A Dose of Good Medicine
Remember how six years ago I was too sick to work? How my doctor told me to do everything I could, and to do it soon, since I might not be physically able much longer? How I longed for the good old guiding days in Glacier National Park and dreamed of leading transformative hiking retreats? Yeah, the life of my dreams seemed wildly improbable back then.
Welp, we’re back from our first Glacier Quest medicine walk.
And you guys? I’m transformed! It was wild. I feel more myself than ever. More than I’d have thought possible.
Glacier called me home. And I came home to myself, more whole than the sum of my parts.
I am more myself than I’ve ever been. Leading this retreat bridged the decades-long and lonely gap between my self-trusting, nature-loving, guide self and the older, been-to-hell-and-back, soul
I needed to heal my body for a few years to be well enough, strong enough to get there. But the Glacier Quest was a medicine walk for me in every sense — an adventure good for body, mind, and wild soul. I feel even healthier and stronger having done it.
On the trail, we attuned to the medicine available from all 7 Directions: above, below, forward, behind, left, right, and within. We experienced beaver lodges, moose, grizzly, bees and butterflies and too many birds to name, wildflowers, glaciers and their formations, native american history and culture, as well as inner guidance and big Selves.
Each day on the trail and in connection with our group of gorgeous wayfinders I felt more vitality, more trust in my inner compass, more deeply connected to my body, my tribe, my calling, and our planet.
I witnessed and heard similar reports from our questers, despite a few tender toes and squeeky joints:
“I’m more aware of beauty around me and now I soak it in, receive it and feel a part of it. There’s a magical give and take with nature that I hadn’t named before.”
“… the guidance we talked about on the trail is real and can be found in the most playful ways. I am feeling a stronger sense of my body’s center today and grateful to have shared this beautiful trip with all of you. Still feeling the stillness and grandeur of GNP.”
“I feel elated and free. Over and over, I was rewarded with spectacular views, a sense of accomplishment, and camaraderie.”
“More than ever before, I know I can trust my guidance and that means I am emerging from this retreat a much more confident coach. I will take this transformation with me and always hold it close to my heart.”
“I feel like a gorilla!” said a 70-year-old first-time hiker of her newfound surefooted fierceness and oneness with nature.
“I have started down the path to a better understanding of who I am and how I want to live these ‘golden’ years.”
“I’m aware of experiencing my self and emotions and internal guidance that are powerful for me. I leave with new ways and possibilities. I would love to do this again.”
“Increased love of all things nature!”
“There was a bond between everyone. It started immediately, then continued to grow.”
“I was skeptical about the retreat. I am so pleased to tell you that this was one of the best things I have EVER done for myself.”
What medicine is calling you?
I’ve seen or spoken to each of the quest-ers in the couple of weeks since our retreat and, you guys, they GLOW.
And my improbable dream retreat turned out to be not only a transformative experience for my guests, but exactly what I needed to heal more fully than I’d allowed myself to imagine.
I can’t help but wonder: What secret dreams do you harbor? What remedies call to you, however wild or improbable? I’d love to hear all about them.
With so much love, from Montana,
Jennifer
This retreat called to me and, from the moment it began, I knew that leading nature retreats and helping others connect to their own good medicine is part of my purpose. Happily, at least one quest-er wants to come again next year for another dose, so I’ve reserved lodging and outlined GQ 2018. Please lemme know if you’d like to reserve a spot!
