Sacred Wild
being intentional about the way we connect and move throughout the world around us
Sacred Wild is an intentional journey seeking wonder and rich engagement. We honor deep connections with self, others, land and Spirit through sacred gathering, play, creative expression and intentional living.
Realizing our culture is in a liminal space of transformation, we recognize a longing for deep connection with ourselves, the land and others around us. The ingredients and recipes of connection are different for each person and community, but some of the ones we have seen and practice are:
taking steps to consecrate intentional time amidst a busy schedule
paying attention to the delight and wonder that acts as a spiritual biome in our deep selves
providing intentionally planned spaces to connect and listen to the natural world
being honest with our spiritual longings and curiosities, even if it means we face trauma from past individual, societal or religious narratives that have shut down or dominated our honest and personal searching
Connecting with others in safe, non judgmental and agenda free spaces in order to offer support and care
Providing rich and meaningful rites of passages to both the young and old that act as memory stones and altars along our life’s journey
Creatively problem solving material and spiritual blocks to living in sacred reciprocity with land, people and Spirit
Providing spaces of play and deep joy so laughter can fill our bodies
We provide space where it is okay to laugh, explore, play and grieve. And to share these experiences with others.
We pivot in our offerings as needed to provide individuals, small groups, corporate teams, church groups, spiritual groups, teacher teams, etc. with playful and meaningful experiences in order to deepen personal and corporate connection and curiosity. Among some of the experiences we offer are:
Naturalist training
Retreats for soul care
Storytelling workshops
Training in the healing art of play (while playing)
Vision Quests (for life direction and corporate creativity)
Rites of passage for various stages of life (young and old)
PlayWorks
All are welcome. We cherish the journey we’re all on. And we’d love to partner with you.
Sacred Wild Vision Quest
(Re)Connecting with Self
At Sacred Wild, we believe the true light of the Self is perpetually whole, beautiful and connected with Spirit. A lot of trauma has occurred from rigid teachings that we are born lost, dark and disconnected. Unlearning this mindset and walking in connection with our divine light is one of the great journeys we take, in both mind and body.
We do this reclamation through practices which deepen this connection not just cognitively, but through embodiment practices—such as nature immersions, vision quests, rites of passage training, dream work and soul care intensives.
(Re)Connecting with Nature
No matter where our culture is at present in terms of eldership and rites of passage training, one thing we do know is that Nature always provides us with wise elders. Trees, Fires, flowing Water, Animals, Flowers and many other Beings move throughout our landscape—intertwined with us and ready to listen and offer peace, support and guidance.
Connecting with Nature is to listen, learn and connect with Them, and not just about Them. We believe this to be a crucial distinction.
We offer intensive nature immersions where we scientifically learn about Nature—birds, trees, fungi, ecological landscape, mammals, reptiles, creepy crawlies, etc. We do this in an environment that includes sacredness and play—with singing, fires, drums, prayers and gathering.
(Re)Connecting with Life
As we move deeper into the acceptance of self and our place in nature around us, what normally happens is a rhythm of connection with life all around. This includes looking at the way we live in a different way. We slowly begin to consume differently, rest more rhythmically, interact with others in new harmony and move through the world with greater wonder.
In short, we become more and more connected. It can be discombobulating within the mindset of a disconnected culture, but it is wildly life giving, adventurous and full of love. We offer support as transformation happens, because we are not alone. All of life is interconnected and sacred.
About our guides
Stephen Otis
I have been practicing spiritual and life direction for over 20 years. I have more recently begun to utilize the powerful therapy methods of AAIT. I also enjoy working with contemplative practices from various traditions (meditation, breath work and unification). As well as nature immersion therapies (forest bathing, sit spots and day retreats).
I work with many adults who are going through a deconstruction with their traditional religious upbringing, experiencing PRTSD (Post Traumatic Religious Stress Disorder).
I also have a deep passion for what it means to be a father. I enjoy working with men in particular who want a deeper connection to their families.
Interests: I love to hike, write, build things, tell stories, play with my kids and imagine. I love sitting next to the streams in the Smoky Mountains with my partner, Sara. I love sitting around fires with friends—especially if there is a drum circle going on! I cherish being in the midst of laughter. Professionally, besides life coaching, I am one of the guides at Knox Forest School and a teacher at Clayton Bradley Academy.