Write Your Wild River

“Poetry is just the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash.” -Leonard Cohen

Poetry and nature are good medicine. We invite you to join us along the Mad River (Baduwat) exploring the magical alchemy that can happen when you take the time to slow down, be really present from to the natural world, and then write from that place.

The joy of creative writing isn’t something that belongs only to a select few. Everybody contains a treasure trove of poetry just waiting to be tapped and nature beckons as a mirror inviting exploration. This workshop is for anyone who would like to explore the poetry that lives within them with wild nature as co-creator.

Date: Saturday, September 10
Time: 10am-12:30pm
Where: Along Mad River, Blue Lake (details will be sent upon registration)
Cost: $20
Register: https://wildnatureheart.com/product/write-your-wild-river-september2022/

Through reflection, activities, and writing exercises, you will be invited to create a river of words that tap into the earth as poet and the music of your whole self.

IN THIS ADVENTURE INTO NATURE AND POETRY YOU WILL:

 Embody techniques for cultivating your natural poetic creativity
Learn to see nature as a mirror for reflecting what lives inside you
Deepen your capacity to slow down to hear what is authentic
Sharpen your senses as a guide to sharpen your writing
Be inspired by the poetry of your peers
Cultivate a deeper connection with nature
Explore different poetic forms, style, and images

For both new and experienced poets and creative writers, and anyone who loves nature and likes to play with words.

REGISTER HERE.

Please bring: water and a snack, a blanket and/or seat, pen/pencil & paper, an item that appeals to your inner poet to set in the circle. Come dressed to spend the entire time outdoors.

Contact Ryan with questions: ryan@wildnatureheart.com

About me:

My name is Ryan Van Lenning, Founder of Wild Nature Heart, and I am an earth-lover with a deep desire to be of service in the work of re-connection and re-membering during this Great Turning/Great Composting. I started Wild Nature Heart to support people to re-connect with the wisdom of both inner and outer wild nature, to live their soul callings into the world, and to assist in the work of repairing broken belonging.

I am an inner/outer wilderness guide and poet (author of Re-Membering: Poems of Earth & Soul) and High-Cooing Through the Seasons: Haiku From the Forest. I am a certified Ecotherapist through The Earthbody Institute, through which I teach the Level 1 and 3 Ecotherapy courses. I am trained as a rite-of-passage/wilderness vision fast guide through the School of Lost Borders, through which I assist wilderness ceremonies, and am a Certified Wilderness First Responder through Foster Calm. Prior to moving to California 13 years ago, I taught Comparative Religion, Philosophy, and Environmental Ethics at Sinclair College in Ohio. I live among the forest and rivers in northern California, ancestral Wiyot, Yurok, and Sinkyone land.

Testimonials:
“Thank you for awakening not only my inner playful poet but for allowing me to remind myself all that is in there… including nature and everything in it. What is true reveals itself as I am ready for it, through you guiding us. It’s all unique to everyone; more an ‘unfoldment’ than ‘class’ or exercises. You guys, if you didn’t make it, you are really missing out!” – Karen S., Fremont

“I have never thought of myself as a poet, or even very good with words. Until fairly recently, most poetry left me feeling lost. Ryan helped me discover my “inner poet” by using nature as a means of finding it. It was surprising how easily I slipped over the line from non-poet to poet! Ryan has a gentle way of helping us feel more connected to nature, and thus, to ourselves. I highly recommend trying out his nature poetry events, even if you don’t “feel” like a poet.” — Diane Dew, Oakland

“I find myself repeatedly touched by the depth of your caring for Earth and all her beings and by your dedication to practice and evolving new pathways of relationship and culture. I am moved by the presence that you bring to deep listening and your willingness to explore different perspectives. Your ability to express through poetry and action what’s in your heart and your desire for healthy relationship among all beings is a source of inspiration for me.” —Marianne B. Rowe, MS, LMFT, Summer 2022 Level 3 Ecotherapy Training, Earthbody Institute

“Ryan is a deeply earthy, magical, inspiring poet and person. Katie is a courageous, heart-full, dynamic storyteller and writer. You will be amazed and forever touched by learning and creating with them!” — Ariana Candell, Psychotherapust, Ecotherapist, Dance Movement Therapist, Berkeley

“I went to an event with Wild Nature Heart on the River, and it was magical! Ryan and Katie were excellent guides and mirrors, and made me completely comfortable sharing my story- even personal at times. I feel more at peace, and a passion for writing has been rekindled; it also doesn’t hurt that they found a beautiful and secluded location . If you love writing, nature, community or even need a safe space to explore who you are, I highly recommend them!” – Candace C., Writing Wild Gathering, Sacramento