Relational Rewilding
By Kimberly Beck
Relational Rewilding is an awareness and relationship based approach to living in harmony with the Earth and ourselves. It is a process of expanding perceptions, hearts and actions in a way that honors compassionate co-existence and reciprocity among people, animals and nature. It is a 'felt sense' remembering of our connection to and belonging with our landscapes. It is a re-awakening of our inborn sense of wonder. It is a way of being that promotes physical, mental and spiritual health.
As a mental health practitioner, I am witness to the many impacts of disconnection; disconnection from family and friends, from our bodies and senses, from our hearts, and from our natural surroundings. These go unnoticed in the barrage of sirens, screens, to-do lists, tight schedules and worries of the past and future. We may function well in our fast-paced lives - but there is a cost. Clients and friends share of their loneliness, chronic anxiety, depression, lack of meaning and spiritual hollowness. Their stories are common. But there is another story to be in.
"The tragedy in life is not what (wo)men suffer, but what they miss." - Thomas Carlyle
Imagine waking up tomorrow morning to the song of a house finch outside your window. You pause in bed for a moment before rising, listening. You give thanks to the beautiful melody as you move into your busy day. As you walk out the door, you are attentive to the squirrels and robins foraging in the yard. Noticing they too have a job to do, you proceed a bit slower, as not to frighten them away. And you are still able to leave the house on time. On your way to work, your eyes are open wide. A female white-tailed deer is lurking in a thicket near the road, seeking to cross. While others are driving in a tunnel vision state, your awareness causes you to slow down, allowing the deer to cross safely - safely for her , you and the other drivers. You pull into the parking lot. Walking to the entrance you look up, seeing cirrus clouds across the sky and taking a deep, purposeful breath. You have much to do and deal with today. But your heart is full, you feel connected, you belong here. And it's only 8:00am.
This relational and perceptive way of living not only decreases cortisol (stress hormone) in the body, but also increases oxytocin as a result of being in connection and relationship. We are designed to connect and care. It is life giving, increases vitality and fun, and attracts people and animals to us.
There are many doorways to Rewilding. See below for a few, and join us in Relational Rewilding classes as we shift our habits toward greater health
and more compassionate living:
As a mental health practitioner, I am witness to the many impacts of disconnection; disconnection from family and friends, from our bodies and senses, from our hearts, and from our natural surroundings. These go unnoticed in the barrage of sirens, screens, to-do lists, tight schedules and worries of the past and future. We may function well in our fast-paced lives - but there is a cost. Clients and friends share of their loneliness, chronic anxiety, depression, lack of meaning and spiritual hollowness. Their stories are common. But there is another story to be in.
"The tragedy in life is not what (wo)men suffer, but what they miss." - Thomas Carlyle
Imagine waking up tomorrow morning to the song of a house finch outside your window. You pause in bed for a moment before rising, listening. You give thanks to the beautiful melody as you move into your busy day. As you walk out the door, you are attentive to the squirrels and robins foraging in the yard. Noticing they too have a job to do, you proceed a bit slower, as not to frighten them away. And you are still able to leave the house on time. On your way to work, your eyes are open wide. A female white-tailed deer is lurking in a thicket near the road, seeking to cross. While others are driving in a tunnel vision state, your awareness causes you to slow down, allowing the deer to cross safely - safely for her , you and the other drivers. You pull into the parking lot. Walking to the entrance you look up, seeing cirrus clouds across the sky and taking a deep, purposeful breath. You have much to do and deal with today. But your heart is full, you feel connected, you belong here. And it's only 8:00am.
This relational and perceptive way of living not only decreases cortisol (stress hormone) in the body, but also increases oxytocin as a result of being in connection and relationship. We are designed to connect and care. It is life giving, increases vitality and fun, and attracts people and animals to us.
There are many doorways to Rewilding. See below for a few, and join us in Relational Rewilding classes as we shift our habits toward greater health
and more compassionate living:
Listen for Bird Language
Relational Horsemanship
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Put local Wildlife Rehab Center number in your phone
Adopt from local animal shelter
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Respect the Canine in you Dog
Walk barefoot on the Earth
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Track an animal
Smell a Ponderosa Pine
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