1:1 with Ansley

Poetry.
Herbalism.
Dreamwork.
Rites of Passage.
Rewilding Mentorship.

Rewilding has a tendency to peel back layers of ourselves that need a little softening - a daub of oil to soothe cracked skin, rich pomegranate seeds pressed to chapped lips, a hot sensual steam for dryness. I cannot say that your rewilding journey will be easy. Mine certainly was not, is not, and never will be; however, that doesn’t mean you have to walk this road alone. Rewilding mentorship is my way of giving back to the earth and to my fellow human kin who are in need of nourishment. I hope you find something here that feeds you.

There’s more to rewilding than sticks and rocks

In the realm of rewilding, the path we traverse not only leads us back to the wilderness but also repositions us as stewards of this land. As we immerse ourselves in these wild spaces, we awaken a deep symbiotic relationship with nature, rekindling our primal connection to the living world that surrounds us. We find ourselves enveloped in the whispers of the ancients, feeling the pulse of the Earth through every leaf, every pawprint, and every gust of wind. These spirits guide us in our rewilding journey, offering wisdom and knowledge from their age-old existence, reminding us of the intricate web of life within which we are woven.

By offering rewilding mentorship, I am able to support those who are looking for a more holistic approach to traditional therapy or wilderness survival apprenticeships. My instincts tell me that I’m not alone in wanting to dive deeper into my ancestry, dreams, and connect to spirits of the land while practicing earth skills in the forest. Through the lenses of poetry and eco-depth psychology, I offer guidance towards the wholeness you already innately have. Rewilding is an initiation into your own belonging on this earth.

We shake with joy. We shake with grief. What a time these two have, housed as they are in the same body.

- Mary Oliver

Who Am I?

I’m an Appalachian-born, desert-grown kid with more tree sap running through my veins than blood. My European-descended ancestry is rooted in sunny southern hollers as far back as the first colonies in Virginia and older still on this land on my grandfather’s side. Reborn from grief and healed by the power of nature, I left my long-time home in Arizona to follow a call to the Pacific Northwest in search of kinship with rain and tall trees.

Spirituality, teaching, music, leadership, and farming were stories written in my bones long before my birth. As a trained herbalist, professional wilderness guide, and energetic practitioner, I have the great honor and joy of leading others to their belonging on this earth and to the stories in their own bones.

Modalities of Practice

  • Plants and animals are seen as teachers and allies, capable of providing physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. When we connect with plant spirit medicine, we open ourselves to the wisdom of plants and their ability to restore balance and harmony within us.

  • By tapping into the realm of dreams, we unlock a portal to our subconscious minds and the ancient wisdom that lies within. As we reconnect with nature and seek to restore our inherent connection to the wild, exploring our dreams becomes an essential aspect of this transformative process. Dreams not only offer a sanctuary for self-reflection and introspection, but they also act as a conduit for messages from the natural world.

  • Through intentional practices, such as creating sacred spaces, honoring the cycles of the seasons, and engaging in communal gatherings, rituals foster a sense of belonging and reverence for the Earth. They provide a means to express gratitude, seek guidance from ancestral wisdom, and mark significant moments in the rewilding process

  • Drawing inspiration from indigenous cultures around the world, traditional council emphasizes collective decision-making, consensus-building, and the honoring of diverse perspectives. By incorporating this practice into the rewilding movement, we create a space for open dialogue and shared responsibility, allowing for the cultivation of a sense of interconnectedness with both the natural world and each other.

  • Rites of passage have been embedded in human cultures since time immemorial. These sacred rituals mark significant transitions in an individual's life, guiding them through the transformation from one stage to another. When approached with intention and purpose, these rites not only strengthen the individual, but also honor the interconnectedness we share with nature.

  • Through this transformative process, we merge with the expansive landscapes of our dreams, encountering mystical creatures, ancient archetypes, and vibrant symbolism that hold the key to unraveling the intricate tapestry of our soul's journey. Imaginal journeying allows us to explore the hidden contours of our psyche, excavating buried wisdom and dormant potential. It is a sacred invitation to dance with the mythic threads that weave the fabric of our existence and to return to our waking lives with a heightened sense of self, purpose, and connection to the wild mysteries of the world.

  • Energy healing is a holistic approach to wellness that recognizes the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit. By harnessing and balancing the subtle energies that flow within and around us, energy healing aims to promote restore harmony and enhance vitality. Utilizing various techniques, such as Reiki, crystal, and sound therapies, to facilitate the free flow of energy through the body's energy centers, known as chakras. This gentle and non-invasive approach is believed to support the body's natural ability to heal itself, promoting overall well-being and fostering a deep sense of relaxation and inner peace.

  • Intuitive poetry is a form of expression that transcends conventional structures and embraces the free-flowing nature of the human psyche. It is a dance of words and emotions that emerges organically, enabling the poet to tap into their subconscious depths. Intuitive poets navigate the terrain of their thoughts and feelings, unearthing hidden truths and unveiling unspoken desires through their verses.

“For far too long we have been seduced into walking a path that did not lead us to ourselves. For far too long we have said yes when we wanted to say no. And for far too long we have said no when we desperately wanted to say yes. . . .

When we don't listen to our intuition, we abandon our souls. And we abandon our souls because we are afraid if we don't, others will abandon us.”

― Terry Tempest Williams, When Women Were Birds: Fifty-four Variations on Voice

How can we work together?

  • Firstly, we need to schedule a Free 20 Minute Introduction to see if we’re a good match. We will discuss you, what you’re looking for, what I can offer, and how we will proceed.

  • 1:1 online mentorship sessions are 60 minutes long and are offered on a sliding scale of $50-100.

  • While working together, we might discuss dreams, personal rituals and ceremony, animal encounters, divination, medicine walks, core wounds, as well as other emerging topics that may be coming through for you.

  • During a Dreamwork Session, you will bring a recent dream or one from the past to share. This session usually lasts about an hour. Be prepared to relax, go into the dreamscape, and discuss the story veiled within your dream.

  • If you are local to Skagit County, we can meet in person or online. If there is a particular earth skill you are interested in practicing instead of or in addition to holistic rewilding mentorship, I might direct you towards our Custom Programs.

sCHEDULE A cONSULTATION

If you need support during your rewilding journey, let’s set up a consultation to discuss your unique needs and how I can help.