Relational Rewilding is founded on the ancient knowledge and current evidence that regular participation in traditional, nature-based activities such as...
Foraging and plant identification
Herbalism
Awareness & Survival
Animal tracking
Listening to the language of the birds
Nature Therapy
...improves cognitive functioning, emotional resilience, critical thinking, self and other awareness, environmental health, and all our relations!
We offer classes on the above topics through a 'relational rewilding' perspective. We also provide nature therapy for individuals seeking a deeper exploration of their personal ecology through the ecology of our local environments.
"It may be that some little root of the sacred tree still lives. Nourish it then, that it may leaf and bloom and fill with singing birds." -Black Elk
Hidden within us all are levels of awareness and connection we have forgotten. Waiting to be nourished, the roots of our biological relationships with nature are withering, and the consequences are great. Biology does not change as quickly as technology, so maintaining connection to our earthly roots through nature-based activities is vital for wellness.Rewilding in nature is not a hobby for a few or a theme just for children, but a necessity for all. And the good news is that modern advancements and lifestyles can co-exist with nature-based living...simply because this is our design.
Modern research is finally demonstrating what we've always known: that we need regular contact with nature for our well-being. "And while 'well-being' may sound like vague psychospeak, its impact is real. Enhancing it has been shown to add years to your lifespan." (Williams, F.) New books and research often speak of simple modifications such as putting plants in an office, or looking at images of nature on a computer screen. Yes, these have shown to have a positive impact on health, yet, we believe we can weave nature into our lives in more sophisticated, fun, and growth producing ways.
Wisdom cultures around the world have developed an intimate knowledge of place - how to survive and thrive in a region, how to know the patterns of nature, and how to fully inhabit one’s body and sensory system - realizing the oneness of nature and each person’s role within that larger pattern. Every environment demanded specialty skills for survival. And while specialty skills for survival are less necessary today, it is still true that humans are designed to be connected - to one another, to our communities, to ourselves, to our landscapes, to our bio-region, to animals, to plants, to cycles and seasons.
The connection we speak of is not about beliefs, religions, or ideologies. It is about ergonomics; it is a part of the efficient design for all human and non-human animals. To be connected and in relationship with our world is simply who we are.
As mental health practitioners, we are witness to the many impacts of disconnection in modern society as well as to the benefits of re-engagement through nature therapies and nature connection activities. In addition, I'll be honest and say we crave neighbors and a community that are grounded, resilient, aware, inclusive, helpful, and are aligned with their unique gifts to share with the world. We also want to embody these qualities ourselves. A primary factor we have found in people that live such attributes at the highest level are those that have deep connections with nature. So it is with hopes of a better world full of connected, healthy, interdependent, vital, caring people and healthy environments, that RRNG offers it's services.
"Rewilding with Kimberly has been an eye-opening, life changing experience for me. I have come to see how the patterns of nature are reflected in every facet of life, and simply through observing these patterns I am able to connect with something much larger than myself and my personal problems." -Anonymous Rewilding participant
Rewilding Bodies, Hearts, Minds, Relationships, and Ecosystems Through the Following Services:
Herbology & Plant Programs
Lookout Mountain Hiking Tours
Nature Therapy
Youth Mentoring
Rewilding Programs
No Blue - No Green
The mission of Relational Rewilding Nature Guiding is to foster mutually enhancing relationships between people and nature that revive nature connection, inspire personal growth, and promote stewardship toward the Earth.
