| My return to nature sprung from my eldest daughter, Lizzie’s, relentless pursuit of outdoor adventure and more importantly her passionate quest to understand and protect our precious planet. She quickly out grew the traditional summer camp and discovered Sustainable Summer as a way to learn and enjoy outdoor adventure all at the same time. Her trips to Ecuador and Costa Rica introduced her to camp counselors, Haley Pangman and Skyeler Congdon, a dynamic duo of nature loving explorers. Lizzie’s love of these counselors, the endless stories, and the profound impact they had on her pursuit of knowledge and desire to integrate nature into her career prompted me to connect with them given the focus of this months blog on mindfulness in nature. It took some time to connect given their busy schedules and remote living on two separate farms in Colorado. Despite Skyeler’s lack of wifi connection, we managed to channel his energy and enthusiasm this past Monday, as I was joined by Lizzie Shutt and Haley to discuss the impact of leading groups and facilitating learning and growing through reconnection to nature. I hope you tune in and take some time to enjoy this interview and try out the mindfulness activity Haley shares at the end on exploring how a simple walk in nature can provide a natural mirror to our inner life of emotions, thoughts, and intentions. I especially love how she guides us in marking a clear beginning and end to the walk as a way to contain the experience. I am trying to be vague so you will listen to her beautiful soul. Listen here: Haley with Patty and Lizzie Shutt Learning more about Haley and her pursuit of a Masters Degree in counseling and a focus on eco therapy, especially her love of the ocean, made it clear that this was just beginning of our time together. As many of you know me, the wheels were turning and ideas starting flowing. So stay tuned to see how the seeds that were planted that day, take root, grow, and perhaps flower into healing opportunities with Sacred Treehouse and Therapeutic Oasis. See more about Haley below and join our facebook group or join the email list to be the first to receive information on our offerings and our upcoming 8 week virtual course of mindfulness in nature starting June 12, 2021. With Love and Gratitude, Patty and The Sacred Treehouse Faculty Need support in overcoming obstacles? Just email me us at [email protected] to set up individualized mindfulness coaching or join our upcoming classes of MBSR or MSC for guided practices in a supportive community. Go to www.sacredtreehouse.org |
 Haley PangmanHaley is a graduate student in Counseling at Humboldt State University and currently resides on a regenerative farm in western Colorado. As a budding therapist, she is focused on deepening her relationship with Ecotherapy and Rites of Passage work. Haley finds her purpose through helping people explore and connect with the vastness of their inner and outer landscapes. She is also passionate about rock climbing, which she considers a form of radical self-care! Inspired by her work with the School of Lost Borders, Haley hopes to bring seeds of unconditional support and hope to the diverse communities she meets. Haley believes in the power of nature, people included, with her whole heart, and is committed to leaving footprints of compassion wherever she goes! |
Patty Thomas Shutt, founder of Sacred Treehouse, is a licensed psychologist and co-owner of Therapeutic Oasis of the Palm Beaches. Dr. Shutt is passionate about helping others discover the benefits of mindfulness and meditation. She offers Beginner Meditation & Advanced Meditation classes at Sacred Treehouse, in addition to Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Mindful Self-Compassion and various book studies throughout the year.