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Debbie Thurlow-Circle Holder & Nature Bathing Guide

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Debbie Thurlow-Circle Holder & Nature Bathing Guide

Like many of us, I’ve always wanted to make a difference to people’s lives. Much as I love my boys deeply, motherhood at times was bewildering and overwhelming.

⭕️ Certified circle holder
💚Mental health first aider
🌳 Forest bathing guide+
❤️ Mother
✨Helping women in midlife to slow down, find freedom and reconnect through circle work & nature immersion ✨ I used to be a Social Worker, which was often hugely rewarding, but I became disillusioned by spending more time in front of a computer screen than with my clients. I dropped to part-time hours and studied Holistic Massage so I could help people directly. After having children I took time away from paid work to focus on them – and this is where I truly discovered the power of massage. A monthly massage treatment became the cornerstone of my self-care, once I’d convinced myself I wasn’t being selfish or overly indulgent in taking this small slice of time for myself. I have experienced first-hand the power of massage and reflexology in restoring calm and balance when life is full-on. And I believed in it so much I went back to college to learn more and train as a complementary therapist. Now I wish everyone could experience the deep care a massage or reflexology treatment offers. I think the world would be a kinder, more peaceful place if we all took this time for ourselves. I love helping other women create that small space in their lives, let themselves be cared for, for once, and leave feeling lighter, freer and more relaxed. To discuss how you can introduce more self-care and relaxation into your busy life, just contact me. All questions welcome!

13/03/2026

Today at nature writing I spent time looking down, straight ahead and up. It was a forest bathing guide’s dream exercise.

There was much to notice, Including all the tiny things that we miss when we are rushing along.

We talked about these fleeting moments of beauty that often go unnoticed and yet when we slow down they can become much needed gifts.

I haven’t been able to run any of my own circles recently so it was such a tonic to sit within a group and to be outside under the blossom.

Today has reminded me how important it is to be heard, to share and to risk being vulnerable. It all leads to connection which is so necessary in these difficult, challenging and beautiful times.

There is much wisdom from gathering and much wisdom from nature. I can’t wait to be back holding nature circle and midlife circle in the coming months.

Thanks for a wonderfully nourishing session

08/03/2026

I turned 51 a couple of weeks ago and here I am marking yet another international women’s day that feels pretty much like it did when I was 21. Except I probably had more hope and optimism back then.

Women continue to be oppressed by the systems that uphold the current patriarchal, racist and capitalist society we live in:

-women’s reproductive rights are at risk

-women are barred from education in many countries around the world

-decisions made by a handful of men continue to have catastrophic consequences for women and girls around the globe as yet another conflict begins

-women and girls are being trafficked around the world in huge numbers

-we still don’t have equal pay

-men tell us it “isn’t all men” while continuing to stand by and allow women to get attacked and killed in the street and behind closed doors by other men

-even the “good men” continue to quietly benefit from our unpaid domestic and emotional labour

All of this and more.

All of this with a strong undercurrent of advertising that tells us we can’t age, we must look a certain way and we need to buy a zillion products that will “fix us”.

I haven’t even mentioned the poor maternal health services which are particularly stacked against black women or the hate against trans women or the fact that the climate crisis is impacting women in the global south massively already.

So it doesn’t feel like a celebration right now. It feels more like a call to action. A call that is needed more than ever. We need to gather and keep showing up for each other as much we can. It’s the only way.

03/03/2026

Got the most beautiful book for my birthday.

“Loss is the tune of our age, hard to miss and hard to bear. Creatures, places and words disappear, day after day, year on year. But there has always been singing in dark times- and wonder is needed now more than ever.”

I know there is going to be magic and wisdom in this book, just like when we spend time in nature. 💚

[Extract From the lost spells by Robert Macfarlane & Jackie Morris]

01/03/2026

Before attention turns towards Spring I’m taking a moment to say thank you to the snowdrops that bravely reappear in the cold month of January to brighten our spirits and guide us through the start of the year.

They are steadfast despite the snow, frost and rain and remind us that during the darker half of the year there is always unseen growth beneath the earth waiting to push through.

These flowers are delicate yet strong and I highly recommend getting up close to them before they start to fade.

I learnt recently via that snowdrops contain an antifreeze chemistry meaning their tissues absorb heat which then softens the soil beneath.

I’ve also learnt from a friend that there are over 2,500 varieties. How amazing is that.

This year I have purposely stopped to notice the snowdrops and have enjoyed observing their shape, texture and colours.

If you haven’t had chance to go out and notice them yet maybe today is the day. And if not, I hope you can enjoy these images.

25/02/2026

A birthday in the midst of messy and challenging times. As is always the case I‘m here to share the reality of life. (If I don’t how can I expect those who work with me to.)

So here is a little glimpse into my birthday.

It hasn’t been an amazing day. It wasn’t filled to the brim with fun and friends, but it has been a day with my two complex, caring and wonderful boys. And despite it all we make a pretty good team. ❤️

The sun came out, I had lots of lovely birthday messages and nature provided some beautiful gifts too 💚

Much to be grateful for as I celebrate “another twirl around the sun” as my good friend would say.

Images
1. homemade GF birthday cake
2. kitchen chaos in my pj’s
3. first of the daffodils in museum gardens
4.. neighbourhood flowers
5. garden shadows
6. hand drawn card from my eldest

24/02/2026

Sometimes the simple things are all we have. And how lucky we are to have them.

Reflections and colours and noticing the tiny gifts on my walk today.

13/02/2026

There has been a lot of rain here in York over the past few weeks. A lot.

Despite another wet day I went out for some fresh air and noticed raindrops hanging off the plants and trees like tiny baubles.

There are lots of ways the rain can help you to tune into your senses and experience a mindful moment in nature. Here are a few ideas:

-observe rain drops on petals, leaves or branches and notice the shape, size or colour.

-feel the rain on your hand or face and notice the temperature or rhythm.

-listen to the rain falling on different surfaces and notice how it sounds or whether there is a pattern to it.

-smell the fresher air that often comes after a rain shower or notice stronger aromas coming from the earth or soil.

Have you tried any of these? Maybe you could pick one to focus on next time you’re out in the rain.

And if you’re interested in spending guided, mindful time in nature keep an eye out for the return of my forest bathing sessions and nature circle.

10/02/2026

One of the reasons I set up midlife circle was because I wanted the unseen to be seen and the unspoken to be spoken.

I wanted to create a space where judgments and expectations could be challenged, dropped and replaced. I wanted people to feel fully seen without advice or answers being offered.

There is something truly powerful about having our stories witnessed. To be seen and heard is a human need. It helps us to feel supported, understood, safer and less alone,

At the moment I’m spending a lot of my time in ways that are unseen (even more so than my usual levels of parenting) and it is challenging and frustrating and absolutely crucial.

Whilst it isn’t my story to tell I’m holding space in a different way right now and I’m recognising how many people are doing the same behind the scenes.

So I don’t have any lovely photos of recent midlife or nature circles to show you, instead I’m sharing some of the places I’ve been holding space in recently.

I very much hope to be back holding my regular circles next month.

In the meantime I will keep posting about nature and connection to remind you of the benefits of both and to prompt you to keep noticing the small things.

09/02/2026

February always feels like a liminal month. Many of us are wishing winter away and longing for spring to arrive.

Out in nature it’s a time of decay and new life. Blackened leaves, dried out grasses and empty seed heads sit side by side with vibrant green shoots, brave snowdrops and bright anemones.

I see it as a reminder that life can’t be neatly arranged. Often a new phase starts before the old one ends. Transitions overlap. And no matter how much we want an outer or inner season to be over we have to be patient.

If the greyness is getting your down, try noticing the colours that are showing up a little stronger each day.

01/02/2026

I always feel a spark of joy when I see the first snowdrops appear. They remind me that the days are getting lighter and longer.

These clusters of snowdrops seem to take strength from each other as they huddle together for protection against the wind, rain, snow and frost that winter may still send our way.

The wheel of the year is slowly turning again and if you look closely you’ll see the first gentle stirrings from below ground.

Maybe we can take a lesson from the snowdrops as they brave the cold and stand strong. If ever there was a time for courage it’s now.

Happy Imbolc if you’re celebrating today 💚

28/01/2026

Despite the cold, damp and grey afternoon there was much to see in the woods today. It felt like a series of messages had been laid out for me.

Inner and outer worlds feel full of uncertainty and turmoil at the moment. It is hard not to question what the hell are we doing. Despair is on the tip of my tongue and yet I keep hoping for things to be different out there.

Today the absolute joy of breathing in woodland air and looking at lichen, pine cones and leaves helped to soften the noise and was a much needed antidote to the trap of doom scrolling.

This world is scary and beautiful right now. I’m trying to tend to what I can change and hold space for what I can’t.

Remember to keep noticing the small things. And remember we only have each other. Show up how and when you can. It will make a difference.

Address

York

Opening Hours

Tuesday	10am - 4pm
Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm
Saturday	2pm - 6pm

Telephone

+447767142401

Website

http://www.debbiethurlow.com/

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Self-care made simple

I’m Debbie and I am a qualified Complementary Therapist. I offer Reflexology, Holistic Massage and Aromatherapy Massage to women. Like many of us, I’ve always wanted to make a difference to people’s lives. I used to be a Social Worker, which was often hugely rewarding, but I became disillusioned by spending more time in front of a computer screen than with my clients. I dropped to part-time hours and studied Holistic Massage, seeing this as a new way to help people.

After having children I took time away from paid work to focus on them- and this is where I truly discovered the power of massage. Much as I love my boys deeply, motherhood at times was bewildering and overwhelming. A monthly massage treatment became the cornerstone of my self-care, once I’d convinced myself I wasn’t being selfish or overly indulgent in taking this small slice of time for myself.

I have experienced first-hand the power of massage and reflexology in restoring calm and balance when life is full-on. And I believed in it so much I went back to college to learn more and train as a complementary therapist.

Now I wish everyone could experience the deep care a massage or reflexology treatment offers. I think the world would be a kinder, more peaceful place if we all took this time for ourselves. I love helping other women create that small space in their lives, let themselves be cared for, for once, and leave feeling lighter, freer and more relaxed.