MEET YOUR GUIDES
“We must open our hearts and eyes to see the gifts of life around us. If we do,
we will be able to remember our oneness.” ~ Grandfather Oak
A FEW WORDS ABOUT US...
The long-standing dream of one woman to craft a nurturing nature retreat, an invitation to three of her friends, a cabin at the foot of Rocky Mountain National Park and the Nurtured by Nature retreat was born. Four women from diverse backgrounds came together to explore, share and envision an experience wherein participants could truly relax and let go of the day to day stresses of their lives. Where they could experience nature in new ways; communing with the trees and listening to the sounds of the meadow, through movement and dance, ritual and art. Through laughter and tears, dreams and fears, we are here to facilitate deep conversation and a joyous, restorative time to share in the wonders of nature and in community with others. Stef, Tonya, Ellie and Dana invite you to free your wild child and come dance by the light of the moon (or the bonfire) with us.
About
Stef
I am STEF SWINK MORRISON, RScP Emeritus and I have been a Licensed Spiritual Practitioner/Mentor for over 25 years. I am also a Certified Forest Therapy Guide and was the ghost writer and protégé of author and New-Thought pioneer, Louise Hay. In addition to my private practice, speaking engagements, and facilitating co-creation and various retreats, I also write the “Ask Stef” advice column, published bi-monthly in Guide for Spiritual Living: Science of Mind Magazine.
At 7, I had a profound mystical experience while lying in the sunlight with my dogs. Suddenly and tangibly, I became “One” with the grass, trees, animals and clouds and was immersed in the energy of profound love, connection, and safety. This and other spiritual experiences and studies led me to my life’s work and continue to guide my soul’s path.
The Nurtured by Nature Retreat is the fulfillment of my deepest aspiration to create a safe and welcoming space for individuals to heal and awaken through conscious connection with our natural world. The present challenges faced by individuals, society, and the environment globally highlight the adverse effects associated with “Nature Deficit Disorder.” Spending mindful time outdoors is not only healing, it is essential. Therefore, now is the time for this retreat and I hope you will give yourself this gift. I am profoundly grateful that it has come to fruition so beautifully through collaboration with these three incredible and gifted souls.
Please join us as we reconnect to our true “wild” natures, evolve consciously and collectively, and lift the vibration of Love and Oneness on this planet!
Connect at www.StefSwink.com.
About
Tonya
I want to make a positive difference in our world. Perhaps you do too and that’s why you are here! I have had careers in Human Resources, Property Management and, most recently, as an airline pilot, before switching gears to pursue a more fulfilling path…a joyous and enlightening journey into the Great Unknown. I have an innate and passionate love of all things animal and nature. The wildness and wonder of nature have always felt like home to me and have brought me much comfort, solace, and joy throughout my life.
Now, that same nature that has nurtured me so well needs our help, and I’ve signed up! That’s why I am here. I believe we can make a difference, one person, one retreat at a time. We can get back to nature and give back to nature in the process. We can find ourselves and find our path. I look forward to going on this journey with you! We can make a difference, as individuals, and even more so together. Join me…Let’s wander and wonder together!
About
Dana
When my friend told me about her dream to present a workshop based in experiencing nature in new and sacred ways, I said yes. I have always loved being outside and, luckily, grew up in Colorado. One of my fondest early childhood memories is of sitting on a rock in the middle of a stream half-naked, basking in the afternoon sun. I have spent many years exploring and experiencing the forests and hills and mountains of this earth and have been fortunate to have traveled to many different countries, meeting people from many different cultures and paths. My life journey has brought me to a deep love for nature and the nature based religions of many cultures, which recognize and respect the elements of the earth through ritual and practices that, to me, reveal the wholeness and interconnectedness of the natural world and humankind. My hope is that through mutual respect, kindness, compassion and joy we can build a world that works for and celebrates our differences and our similarities, for we need them all.
I am currently a licensed spiritual practitioner with the Centers for Spiritual Living with deep roots and a life long interest in ancient earth-based religions and practices. Through passionate and heartfelt facilitation, I seek to inspire a sense of presence, reverence and connection to the world that is a blessing to all. My hope is that by connecting with nature we recognize and live a life of wonder and reverence for all that this world we inhabit has to offer, and that we care for and tend to the needs of the this beautiful planet as well.
About
Ellie
I have always felt a special kindship to nature. Growing up on a Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania surrounded by farmland and wooded areas, I often had wonderful encounters with the natural world. On my childhood sojourns, I would discover box turtles lumbering through the grass, black swallowtail caterpillars munching on my mother’s parsley and plump bullfrog tadpoles in nearby ponds. Much to my mother’s dismay, I would bring these natural wonders home with me. Needless to say, I ended up getting a master’s degree in Environment Education and encouraged children and adults alike to enthusiastically explore the wonders of nature for 10 years.
My relationship with the natural world has deepened as I’ve gotten older. Too many of us have lost our precious connection to it in our busy, technology driven and social media dominant society. We feel stressed out and anxious and wonder why. Reestablishing our relationship with nature offers us so many health benefits from calming our nervous systems to bolstering our immune system. I experienced this healing firsthand recovering from a journey with cancer. Now, I’m about to embark on a new path as a life coach and invite people who are going through challenging life events to rekindle a connection to nature that offers sanctuary and healing.
Unplug from the drama, recharge with the Mama ~ Anonymous 🙂
