An Encounter With Nature

Posted by Gregory M. Koufacos, MA, LCADC, NCRC , Outreach & Family Services on June 20, 2016

If you were to describe yourself at work as a force of nature, what would you be? A still mountain. A flowing steam. A tornado! How about at home or leisure? My wife says I am like a Fire at home - like a fireplace to give warmth and love, sometimes a firecracker to give fun and excitement, and sometimes an engine for the train.

This is how a group of amazing professionals introduced themselves to each other at a New Jersey Hike n’ Brunch event co-sponsored by Evoke last Friday. The theme of the event was The Role of Nature and Adventure in the Healing and Recovery Process. A diverse group engaged in a half-day experience where we hiked out into nature, and then shared our experience using nature over a brunch. Everyone shared how they use and incorporate nature into their lives and their work.

The essence of the event was how powerful nature is. As I led the group out on the hike, I asked them to be mindful, watchful, quiet and slow. It is too easy NOT to notice our surroundings! As therapists and helpers, it is very important that we open ourselves to nature in a sensate way - to have a direct experience and connection with nature.

So, out we went into nature. We arrived at a serene location along the trail and pulled off. Then we had an encounter with nature, touching and smelling things with our child eyes. When the group was asked to share about their experience, everyone spoke about how they were transported almost immediately back to childhood - to the simple, joyful, and scary times. One participant spoke about how as she ran her fingers along the moss her partner gave her, it began to split apart. She heard an ancient voice from her parents: “You are breaking the toy! You are doing it wrong.” In wilderness groups, this would be a perfect time to hold an impromptu group, and for that member to peel back the layers of her armor, to take steps to reach her vulnerability, her true self, as her supportive group bears witness to her struggle and triumph.

Nature served as both a transporter and connector for us. It was truly a wonderful day of connection!