An invitation into a time of change and alchemy
birthing new consciousness
Forest Therapy Immersions
Our immersions are in beautiful forests and retreat centers especially chosen for their unique capacity to bring us close to nature and to each other. They are for anyone who is interested:
- People interested in directly experiencing the healing power of nature.
- People who are considering becoming forest therapy guides and want an in-depth experience of the practice.
- Forest therapy guides seeking a renewal of their own practice or time with other guides
We welcome everyone who is interested in the embodied and contemplative practices of forest therapy. The transformative experiences of relationship with the natural world await.
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In Houses of the Heart we explore the linked properties of power and beauty as they uniquely live within each of us. We work extensively with mandalas, symbols of wholeness that bring forward the power of our imaginations to reveal our hearts and help heal and develop our capacity for wellness. We've pioneered a very powerful approach in which we build a mandala outdoors large enough for embodied experiences of our deepest and most ecological intelligence. This can be a truly magical experience that moves us beyond our conceptions of what is possible.
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Council of Waters and TreesCouncil of Waters and Trees focuses on the imaginal realm. We use forest therapy and council to invite you into relationship the natural world, allowing the inhabitants to speak to us. The immersion culminates in a final council where their voices are heard and embodied.
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Way of the GuideWe will explore the work of guiding from the perspectives of Guide as an archetype that is particularly relevant for these times, Guide as a Way of mastery of Self, and Guide as a cultural healer. This will include advanced explorations of the framework of the liminal journey that opens the doors of the creative imagination and self-development, and the skills that guides use as they support each step of those on the journey.
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Special Events
In addition to our scheduled immersions, we work with groups, businesses and organizations. We will work with you to create customized forest therapy immersion experiences tailored to your groups needs. We have had many fabulous experiences working in many countries, cultures and forests in many parts of the world. For more information contact christy@wildcommunion.org.
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This event is focused is exclusively focused on the needs of the Chicago-land area. In partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County, we will be exploring Forest Therapy with our own guides and guests of the Forest Preserves. This event is open to invited guests of Cook County Forest Preserves and to Chicago area Forest Therapy Guides, who will meet additional participants registered through Cook County Parks. A great opportunity for partnership building.
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Wild Communion Events and Immersions
Our vision of Wild Communion grew out of the forest therapy movement at the intriguing intersection where forest therapy meets spirituality. Wild Communion is our program of education for lay and church leaders who are called to nature-based practices such as forest therapy as pathways to support the spiritual growth of their participants, congregations and communities. These leaders understand how our encounters with creation can bring us to a different level of understanding of our lives, our place in the communities of all beings, and of self. We bring no dogma, prescribe no path, preach no religion. We simply invite others into the experience of how nature connection using the methods of forest therapy can feed our entire selves: body, mind, psyche, spirit. The Wild Communion program invites you to a series of immersions, with choice of several practicum pathways for those who wish to deepen their practice and pathway of service in bringing their work to their people.
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Encountering the Wild DivineMany of us are experiencing a yearning that we refer to as a call "rewilding." In this immersion we explore the idea of encountering the untamed depths within us by entering the Wild Mind of the Divine-in-Nature. It is the source from which we are born and to which our deepest longings call us to return.
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All courses are facilitated by Christy Thomson, founder of Wild Communion with special guests who are experts in their fields. Registration, Tuition, Lodging and Food costs vary for each event. Please visit the "Learn More" links for specific information.