Episode 58 - Forest Educator Spotlight: Entering the Wild

During the early years of my wilderness skills training and practice, I began to notice something interesting when I would venture out into the forest. I spent a lot of time in nature to gather materials for making tools and crafts, or foraging for wild foods, and it seemed like I could do these things in two different ways. One was going in when I was hurried, distracted or very 'goal oriented'. At these times, the agenda was all about ME. I needed some willow to make a pair of tongs or a basket. I needed acorns for a program I was running on wild foods. I needed a few arrow shafts for my newly carved bow. I felt rushed and focused on the mission. When I stepped back, I saw that I was bringing the 'world of humans' into the forest, which was disconnected from 'the flow'.

The other way I entered the forest was more relaxed, and less restricted by time constraints. I still had an overall goal of finding something to gather, but it was further down the list of my needs. I made it a priority to be awake and alert to ALL of the natural world, with less tunnel vision focus. My breathing changed. My body posture, even muscle tension would improve, and the way I walked, all pointed to something important.

What I learned from paying attention to this obscure approach had ramifications for my personal mental health, well being and personal clarity.

It also impacted the way I taught and experienced my 'forest programs' in a profoundly positive way that I still use today.

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