RISE by august moon rise

A practice of returning to yourself.

For more than two decades, my work in recreation therapy has been rooted in one simple truth:

the way we move through our days shapes who we become.

Not through productivity.

Not through discipline.

But through the quiet rituals that restore connection to our bodies, our senses, and the deeper layers of our lives.

august moon rise was born from this same devotion.

A belief that beauty, scent, and intention can soften the edges of a life lived too quickly —

and invite us back into presence.

RISE is the branch of AMR where ritual meets psychology.

Where oils, atmosphere, and sensory practices become companions in becoming —

not tools to fix, optimize, or perfect.

No performance.

No pressure.

Just grounded, evidence-informed ritual design for real life.

These offerings are not about changing who you are.

They are about creating small, steady moments that help you remember yourself.

A breath. A pause. A shift in the room. A return.

I believe in rituals that feel humane —

ones that honour joy, rest, resilience, and the quiet strength that grows in the in-between spaces.

Through RISE, I offer objects and practices that support clarity, calm, and inner steadiness.

Not as luxuries, but as foundations for a life lived with intention, depth, and devotion.

Thank you for being here.

I’m honoured to share this work with you.

Andrea

our anchors

  • Group of young adults relaxing on a sandy beach near the ocean, with waves in the background.

    cultivating joy

    meaning + delight

  • Hand holding a small bouquet of herbs against a white textured wall.

    vitality

    daily wellness

  • Hikers walking through a narrow canyon with water splashing underfoot.

    seasons

    nature’s rhythm

  • A breakfast spread with bowls of oatmeal topped with fruit, waffles with honey, tea or coffee in a cup, and jars of milk and honey, arranged on a marble surface with green flowers.

    nourishment

    body + spirit

  • Two friends smiling and hugging on a sunny beach.

    rest + play

    balance + creativity

  • Woman in nature with mountains in background, looking up with eyes closed and hands clasped in front of face, under a cloudy sky.

    resilience

    grounded strength

this is me

For the past 20 years, I’ve worked as a recreation therapist, wellness coach, and certified personal trainer — helping people understand a simple truth: how we spend our time shapes how we feel, who we become, and the lives we lead.

My work has always centered on the power of meaningful leisure — the kind that restores, reconnects, and reminds us of who we are outside of productivity and pressure.

RISE by August Moon Rise grew from that philosophy. What began as “Cultivating Recreation” has evolved into an approach that blends evidence-informed practice with ritual, rhythm, and intentional living.

I believe in activities that bring joy, rest, and fulfillment — not as luxuries, but as foundations for wellbeing. My goal is to offer tools, insights, and perspectives that help people step out of survival mode and back into themselves.

Whether it’s hiking a familiar trail, reading something that shifts your perspective, or simply creating space to breathe, meaningful leisure has the power to unlock clarity, calm, and personal growth.

Through my writing and future offerings, I aim to provide grounded, evidence-informed support that encourages you to rediscover what brings you alive — and to build a life that reflects it with intention.

Thank you for being here.

I’m honoured to share this work with you.

Andrea

disclaimer

The information provided through RISE by August Moon Rise — including written content, educational materials, reflections, blog posts, emails, digital offerings, or social media — is intended for general information and personal development only.

Although I bring over 20 years of experience as a mental health clinician, my profession is not a regulated health profession in Ontario. I do not provide psychotherapy, psychological services, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment through this website or any related platforms.

Nothing on this site should be interpreted as clinical guidance or a substitute for professional care. If you require medical or psychological support, please seek assistance from a licensed physician, psychologist, psychotherapist, or other regulated healthcare professional.

If you are in crisis, contact your local emergency services or crisis line immediately.

Any tools, reflections, or recommendations shared are general in nature and not tailored to any individual. No specific outcomes are guaranteed, and any examples mentioned are for illustrative purposes only.

I am committed to maintaining clear boundaries, practicing within my scope, and offering evidence-informed information with professionalism and integrity.