awakening her primal power:
Here, we honor the profound connection between women and the natural world. Grounding in the earth awakens our instinctual energy, and through hikes, retreats, and circles, nature becomes the catalyst for remembering and reclaiming our wild power.
Our FERAL Nature initiative draws on both ancient wisdom and contemporary science to help women restore balance, resilience, and well-being by reconnecting with the foundational elements of nature.
EARTH/SOIL :Connecting with the earth grounds us and restores a sense of stability. Research on “grounding” (direct skin contact with soil or grass) shows measurable health benefits.
- Reduces inflammation and stress
- Improves sleep quality
- Supports immune function (Chevalier et al., 2012)
WATER : symbolizes cleansing, renewal, and emotional freedom. Time spent near water—whether rivers, lakes, or even a bath—can have powerful effects on mood and mental health.
- Lowers anxiety and depression
- Promotes relaxation and emotional release
- Enhances creativity and clarity (White et al., 2010; Völker & Kistemann, 2011
AIR/WIND : Fresh air and mindful breathing are vital for mental and physical well-being. Exposure to clean air and natural breezes helps clear the mind and energize the body.
- Reduces feelings of overwhelm and fatigue
- Improves focus and mental clarity
- Supports respiratory health (Li et al., 2009; Mayer et al., 2009)
FIRE/LIGHT: represents transformation and the inner spark. Sunlight exposure is essential for health, and time spent around open flames (like a campfire) can deeply soothe the nervous system.
- Boosts Vitamin D and mood regulation
- Supports immune and hormonal health
- Lowers blood pressure and promotes relaxation (Holick, 2004; Fritz et al., 2014)
DAYLIGHT: helps regulate our internal clocks and supports overall vitality. Even brief exposure to sunlight can have a profound impact on mental and physical health.
- Improves sleep and circadian rhythms
- Increases energy and motivation
Each element supports a unique aspect of psychological and physical health, offering a holistic approach to personal growth and healing.
why this matters:
Modern environments often disconnect us from natural cycles, which can negatively impact mental health, emotional regulation, and even immune function. Scientific studies increasingly support the therapeutic benefits of nature connection, showing measurable improvements in stress reduction, mood, cognitive function, and overall health.
However, it’s important to recognize that access to nature is not equally available to everyone. For many individuals, especially those overcoming systemic oppression, abuse, or living in marginalized communities- nature can be a luxury. Access to forests, beaches, parks, or even a single tree may be rare due to economic barriers, urban development, environmental racism, and historical patterns of exclusion. The lack of safe, welcoming green spaces can further compound the effects of trauma and disconnection.
NATURE & WOMEN
Women, in particular, benefit from reconnecting with nature due to the unique stressors and social conditioning they often face. Nature-based interventions have been shown to lower rates of anxiety and depression (Bratman et al., 2019), improve self-esteem and body image (Barton & Pretty, 2010), and enhance emotional resilience and self-efficacy (Mayer et al., 2009).
There is also a deep, historical and cultural connection between women and nature. Across many traditions, women have been seen as keepers of the earth’s cycles, wisdom, and regenerative power. Both women and the natural world have often been subject to control, exploitation, and silencing under patriarchal systems. For women, reconnecting with nature is not only about personal healing, but also about reclaiming a sense of sacred relationship, intuition, and embodied wisdom that has too often been denied or devalued.
By restoring this bond, women can access a source of strength, creativity, and resilience that is both ancient and deeply personal. Nature connection becomes a way to honor the body, trust intuition, and remember the inherent cycles of growth, rest, and renewal - mirroring the rhythms of the earth itself. In this way, healing with nature is both an act of self-care and a form of resistance against systems that seek to disconnect us from our true selves and the living world.
