Life After Lockdown

Envirohub Bay of Plenty asked their community: “What social and environmental and social benefits have you loved about Lockdown?” and the people answered.  I worked with Envirohub to express the answers in a series of visuals that show  action we can take now to create social wellbeing – inspired by the best of lockdown.

Mid-winter gathering for nature connectors

Imagine taking time to nurture yourself and share nature connection techniques with like-minded wildsters, over 2 chilly outside days and cosy indoor nights, all near the home of the Kokako.  Whether you choose to lead a session, or just join in, you will not regret dedicating midwinter 2018 to re-wilding yourself.

Who it is for

This gathering is for 12 or so people who are keen to share their nature connection skills with each other while celebrating mid-winter.  You will already be practising or developing your nature connection style and have an open approach to learning and sharing in this growing practice. The “open space” format means that anyone can lead a session and choose which sessions to participate in.  Liana Stupples will be your host, weaving the weekend together.  Get in touch with Liana to apply for the limited spaces for this event.

The Venue

We will on the edge of Pureora Forest Park and near the Timber Trail off road cycle route between te Kuiti and Taumaranui.  This area has been described as “one of the most significant sites of natural and cultural history interest in New Zealand”.

Our base will be the rustic self-catering Forge at Black Fern Lodge situated on 5 acres, surrounded by the Ongarue River and a majestic waterfall.  The Forge has bunk style accommodation, but separate rooms are available for extra, if you get in early.

Ideas for things to do

  • Get up before dawn to listen for the haunting call of the Kokako
  • Bike some of the Timber Trail to find a solo spot
  • Soak in the wildwater portable hot tub beneath the stars
  • Learn body percussion and gospel chants around the campfire
  • Spend some time up the 12m high forest tower
  • Gather plants to make teas and massage balms
  • Make a snow (I hope) cave

That is just a few ideas for a start.  What ideas will you bring?

Travel

You will make your own way there, but we will endeavour to arrange car sharing offers.  Arrive sometime Friday, leave Sunday or Monday (tbc).

Once there, there is a minibus to transport us.  You may want to bring a mountain bike.

Cost

For two days and two nights the cost is only $250

This covers:

  • 2 nights in Forge (with linen) or
  • Most food: Hot drinks, Porridge, Dinner, Soup for Lunch and Cake (bring your own breakfast and lunch supplements, trail food, whiskey etc)
  • Shared equipment (minibus, tipi, tub, tarps etc)
  • Hosting and organising and safety plans

How to apply

Get in touch with Liana.  A 50% (*) deposit secures your place.  Once you are accepted she will host an online discussion to help us create a mutually awesome weekend.  There will be a detailed gear list.

*Deposits are non-refundable, but can be transferred to another person.

** You are recommended to have your own insurance

Liana’s Parlour of Natural Beauty success

Sometimes you have a crazy idea that you just have to put into action. Liana’s Parlour of Natural Beauty was just that.  Driven by the idea “why does so much nature connection, science communication and conservation have to be so sciency and intellectual? – Why couldn’t it be more sensory, pampering and joyful?” I came up with the Parlour.  And then, along with 17 wonderful volunteers, I put it into action as an 8 day experiential installation that looked like a retro beauty parlour taken over by the bush and connected people to nature and wellbeing.  It was all run as part of the Common Ground Groundwater-themed Hutt Public Art Festival February 25- March 4 2017.

In a week we pampered almost 500 people and connected with thousands more; people from all walks of life not just those already interested in environmental issues or the arts.

The feedback was fabulous:

“Liana’s parlour was a real delight it was deeply connective to the outdoor environment. Beautiful!”
“It was incredible! Calming, beautiful what a treat!”
For the full story click here
I’ve discovered what a powerful and flexible format the Parlour of Natural Beauty is, so I would love to work with new people to make it relevant for your science communication, conservation education, place-making and public well-being challenges.  Just get in touch.

Flowerfull for Mental Health

Nature connection is a powerful force for mental wellbeing. This was recognised this year by the mental health foundation who made it the theme of Mental Health Awareness Week.  As Re-wild Yourself I joined in the photo competition and was surprised to win a spot prize for a shot my daughter and I made playing on the lawn together – with my flowerfull hair.  Thanks MHAW.

MHAW also featured an office lockout lunch hour to encourage workplaces to make sure their staff had some outside time in the day.  As I don’t really have an office to lock my self out of I had some fun taking my plastic executives outside at lunchtime!

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Seriously though, nature is key to my mental health. Don’t underestimate how crucial it could be for yours.

Arohanui

 

Liana

Re-wild Yourself 3 day retreat 17-19 March 2017

Join us for three days of luxury and slow adventure in nature

 

"It was the best fun I have had in a long time; with a great mix of luxury and groundedness. It felt like a treat for the body and for the soul. Now I have a whole new repertoire of ways to nourish and be nourished by nature."  retreat participant

WHAT DO WE DO?

We spend three days based at a charming and comfortable off grid lodge in the foothills of the Tararua Range near Carterton, Wairarapa.

“The lodge was: peaceful and inviting, spacious yet cosy with the log burner and candles adding to the ambience. Being off-grid added to the ethos".

Through guided outdoor and indoor activities we experience new ways to connect with nature and to ourselves. The programme includes:

  • Gentle wanders and sensory walks
    1-4 hour solo time (supported to be safely by yourself)
    Loads of yummy nourishing food, including wild food
    Exploring tracking techniques
    Soaking in an portable eco hot tub under the stars
    Trying out relaxation techniques
    Sharing stories and song around a campfire
    Enjoying a massage
    Creating environmental "art"
    Relating your wild experiences to the rest of life
    Playing in the river

HOW DID PARTICIPANTS FEEL?

“What a fabulous way to savour a few days. It was an energising yet peaceful treat. I came away feeling recharged, and more in touch with myself and nature.” T

"Here's just some of what I liked about the retreat: Your care and crafting of the activities, including the balance of group and individual exploration. Some time out, and a chance to lose time, think and explore. Luxury."

“I'm feeling light of spirit, delighted, ever so slightly light in the head.... with fond memories of candle light too... thanks Liana and co-wildees for a nuturing, adventurous weekend journey and treat.” T

"I really enjoyed the opportunity to strip back the layers of a challenge and the luxury of time and permission to experience nature without a specific purpose or job to do" L

IS IT FOR YOU?

The retreats are for anybody who is curious about what focussed time in nature can do for them. We all know that getting out into the wild world can help you to see things differently, relax and recharge. The retreat, through fun, engaging and gently challenging micro-adventures aims to give you new techniques and insights into the power of nature connection. You do not need to be a super-fit outdoor ninja to attend – but if you are, you may find that slowing down in nature reveals new things. You may not even think you are an outdoor person, but there is something calling you to put your device down and come and just “be” for a while.

"Everyone would benefit from this kind of retreat. I'm so Grateful for the opportunity to participate. I had always felt connected to nature, but now I will approach her with more humbled and awakened senses. I have been given much to reflect on. The retreat felt like a personal journey as well as a shared one." M

WHO HOSTS IT?

The guide is me, Liana Stupples.

Liana somehow helps you feel relaxed and open to new experiences; she will stick beside you as you challenge yourself. She can find the playful side of most things and she commits to bringing an engaging energy as well as sensitive facilitation skills to every event she runs. She has a deep love and appreciation of the natural world, particularly the Aotearoa bit. After a varied international “career” she has now relented to doing what she enjoys and believes makes a difference; connecting people and nature. Liana runs a smart and safe programme; she has a MSc in Natural Resource Management, has a strength in eco-psychology theory and practice, holds a Diploma in Outdoor Adventure and is current in advanced first aid.

WHERE IS IT AND HOW DO I GET THERE?

We will be based at a charming and comfortable off grid lodge in the foothills of the Tararua Range near Carterton, Wairarapa.   You will sleep in shared bedrooms and use shared bathrooms (if this is a real problem we can arrange a camp bed in a room of your own, or a tent).  We will share some simple housekeeping (e.g. drying the dishes). You can drive there (there is an un-sealed road for 10 km) or please let us know if you want to ride share. We encourage you to get the train and be picked up from the station.

WHAT WILL IT COST?

You are asked to pay $465 total to cover the shared costs of the retreat. This includes everything (2 nights and 3 days worth of accommodation and food, equipment, facilitation) except transport to Carterton.  Paying this full cost allows Liana to offer nature connection experiences to people who might not normally be able to afford them. There is also the option of offering goods or services up to the value of $300 (plus paying $145 cash) in exchange for a place on the retreat (please contact Liana to discuss). Early bird rates at $390 are open to January 1  2017.

WHAT DO I BRING?

You will be provided with a gear list which will include layers of warm clothing and sheets and towels. Outdoor gear can be provided if needed.  There is no  mobile signal (and we need to conserve electricity and get our lives back  ;-).  Please do not bring any recreational drugs or alcohol (we may share provided local wine/beer with the evening meal on the last night).

HOW DO I BOOK?

There are limited places for 6-12 people.  To ensure your place please complete the application form and make an initial deposit of $100.  Please note all the “fine print” on the application form

Just contact Liana: 021 154 6034, liana.stupples@gmail.com