As you set off on your path, you hear the crunch of stones under foot with each step. The crisp air, mingled with the medicinal fragrance of earth and leaves, is absorbed by your body with each inhale. The sense of breath, of heart beat, of aliveness in the body all increase as you move through this landscape. Wandering down the trail, the vista before you widens and then narrows, just as your life does. Piercing the quiet, a bird calls overhead and you turn to look. It calls again and you start to wonder about its message, for this is not a simple ordinary walk. You are walking with intention: a “day walk” on the land. Other seekers from your circle wander the land with intention as well, while your guides hold the center pole of the ceremony back at basecamp, awaiting your safe return.

You arrived at this threshold with a few vital questions that will guide you in your life’s journey. These life questions might include: What is my purpose? Shall I keep my job? Is my relationship healthy? Or, they might be more soul-based, such as: What needs to end? What needs to heal and be transformed? What tender shoot within wants to come forth? You take your time to sit, walk, notice, feel, and allow yourself to be moved by the vibrancy of the natural world all around you. And then, you return to a circle of humans to tell your story and to bear witness to theirs.

We are all part of the natural world, yet this is so easy to forget in these modern times. When we know we belong with all of life, we feel whole. We at EarthWays invite people to remember this fundamental truth by walking the land with intention, seeing ourselves more clearly through the mirror of wild nature, and sharing deeply with others about our passions, our grief, and the invitation in our heart to be cracked open by life.

All of our EarthWays offerings involve aspects of ecotherapy. These modern, earth-based healing practices have ancient roots and are found in every culture. Ecotherapy is not psychotherapy. It can be a wonderful adjunct to psychotherapy, as well as a stand-alone therapeutic modality. People who come to our programs are often longing for a more soulful, meaningful experience of being human and being connected with the natural world. Each participant is supported by our guides to remember that we are part of a larger life process wanting to unfold in each of us, personally, socially, spiritually.

Whether in small groups or one-on-one work, each participant is supported to look at the real stuff of their lives, to heal, to grow, and become more connected, inner and outer. Together we have a shared understanding that one’s pain, suffering, beauty and gifts are in direct relationship with the world, and that the gifts that emerge through healing and transformation are vitally needed for the well-being of our communities. It is our birthright and responsibility to restore our understanding of community, to deeply value the preciousness of human existence, and to cherish our interdependence with all living beings of this earth.