Human Nature is a 3 night/4 day nature connection immersion led by certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide Gwen Ripp, of Intentionally Outdoors.
Together we will nourish ourselves by nurturing our intrinsic bond with the Earth and embarking on a sensory immersion designed to reconnect you with the natural world and, ultimately, with yourself. We will gather among the Driftless land where you will have the freedom to be with nature to find your own authentic human nature.
Human Nature is not simply a retreat it is an arrival home to your body and to the Earth. A return to our true essence as humans to be with nature, to nourish our bodies with the bounty of the land, to return love and care to the Earth and to create connections with other humans.
You do not need to have any experience with Forest Therapy to participate in this retreat. First-time participants are warmly welcomed and encouraged to join. Most dietary accommodations are available -vegan, dairy free, gluten free etc. - just let us know. Private and Shared Rooms offered. If attending a retreat solo, roommates will be matched up for a shared communal experience.
You will experience…
2 Guided Forest Therapy walks led by Gwen - mindful interactions with nature and opportunities to connect and share with the group.
Deep nourishment from the land through intentional meals created by the Red Clover’s Chef - Dani Lind. Truly some of the best seasonal farm to table food.
Somatic movement exploration - yoga and dance outside with the sunshine and fresh air.
Sharing and storytelling in a kind, welcoming and open community.
Guided journaling sessions, with a custom made journal provided for each guest.
A slow pace, moving with the rhythm of nature - Sitting under trees, laying in the grass, gathering around a fire, watching the clouds go by and epic star gazing.
Free time - There are so many ways to spend your time: sauna, rest, read, write, create, hike, or visit the swimming hole.
And more…
What’s Included:
3 nights/4 days accommodations at Red Clover Ranch
Arrival welcoming with appetizers and drinks Thursday before dinner.
Welcome dinner Thursday evening
Breakfast, lunch and dinner Friday and Saturday
Hearty send off breakfast Sunday morning
Meals are truly farm-to-table seasonal food prepared with love and intention. *most dietary restrictions and preferences can be honored.
Two guided Forest Therapy walks led by Gwen, each walk is around 2 hours.
Solo nature exploration and group sharing.
Option to participate in somatic movement through dance and yoga. Sessions will be outside in the sunshine and fresh air. *weather permitting.
Journaling - Guests will each receive a unique Intentionally Outdoors journal.
Free time to use the sauna, rest, read, write, create and explore.
A welcome gift bag intentionally curated for your Human Nature experience.
Where you’ll be staying…
Red Clover Ranch is a retreat center, cabin rental, and event space located in the Driftless region of southwest Wisconsin. Here you can unwind and recharge on 79 acres of woodland and pasture. Cabins are simple yet thoughtfully designed and share a central bathhouse featuring two full bathrooms, an outdoor shower, an electric sauna, and a communal screened in porch with kitchenette.
You will have an opportunity to connect and spend time with a unique and magical landscape. The Driftless refers to a small area in the Midwest that was bypassed by the last Continental Glacial Drift. Since this area wasn’t filled in and reshaped by glaciers, it has a dramatic topography characterized by steep hills, forested ridges, and deeply carved river valleys. We acknowledge with respect and love, that this land is the ancestral home of the Ho-Chunk and Potawatomi nations.
This retreat is for you if…
You enjoy the balance of alone time and moments of genuine human connection.
You honestly just need some time away from the noise of everyday life.
You desire to slow down.
You enjoy spending time outdoors or being immersed in nature.
Spending time outdoors is not something you often have time for in your everyday life but it sparks your curiosity and calls to you.
You want to connect with yourself and your body through movement and presence.
You value farm-to-table food and want to nourish yourself with the bounty of the Earth.
You want to breathe in fresh air, feel the sun on your face, lay beneath the stars and see the beauty of this unique landscape of the Driftless region.
You are a welcoming, kind-hearted, curious person.
Our time together…
Here is what I’m dreaming up for our time together. This is all subject to the weather, what I’m feeling in my heart and the energy of the group.
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We will arrive at Red Clover Ranch beginning at 3pm Thursday. We will gather to set our intentions for our time together and begin weaving connections through arriving in our bodies, meeting each other and the land. Then we will arrive in the main dinning space to snack on appetizers and drinks before dinner. After dinner spend time around the campfire, in the sauna or an after dinner walk.
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Spend your morning sleeping in, or going for a walk. We will gather together at 8:30am for breakfast. (Coffee and tea are available starting at 7:30am). After breakfast Gwen will guide the group on your first Forest Therapy walk of the weekend. Lunch will be served midday.
The afternoon offers the choice to participate in a yoga or dance session or the spaciousness to honor what your body desires - a trip to the swimming hole, laying in the grass reading a book, going for a hike… As the evening arrives we will gather for dinner. After dinner spend time in the sauna or gather for epic stargazing or campfire chats.
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Spend your morning sleeping in or perhaps going for a walk to greet the day. We will gather together at 8:30am for breakfast. (Coffee and tea are available starting at 7:30am). After breakfast Gwen will guide the group on your second Forest Therapy walk of the weekend. Lunch will be served midday.
In the afternoon the group will set off on your own solo exploration of the land. This is your time to explore, create, and deeply connect with the land and yourself. After our solo wanders we will gather for sharing and storytelling. Dinner will be served in the evening. After dinner spend time in the sauna or gather for epic stargazing or campfire chats on our last night together.
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Before breakfast we will gather to share gratitude with the land and revisit our intentions. We will come together one last time for a hearty send off breakfast. After breakfast we will say our goodbyes and depart by 11am, until next time.
What is Forest Therapy?
Forest Therapy, inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku or forest bathing, involves immersing yourself in nature through all five senses. Unlike a hike or exercise, Forest Therapy focuses on nurturing your relationship with nature and yourself, fostering relaxation and rejuvenation. Your guide will lead you through a series of sensory-based invitations designed to encourage mindful interactions with nature. During a guided walk we move at a leisurely pace with opportunities to connect and share with fellow participants.
Potential Health Benefits:
Reduction in stress and anxiety
Improved quality of sleep
Improved cognitive functioning and creativity
Burnout prevention
Deeper connection with nature
And more…
Gwen Ripp is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy guide. Nature and Forest Therapy Guides are not licensed therapists and do not diagnose or treat mental or emotional health conditions. Their role is to facilitate a nature-based experience for personal enrichment and connection.
Gwen Ripp of Intentionally Outdoors explains what Forest Therapy is.
