We believe in the ability of nature to transform and renew people’s well-being and mental health. As psychotherapists and scholars, we have explored the health effects of being in nature, and found that people benefit tremendously from having a close connection with the forest. ​We all become better human beings when we encounter nature in an intimate way. Those who suffer from stress and anxiety will discover great sense of calm and peacefulness.
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Therefore, we created Peace in the Wild (PIW), a program that brings people and nature together in the beauty of Western Maryland. Former participants describe their experience as transformative in their relationship to the natural world.
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Please consider contributing to our financial aid fund to enable people in need of monetary support. Every amount counts – even the smallest donations will help people cover cost of attending.
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PIW is a charitable program. Once expenses are covered, all proceeds will be donated to a local non-profit nature conservation organization.
WHAT'S PEACE IN THE WILD?
Who's PIW For?
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Feel most alive and happy outdoors and who want to build a relationship with the natural world
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Want to hit the reset button of daily life and experience a sense of groundedness
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Feel lost on their current journey or have lost sight of their vision for their life
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Are moving through a life transition
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Experience a lot of stress and anxiety and need the solace of nature to replenish
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Are in the process of grieving and want the nurturing support of being in nature and community
What to Expect?
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Connect with the beauty and peace around you through contemplative practices such as mindfulness, meditation, periods of silence and movement practices
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Reflect on the effects of nature on your psychological well-being and spirituality
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Connect with your fellow participants through small group sharing
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Experience a campfire circle
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Create a personal nature mosaic
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Practice "letting go" in nature
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Digital detox
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Through the connection to the natural world, we experience a deeper connection to self connection to spirituality, and connection to others
What's Included?
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Therapeutic Movement (Yoga or Tai Chi) to release stress and sync with the energy of the forest
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Nature Mandala
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Nature Rituals
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Meditation in Nature
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Shin Rin Yoku (forest bathing)
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Forest Therapy
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Earthing
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Silence & Solitude Practice
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Teachings on Nature Therapy
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5 Fresh, healthy vegetarian meals
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2 nights accommodation
WHAT DO PEOPLE SAY?
“WOW...is the first word to come to mind. I attended Peace in the Wild 2023 this past Fall, and yesterday I received the "Note to Self" in the mail. The timing of receipt of my note/letter to myself could not have come at the right opportune time. In my journey of grief from loss of a loved one, stress from work, health of my spouse and my "upcoming back surgery"; my note to myself could not have come at a more opportune time...beyond a shadow of a doubt. By some magic, when you collected our notes and advised that when we'd receive them, it would be appropo, so appropriate for this time and space. How did you know?"
S.G. 2023 Participant
“I gave myself permission to step outside my comfort zone just enough to benefit from awesome personal growth. Receiving comfort from other fellow humans who feel the same anxiety as myself was very awesome."
“The whole weekend was perfect timing for my life's journey. I feel refreshed, enlightened and new! I've been sharing my experience with my dear friends who have been wondering what my weekend was like. Joy leaps out of me as I listen to myself explaining the "Peace in the Wilderness" weekend story. I'm full of smiles! "
WHICH ORGANIZATIONS WILL I BE CONTRIBUTING TO?
Fantastic local conservancy group focused on the Gunpowder river-shed.
Non-Profit which builds sustainable parks in underprivileged areas of Baltimore City
Talmar Grounds at Cromwell Valley Park offers a place for Veterans suffering from PTSD.
The Appalachian Mountain Club protects thousands of miles of wilderness throughout the eastern United States.
Questions?
Email: events@cmhcweb.com
Call: 410-567-1117 ext.3
