People ask me “So what is re-wilding and why would you do it to yourself?”
To help answer that question I have put together an infographic with 10 reasons to Re-wild Yourself and some fantastic quotes. As a start re-wilding is just spending more time aware and part of nature. There are some great references on the web documenting all the benefits for our health and wellbeing this can bring (e.g. compiled by the BBC and The Centre for Confidence and Wellbeing). And there is more. Re-wilding can bring about profound changes in you and in the culture around you. The more you tune into the patterns of nature the more you will discover about yourself and find new approaches and paths for your life. Your Re-wild journey will be unique for you but there are techniques and activities that can help you on the way and guides that can support you.
Rewilding is not going back in time to cave “man” days nor cutting yourself off from society; it is tapping into a great source of joy and inspiration, hard lessons and comfort and so much more. It is about living fully today and being part of making a saner world that means more of us can flourish.
In July 2016 I piloted a new family outing experience called Re-wild your Grown-Up. I was so chuffed to read this write up about the work:
“On a cold rainy day a brave crew of kids rugged up their grown-ups and bought them along to Queen Elizabeth park to teach them how to be wild again. Under the guidance of Liana Stupples kids showed their grown-ups how to play in the outdoors and enjoy nature. Both kids and adults enjoyed reconnecting with their senses, moving quietly along bush paths and creating nests to have some time alone in nature.
Liana was an enchanting leader of both kids and grown-ups. It was an invigorating afternoon, with everyone leaving with smiles and wild sparkles in their eyes”.
wild women in wild water hot tub on Re-wild Yourself retreat for nature connection
The Re-wild Yourself retreat was wonderful – for me the facilitator – but more importantly, for the wildsters who came along;
“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.” L
WHAT DID WE DO?
We spent 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 experienced new ways to connect with nature and to ourselves. The programme included:
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
“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
HOW DID PARTICIPANTS FEEL?
“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 opportnity to strip back the layers of a challenge and the luxury of time and permiossion to expereince nature without a specific purpose or job to do”
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 HOSTED IT?
The guide is me, Liana Stupples.
Our table centrepiece with memories of the activites on the Re-wild Yourself retreat
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.
