Nyack, NY
“There is nothing quite like walking silently through a forest, surrounded by the energy of others. Thank you once again.”
-J.P., South Africa
“For someone who has and continues to spend a considerable amount of time outdoors, both recreationally and for connecting with nature, the Mindful Outdoor Experience (MOE) at Zfarm is one of elevation. It effectively transports you and the group to a third level of conversation between yourself and nature. Love the magical tea leaf ceremony! I’m ready to return! “
-M.W., fundraising professional, New York
“I found Cathy to have a gentle spirit, helpful nature and a true lover of Nature. Her Kripalu yoga-inspired approach to being on a trail was a refreshing and eye-opening experience and one very different from the more traditional “point and talk” nature hikes.
Mindfulness walks are mainly done in silence after a brief introduction and stretching and breathing exercises. Everyone is asked to be present in the moment by turning off their cell phones and limiting conversation. Other senses, like smell and hearing are enhanced by this and allow the participants to focus on their perceptions of their surroundings with no distractions.
In the time that Cathy has been a Florida State Park volunteer, she has led Mindfulness walks for a variety of people. Her first was with Park Rangers, her second, with the public as a First Day Hike (1/1), and the third time was a special appreciation program for Florida State Park volunteers. Each one of these groups found their perceptions of nature enhanced and focused by Cathy’s gentle leadership.
In an increasingly distracted world, I feel that Cathy’s program is exactly what is needed to bring folks back to their centers, to focus them on the moment, and to remind them that awareness and participation in Nature is one of the best remedies for what ails your spirit.”
-Lu Dodson, Assistant Park Manager, Bill Baggs State Park, Key Biscayne, FL
“I participated in my first Winter MOE this past Saturday and it was a thoroughly pleasurable, uniquely sensory experience. I was part of a group of 10. We met our host, Cathy, at her farm in upstate New York.
After a brief introduction, warm-up and guided meditation, we ventured into the heart of Cathy’s farm, along an easy trail that she had prepared and sought out. We walked in silence, mindfully placing one foot in front of the other, listening to the crunchy sound of hardened snow under our boots. I particularly enjoyed the crisp winter air and clean and full breathing Cathy had encouraged us to practice. We stopped along the way to marvel at animal tracks and wondrous bird calls.
Deeper into the woods, we gathered around an old Hemlock for a meditation on appreciation and harvested a few of low-hanging, reachable branches. The Hemlock needles release an aromatic fragrance when rubbed vigorously. They are not poisonous either but high in tannin and vitamin C. Upon returning, we sat around an open fire pit and added our offerings (needles only!) to an enormous pot of boiling water from which we sampled Hemlock infused tea after a while.
-M.A., financial advisor, Fairfield, CT
I bid goodbye to the land and our hosts after two utterly invigorating hours spent outdoors, amazed and enchanted by this experience. Thank you, Cathy. “