Ecological Grief and Nature Connection Group: Spring 2027

“When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free”
-Wendell Berry, The Peace of Wild Things

What does this group offer?

This will be an 8 week program with both online, in person and service/activism opportunities.

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

  • Ecological grief, mourning, anxiety and loss coping tools/ practices
  • 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
  • Online Psychoeducation presentations on ecological grief, anxiety, dread, moral injury and climate change and social justice

~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.

“Wisdom grows in the woods”

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?

TBA

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.

MAILING LIST IF YOU ARE INTERESTED:

TO BE ADDED TO MAILING LIST IF YOU ARE INTERESTED:

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