I have such a profound appreciation for nature. So many of my daily choices and considerations bring me to a green and simple lifestyle, as naturally kind as I know how to be. That is how the retreat center is offered to the world, a soft footprint. This feels congruent with gratitude for pristine, natural, wild places.

A friend of mine recently thanked me for all that I do for the planet and then invited me to take as much care for me as I do for the earth. I can see her point. In some strange way, it felt like permission to ease up and remember me in the formula. I am exploring ways to be in better balance around being a caretaker for both this mountainside I am the steward of and being a kinder caretaker towards my own self and this life I have been given to live.

I love being with people in an intentional way~keeping it real. I love sharing in the waking up process. In my growing awareness, I have found more freedom from the frequent visitors named defense, judgment, doubt, and worry. They still come, the separating thoughts, though their length of stay is more brief. This allows me to be more available to others in a heartfelt way, becoming more and more of a humble witness to the great unfolding.

The more I get present and clear my busy head, the more I appreciate who or what is in front of me. Truly dropping into the present moment helps me to experience all the support available. Distractions and worries keep me from experiencing daily thanksgiving. Over the years, practices that bring me inner peace have more than crossed my path. They have become a way of life. I appreciate sharing those openings and practices with people seeking the same.

All paths have led me here, to this little piece of heaven on earth. I gratefully and humbly offer you rich ways to connect to nature; your own nature, others and the earth’s. You are invited to travel with me and come test it for yourself. Let us open our eyes, ears and hearts to the Mystery in this Life.

.…In the name of peace on earth, the end of war, the one in our heads first, then towards ending the war in our homes, our families, our work, our communities, and the world as we now know it.

Lovingly,

Jen Deraspe, founder and owner Nurture Through Nature