Walkin’ the Trail Workshops
Michael Gulbrandsen, the founder of “Nature’s Whispers”, runs the Nature and Forest Therapy Program. We teach people how to connect with nature by Walking the Trail Workshops.
Tranquility Walk
A Tranquility Walk is not a hike or a workout: we move slowly and silently. We start each walk with a smudging ceremony and then we give you a variety of different guided activities, called “Insights”, to help you connect to nature.
- A gentle touch to the bark of a tree
- Closing your eyes to let your other senses kick in
- Dipping your toes in the bubbles of a waterfall.
Once you have reached the end of the trail, we come together to exchange feelings and thoughts. This session duration can range from 2-4 hours depending on the number of participants and the desired results.
Wisdom Walk
If you are unclear as to what your next move might be or can’t find an answer no matter how many times you go over the issue, then a Wisdom Walk can help. By asking nature a question, we can see the signs, omens and wisdom that nature is offering us and learn to read them. Once a person becomes one with nature; plants, animals and magical creatures respond by giving answers to one’s questions.
- Each workshop starts with a grounding ceremony, then you will be taught how to ask the question so you get a clear answer.
- You will be instructed how to interact with nature so you can see the signs, until you know the birds are there you don’t see them.
- Sessions generally have you walk on an easy and accessible trail for 45 minutes to an hour. You asked to bring a journal or paper to record any inspirations you may have or write what you see.
- After the walk we will come together to share the wisdom that nature has put out to you and understand its signs.
Other Workshops & Circles
Here are some more Workshops offered by Michael Gulbrandsen.
Walking the Medicine Wheel
Learn how to use the Medicine Wheel in this exciting Workshop, derived from Ancient Practices.
The Medicine Wheel, also known as the Sacred Hoop, has been used by Native American tribes for health and healing. It embodies the Four Directions, and movement in the Medicine Wheel is circular, and typically in a clockwise, or “sun-wise” direction. This helps to align with the forces of Nature, such as gravity and the rising and setting of the Sun. The Directions can represent:
- Stages of life: birth, youth, adult (or elder), death
- Seasons of the year: spring, summer, winter, fall
- Aspects of life: spiritual, emotional, intellectual, physical
- Elements of nature: fire, air, water, and earth
While inside the wheel some will see colors, hear sounds and encounter beings. Others experience deepening awareness and receive an answer to a problem….
“You quietly and respectfully enter the East Door (yellow) of the Medicine Wheel. Slowly begin your walk clockwise around the entire inner circle, as I drum. Stop at the East door, wait…..reflect. Where do you wish to walk in the circle…what quadrant beckons you? There are many stones on the Earth Mother, just observe them. Speak with your spirit animals and go to the quadrant that calls you, be aware of one stone only in that quadrant. Could be a boulder or small stone. You sit close or on the stone, listen to it, connect to it. Is there any dialog with your spirit animals and listen to what nature is saying or showing you.”
-Michael Gulbrandsen
Fairy Walks
Walk the trail in the forest to see signs of the Divine Dancing of the magical creatures of the forest and connect with them. This teaches a new way of being in nature that marries this age with the golden age. In these Workshops, we discover ideal locations for Fairy Houses, place a decorated doorway, and enhance the area around it with nature. At the end of the Workshop, you can leave the fairy home as is, or take it with you for your garden.
Nature’s Sounds Community Circle Workshops
We join together in a circle in the outdoors. We will begin to play instruments, sing, or mimic animals’ sounds. Listen to the sound of the drum as it beats, shake a turtle rattle, and then the howl of a wolf is heard.
Fire Community Circle
Join us around the fire as we come together to listen to nature’s elders and each other, to build community, and to reconnect with the land and the spirits of the place. For thousands of years humans have gathered together around the fire for light, warmth and connection. In these times of great need and change, this event is an opportunity to sit in a circle and listen to the elders, to each other and to the fire; and to reconnect with the land and the spirits of the place where you live. Being in the presence of this embodied wisdom can teach us how to improve our relationship with nature, offer respect and gratitude, and learn how to “listen” to, and connect with the world around us.
Trail Blazing & Building of Trail Structures
A hands on workshop where you learn how to create a natural trail through the forest that minimizes the environmental impact but maximizes
the connection to nature. Some workshops will also include the construction of entrance arbors or bridges.
Snowshoe Meditation Walks
Find your place in nature as you explore the snow covered trails. Experience relaxing snowshoeing with the wonderful sights of the winter wonderland.