A SEASONAL SERIES OF NATURE-BASED TRAUMA-INFORMED THERAPEUTIC EXPERIENCES FOR WOMEN
We had a rich, meaningful and connecting series of experiences in 2021. This short video shows some of the highlights of the four gatherings; much appreciation to Reflection Riding for hosting us on that beautiful and peaceful land.
2021 WOMEN HEALING IN NATURE SERIES HIGHLIGHT VIDEO
2022 WOMEN HEALING IN NATURE
WEST & NORTH SHIELDS: OCT. 9: 12p-5p HARRISON BAY STATE PARK
Women Healing in Nature© is a seasonal series of nature-based experiences from a trauma-informed framework. This year we are offering an introduction to the Four Directions in preparation for our winter retreat in 2023 where we will spend the weekend going deeper within this framework.
The Medicine Wheel, sometimes known as the Sacred Hoop, has been used by generations of various Native American tribes for health and healing. It embodies the Four Directions, as well as Father Sky, Mother Earth, and Spirit Tree—all of which symbolize dimensions of health and the cycles of life.
Each of the Four Directions (East, South, West, and North) is typically represented by a distinctive color, such as black, red, yellow, and white, which for some stands for the human races. The Directions can also represent:
- Stages of life: birth, youth, adult (or elder), death
- Seasons of the year: spring, summer, winter, fall
- Aspects of life: spiritual, emotional, intellectual, physical
- Elements of nature: fire (or sun), air, water, and earth
- Animals: Eagle, Bear, Wolf, Buffalo and many others
- Ceremonial plants: tobacco, sweet grass, sage, cedar
Source: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/nativevoices/exhibition/healing-ways/medicine-ways/medicine-wheel.
WHAT WE WILL DO: We will spend the afternoon exploring the West and North shields in beautiful Harrison Bay State Park. Through structured interactive experiences, nature practices, and more you will be guided to explore how your experiences in these areas of the shield have shaped you. You will also complete a solo experience (quest) on the land ( you’ll have plenty of instructions and support).
SCHEDULE:
1145a – 1245p: arrive/lunch/create a nature journal (or continue working in the one you’ve used this year)
1p: opening council/west and north shields discussion
2p: overview of nature practices
230 – 330p: small group mindfulness nature activities (balancing of stones, leaf art, mandala creation)
330 – 4:00p: solo quest on the land
4:00p – 5:00p: closing council/debrief
WHAT TO BRING: backpack/daypack; 2 large water bottles; snack; something to sit on (a mat, etc); good walking or hiking shoes
COST: $35 per person (includes lunch, nature journal supplies) PAY VIA VENMO add “Oct Shields” in memo in Venmo (SPACE LIMITED TO 12)
NOTE: our full moon bonfire follows this afternoon experience!
LOCATION: Loop B, sites 41-43