What does this group offer?

I am offering a once a month starting in May-October 2025 (dates TBA) day long walk/hike group for those who have experienced ecological grief and wish to connect to themselves, a nature based community and nature itself more deeply.

We will explore the following topics in community and solo practices:

• Ecological grief, mourning and loss coping tools
• Somatic nature connection practices (includes connecting to the body and all senses in nature)
• Community and solo time to process through writing, sharing and experiences
• Psychoeducation on ecological loss/grief as well as teachings on hope and resiliency
• Mindfulness practices in nature
• Ecological tending activities

~Guidance on how to connect to the natural world for remembrance & renewal

~Connect with plants, birds, animals, wind, rain and sky as teachers and guides themselves

I am a trained naturalist, transformational wilderness guide, certified mindfulness mediation teacher, ethnobotanist as well as a LMHC that specializes in bereavement counseling. Wild places can become allies for our life path and especially during any healing and ‘wholing’ journey.

How Intense will this be physically?

For this group, we will have low to medium walk/hike intensity at local natural areas in Skagit County parks, trails and sometimes hilly locations. We will be incorporating naturalist skills which may also include time sitting in nature for rest and contemplation. A description of each walk/hike, intensity and gear needed will provided beforehand. I am also looking at places with shelters and potential for having fires on truly cold and wet days!

What will we do?

At first we will have a brief sharing circle, and a theme introduced for the walk. We will have intentional solo time to contemplate or engage in a mindfulness/nature activity while walking every time. We will also have some time with others (always optional), discussing some aspect of the days topic. Nature will intercede and show us its wonders- I absolutely will pause for it! This is the beauty of allowing the landscape to nurture, teach and inspire us-which are all aspects of holistic healing from loss and grief.

Respecting Each Other:

This space will be held in a manner that respects, supports and welcomes diversity of all kinds. This group is not a place to debate others on differences but to allow them, respect them and speak from your experience. My groups are led with the upmost care around diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. ALL of you is welcome! Part of your inclusion in this group is to agree to act in a respectful way to others.

Details and Registration:

LOCATIONS: Western Skagit County natural areas, trails and State Parks (you will need a Discover Pass)

WHEN: We will start March 2025, Specific Dates TBA-Fridays/Saturdays

COSTS: $50 per session. Expect a 4-5 hour experience including walking/hiking time, solo nature connection time, journal/drawing time and sharing. If you have financial needs and require a sliding scale, please let me know.

TO BE ADDED TO MAILING LIST FOR REGISTRATION:

Please email me your full name, email, a contact phone number* to lindsayhuettman@soulstewardscounseling.com to be added to the list.

(*We will have a free consultation before group to make sure this is a good fit for you)

Wilderness Guide Qualifications: I am a certified Wilderness First Responder with over 20 years of wilderness, whitewater guiding and naturalist mentoring experience in the outdoors. See my link to my PLANTDORKS.COM and Wilderness Awareness School where I teach.

Looking forward to creating a healing community with you for all to be nourished and rejuvenated in nature!

Lindsay L. Huettman, MA LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)

Wilderness Guide, Mindfulness Instructor, Naturalist and Plantdork