What Happened on the Nature Connection Guide Course?

Late September and 12 brave souls keen to find out more about being a nature connection Guide, gathered by the sea in Paekakariki.

Over two days they explored with all their senses, shared skills, told stories in a teepee, soaked in wild water hot tub while watching the sunrise, ate too much cake, tried out their new techniques on each other and laughed, cried and learned about themselves, each other, this place and how to guide.

Here is some of what participants had to say:

“The balance [of Liana’s facilitation] was beautiful; humorous, relaxed, aware of the group, organised, GENEROUS, and such valuable personal anecdotes and stories.  It’s wonderful to learn from someone who walks the talk”

“Inspirational, motivational, and completely affirming of passion for and importance of Nature Connection for ALL”

More information about the course here

Hire the Teepee or wild water hot tub

Imagine a Sami style Teepee or a Wild water portable Hot Tub at your next event. Great for workshops, retreats, camps,  or even board meetings ;-). It comes with an experienced operator and maybe even some ideas about facilitating your event.  The Hot tub is best for 4-5 at time while the Teepee can sit 12+ or sleep 8+.  Just comment below or contact Re-wild Yourself for more info about hiring info@liana.kiwi.nz.

wild women in wild water hot tub on Re-wild Yourself retreat for nature connection
wild women in wild water hot tub on Re-wild Yourself retreat for nature connection

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

1 day Re-wilds for frazzled humans

 

IS IT FOR ME?

You already know that a simple thing like a walk on the beach can help you see things differently, relax and recharge. Now, more and more research is revealing how time in nature can help improve your mental and physical wellbeing, manage stress, increase focus and bring joy. These fun and gently challenging micro-adventures will give you new techniques and insights into the power of nature connection. You will find how slowing down in nature reveals new things about the world and about yourself. You do not have to be an outdoor person at all, but you may find that something is calling you to put that device down and come and just be for a while.  You will come away refreshed and with a whole new repertoire of ways to “be in the bush”.

WHAT WILL WE DO?

Each day will be different depending on the delights of the area, the weather and the needs of who turns up. You will be gently guided through activities to open up your senses to nature and to reflect on your own nature; including walking, relaxation, tracking, eating and talking together, a mini solo time to yourself and lots of wandering, making, mooching and general mucking about.  A delicious lunch and hot drinks are provided.  Come on one or both.

 

WHO RUNS IT?

Your guide is Liana Stupples.  She will help you feel relaxed and open to new experiences, and stick beside you as you challenge yourself. She is a person who 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.  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?

Sun 23 October, Kapiti Coast. Meeting Point: Waikanae train station. Start 10.15 am. Finish 5.00 pm

Sun 06 November, Rimutuka Park. Meeting Point: Petone Train Station. Start 10 am Finish 5.00 pm

Drive or take public transport to the meeting point from where we will ride share to the location.

HOW DO I SIGN UP?

There are limited places so book now. Contact Re-wild Yourself by phone 021 154 6034 or email liana.stupples@gmail.com with your name, email and phone contact details and any information about your diet, mobility or health needs.  Further details on location and what to bring are provided after you have booked.

Cost:  $50pp.  If you book more than one day: $45pp. Early Bird $40pp before Sept 18th.

WHAT PAST PARTICIPANTS SAID:

“It was the best fun I have had in a long time. 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.”

“Liana was an enchanting leader … It was an invigorating afternoon, with everyone leaving with smiles and wild sparkles in their eyes“.

“Some time out, and a chance to lose time, think and explore. Luxury.”