The Appalachian Trail is a 2,192-mile continuous footpath that stretches from Georgia to Maine. Every year thousands of hikers retreat to the ancient Appalachian Mountains to test their physical abilities and immerse in a simpler, slower-paced lifestyle. Whatever their reasons for setting foot on the trail, each hiker journeys through their own unique assortment of personal challenges, social interactions, animal encounters, highs, lows, and everything in between. Each hiker inevitably emerges from their hike having learned new things about themselves, about the world around them, and about the inextricable connection between the two.

Using her own hiking experiences on the Appalachian Trail as a backdrop, the instructor will lead students through storytelling, guided meditations, activities, and discussions to help unlock the notion that we are more than just connected to nature, we ARE nature. We will dive into the topic in both the intellectual realm and the experiential realm. If possible, plan to tune in to class from an outdoor location like a porch or backyard, or near a window that you can look out, or at least near a special houseplant or vase of flowers.

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