The notes floated in so clearly, as I sat on a rock ledge, listening to the wind.

Are ya listenin? Are ya watchin? Are ya waiting? For direction?

It was an experience so ethereal, I still struggle to put it into words, but effectively, I was in a song circle with the wind and trees atop that mountain as a winter storm was brewing.

And I caught the sweetest song.

This spot, among the white rocks of South Mountain’s ridge near the midpoint of the Appalachian trail in Pennsylvania, has been a retreat of mine since childhood.

I go there to hike off my frustrations, and wander into solutions that I couldn’t access just banging away at the keys on this screen. I highly recommend stepping outside, taking a walk, or getting off grid, whenever you feel like you can’t figure something out.

To get alone or “thinking” time in nature, I prefer going out during the work day, on rainy/cold days, or near sunset, when all others are heading back home before dark. I particularly love being up on that mountain when the world falls into darkness (with my headlamp lol).

I feel so comfortable in this place, only about a 15-minute drive away, I could find my way home in almost any direction. The land is literally connected to the land where I now live and where I grew up, along one continuous ridgeline. And I can feel that in my bones. It feels like safety.

The familiarity of this place, as well as the soothing nature of wild places, allows me to encounter my own inner world in a unique and surprising way. I can surrender to something wider and wiser, while simultaneously feeling myself expand into the unknown territories of my mind, body and soul, without as much resistance. I think this is why clarity comes with ease.

When we feel we are safe and belong, while being slightly challenged out of our comfort zone (which is often the daily grind), whole worlds open up.

But, no matter how hard I try, there’s really no sufficient way for me to describe in written words how it feels to belong to a Place. So I’ve begun to brew up ways to facilitate the experience for you and share it with you more directly, Reader.

And if this isn’t for you, you’re invited to find time to explore the land around you in this way too. Anyone can do this, like I do, on your own. It’s easy, accessible, free and fun.

Inspired solutions always come, even if later.

This is a core part of my EarthCare practice and philosophy.

And I hope you tell me about it, when you try it!

Stay wild,

Kendra

Ps. Don’t worry, if you’re not a “creative entrepreneur” I’m creating other ways to connect like this. That’s what we creatives do! Haha. But I need to start by nourishing myself in this way, sharing what I do with others like me. Thanks for understanding.

If you’re local, or can travel here, I am designing day camps and retreats. And I’d love to know what you’d like to experience or learn at these live, in-person events. Click here if you’re just interested in any in-person events I design or Hit reply to tell me what you want!

If you’re not close enough to attend live events easily, you can try the Sit Spot Challenge - a 3 day email series I share often for newcomers, and like to remind ye old faithful readers about too. Try visiting different spots consistently or seasonally and see what emerges.

It’s great to get back to the basics, and if you need fresh inspiration (because you’ve gone through the same emails over and over) just hit reply and let me know.

Written by a human - Kendra Marie Hoffman