Wapalanne Women’s Wellness Weekend: Nourishment, Connection, and the Quiet Wisdom of Winter

There are experiences that stay with you long after they end — not because of one single moment, but because of how they gently shift something inside you. The Wapalanne Women’s Wellness Weekend at the New Jersey School of Conservation was one of those experiences for me.

The theme that echoed throughout the weekend was nourishment. Each of us arrived nourished in different ways — through connection, conversation, quiet reflection, movement, creativity, and time in nature. Some women arrived with friends, others came alone, some feeling excited, others unsure or nervous, even wondering if they should have come at all. What became clear very quickly was this: everyone who showed up was meant to be there.

From the start, there was a sense of belonging. Some women knew each other from past events and reunited like family, while newcomers were welcomed with warmth and ease. Over the course of the weekend, connections deepened — not just with one another, but with nature and ourselves.

A Winter Wonderland Invitation

Winter showed up in full form. Snow fell during the week, creating a peaceful winter wonderland that invited us to slow down and tune in. Wrapped in layers, we walked through crisp air, listening to the crunch of snow and ice beneath our boots. The cold encouraged us to listen closely to our bodies — noticing sensations, breath, and inner rhythms.

During a mindful interpretive hike, we were each randomly assigned a colored pencil and invited to find that color in nature. Mine was black — a challenging color at first glance. But as I walked, my perspective shifted. I noticed dark slate rocks buried beneath snow, wet stones that appeared almost black, the dark calm of winter water rippling beneath thin layers of ice. The color black revealed itself not as empty or harsh, but as peaceful, grounding, and deeply present.

Textures, Patterns, and Perspective

As part of our preparation for the afternoon Zentangle session, we explored textures and patterns outdoors. We slowed down to really see — bark, moss, branches, snow, and stone. One participant brought a fascinating magnifying glass, the kind often used to inspect diamonds. When we placed it over moss and tree bark, an entirely new ecosystem came into view. Shapes, patterns, and textures emerged that we might otherwise overlook. (Naturally, it went straight into my Amazon cart.)

Later, as we continued searching for patterns, we were gifted with an unexpected moment: an upside-down rainbow, like a soft halo in the winter sky. It felt symbolic — a reminder that beauty appears when we slow down and look from a different perspective.

The Gift of Creative Letting Go

Zentangle was an experience of gentle challenge and growth for me. I’ll be honest — it was frustrating at first. I noticed my inner critic creeping in, reminding me that I’m “not artistic.” Perfectionism showed up quickly. But as I softened and let go of the need to do it “right,” something shifted. The process became calming. My body relaxed. My thoughts slowed. And my final piece surprised me — not because it was perfect, but because it reflected presence.

Walking outdoors beforehand and noticing patterns in nature made the creative process feel grounded and accessible. It sparked curiosity, creativity, and reminded me how powerful it is to approach something new with openness instead of judgment.

Mindfulness, Movement, and Meaning

Later in the afternoon, we gathered for a yoga experience that allowed us to stretch, release tension, and reconnect with our bodies. There were moments of stillness, gentle movement, quiet laughter, emotion, and deep grounding. Sitting in darkness afterward, I noticed my body begin to shiver — a release I didn’t expect but fully welcomed.

Following yoga, I had the honor of leading a mindfulness workshop focused on practical, accessible ways to integrate mindfulness into everyday life and time spent outdoors. I shared an overview of what mindfulness is, why it supports mental health, and how it shows up in my work through Walk & Talk therapy, community offerings, retreats, and women’s circles.

Together, we explored a variety of grounding practices, including intentional breathing techniques, mindful walking, and the 5-4-3-2-1 sensory grounding exercise. Participants were invited to reflect on their earlier experiences on the trails—what they noticed, what felt calming or challenging, and how awareness shifted when attention was brought to the senses.

We then moved into a guided body scan meditation, using our headlamps as a “spotlight” to gently direct awareness through the body. I also shared how this same practice can be adapted during daytime hikes by using sunlight or natural points of focus, emphasizing flexibility and accessibility so participants could carry these tools with them beyond the weekend.

To close the workshop, I guided the group through a visual meditation using my mindfulness photo book. The images and reflective prompts offered another entry point into mindfulness, allowing participants to connect through imagery, words, and personal interpretation. This approach supported those who benefit from visual grounding and demonstrated how mindfulness practices can be tailored to different learning styles and environments.

Stories, Warmth, and Community

We were also gifted a powerful storytelling experience centered on the life of Harriet Tubman. The story grounded us in themes of resilience, courage, and the importance of remembering history through lived experience. It invited deep listening and reflection, reminding us of the strength that comes from honoring those who came before us.

Throughout the weekend, the New Jersey School of Conservation chefs nourished us with incredible meals — three a day, along with snacks and desserts — thoughtfully accommodating a wide range of dietary needs. We were also treated to a hands-on cooking demonstration, learning how to make vegan chickpea soup and homemade pasta. The experience was grounding, nourishing, and joyful.

One of my favorite parts of camp life was learning about “cruisers” — a communal system where everyone plays a role in setting tables, serving food, and cleaning up together. It created connection beyond conversation, fostering teamwork and shared responsibility.

A Tea Ceremony to Remember

At the end of a hike, we participated in a simple yet powerful tea ceremony. Birch branches were broken, releasing a scent reminiscent of root beer and wintergreen — earthy, grounding, and nostalgic. We also learned how to make tea using tree needles. Holding a warm cup in the cold air, whether with or without honey, felt like a moment of deep nourishment — warming our hands, hearts, and spirits.

Carrying It Forward

This weekend allowed me to go deeper — personally and professionally. It affirmed why I do what I do and how I want to continue bringing mindfulness and nature together in my practice. Not everyone connects easily with guided imagery, and one participant shared how helpful it was to have visual imagery through my mindfulness photo book, inspired by my 79-mile trek along Scotland’s Great Glen Way. Using real images helped them connect to calm and grounding in a way that traditional visualization never could.

The weekend ended with reflection, laughter, hugs, and heartfelt goodbyes. While it was hard to leave, I carried home a deep sense of gratitude, inspiration, and clarity.

A huge thank you to the New Jersey School of Conservation and all the guides who made this weekend so meaningful — your dedication to connecting people with nature and supporting wellness created a truly magical experience. 🌿

This experience reminded me that healing doesn’t have to be loud or forced. Sometimes, it’s found in snow-covered trails, warm tea, shared silence, creative messiness, and the courage to show up — exactly as you are.

If you’d like to experience the grounding, restorative power of nature and mindfulness for yourself, I invite you to:
✨ Sign up for the Reflect & Wander Series
✨ Schedule a Walk & Talk therapy consultation
✨ Book a custom mindful hike or workshop

Nature meets us exactly where we are — and sometimes one mindful moment is all it takes to remind us of our own strength, calm, and clarity.