Each November I share why I am thankful. Therefore, November is an especially fitting month for FoHVOS to name Romy Toussaint our final Force of Nature for 2019 since she inspires a sense of gratitude in everyone with whom she connects.

FoHVOS has selected many inspirational women as our Forces of Nature for how they have given back to our community and positively influenced conservation initiatives throughout the Valley. Romy has done that as well, by leading our forest bathing (nature hikes), partnering in our Global Connections work, and participating in the Mercer County Environmental Equity and Inclusiveness Partnership. However, what makes her truly special is her ability to influence others to be their best selves by using nature as her vehicle.

Full disclosure – I have not only been on our local FoHVOS hikes with Romy but I have also attended her yoga retreat in Peru. That leaves me feeling qualified to speak first-hand about her influence.

Additionally, as an accredited land trust, FoHVOS both preserves land and seeks to connect people to the lands. Romy relates to that mission and carries that desire for connection much deeper.

“I like working with FoHVOS,” shared Romy, “because their mission is very much in alignment with my mission and purpose in life which is: toempower those around me to create a complete practice of consciously leading their lives; to manage their energy and become physically strong, to connect to their minds, strengthen their spirit, and to show up as their best self. One of the ways that I do this is to take people out into nature where they can unplug, unwind, and connect to the elements which help them connect themselves.”

When we discussed hiking, she said, “I LOVE leading the FoHVOS Force of Nature (FON) Hikes because I really enjoy showing people new places.  I can’t believe how many people have never been to Baldpate Mountain and the many other preserves that are in the area. Working with FoHVOS allows me to reach more people and have more support in spreading the word to the community.”

Exposure is key, since once people visit large natural preserves, they likely return. By spreading the word, Romy pays it forward. “I am grateful to my Girl Scout leader Ann Bolick who passed recently. She played a huge role in exposing me to so much nature.”

Since we have been working on some environmental justice initiatives together, we discussed why she gotinvolved in our Mercer County diversity and environmental justice work. “I often wondered why there weren’t more people like me hiking and playing in nature. I have spent time thinking about this and researching why there are not more people of color out on the trails.  There are many reasons why it’s difficult for this segment of the population like: free time, resources, transportation, and access to open space. There are historical and cultural issues that can get in the way. I want to be involved in finding ways to make the outdoors more accessible to all beings and to help them enjoy God’s playground.”

On the importance of connecting with nature, she adds, “I am a yoga instructor and I help people release stress and transform their body and minds.  Doing yoga outdoors or just taking people for walks where they can view nature, can double the benefits and enhance wellbeing. Being in nature makes people feel better emotionally, reduces anger, fear, and stress. Every time I am out with a group, I take the opportunity to remind them of the benefits of making time for self-care. This free resource contributes so much to their physical wellbeing, by reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones. Finally, when people are challenged outdoors, they really become empowered not just physically, but mentally, and spiritually; there is nothing like climbing a challenging mountain to make us dig deep into our inner resources and realize that it’s not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.”

Romy often uses the mountain metaphor when speaking with people. She has been hiking Baldpate Mountain for about 20 years, and she has noticed positive changes since that time including many wonderful trail improvements. When her four grown sons were younger, she had a goal to take them to a different park or playground whenever they went out and play. “I love that they love the outdoors.” She has a goal to be a 46er and to hike the 46 High Peaks (+4000 feet ) of the Adirondacks NY.

Since hiking a mountain is her metaphor for encounters with life, you can always expectRomy to ask, “Have you hiked your mountain today?” By that she expectsyou can climb Mt. Fun, Mt. Laundry, Mt. Paperwork, Mt. self-doubt, Mt. Life, and ask yourself, “How much fun can I have climbing my mountain today!?!”

Romy hikes her daily mountains and inspires us to hike ours — For that we express thanks and recognize Romy Toussaint as our FoHVOS Force of Nature.