BIPOC MIRRORING TRAINING: Reflecting BIPOC Stories through Nature and Belonging
This program is open to all who identify as Black, Indigenous, & People of Color (BIPOC). Many of whom have often expressed not feeling welcome, seen, or a true sense of belonging in nature based programs. Such programs have usually been led by white guides, attract similarly white participants, and have not been adapted to the vitality and needs of racial, cultural, and gender diversity. Much is lost in the intentions of these programs without the voices, leadership, and inclusivity of such profound perspectives and experiences.
Gathering with a supportive group of BIPOC Guides is an opportunity to feel deep connection and belonging with each other and nature. Nature both reflects and celebrates the full spectrum of our intersecting identities. Sharing our stories and receiving mirroring can transform trauma and separation into healing and liberation. This is a place to be seen and heard in our fullness and to celebrate the value our unique identities bring to the world. In this training, you will learn to listen and tell from the full spectrum of your BIPOC experience and offer your presence, experience, and wisdom as a gift to others.
Our stories will come from our time on the land. We will practice this ancient art by going intentionally onto the land alone. This intentional practice, and the deep listening that follows, naturally leads us to the wisdom to go beyond ourselves. Those of us who work with people, especially BIPOC and mixed race groups, must know how to listen and respond to diverse stories of pain, trauma, belonging, celebration, and resilience. Deep witnessing and mirroring can support us all to create a life that is deeper, richer, and that brings forth collective liberation for all humans and the earth.
During this week you will experience deep connection with the land and find your own unique way in the art of listening and mirroring. This is a powerful individual and collective BIPOC experience that will deeply and positively affect your soul and the work you bring to the world! The practice of mirroring can be adapted to many settings and groups and deeply enrich your work and community.
This training is part of a series of trainings with the call to empower BIPOC guides in leadership for nature based programing. The training is taught by Praveen Mantena and Ruth Wharton who bring with them decades of guiding and training experience and are dedicated to empowering BIPOC guides into leadership.
Dates: July 27-August 3, 2024
Please plan to arrive by 4pm on July 27th. We will plan to end no later than 3pm on August 3rd.
Transportation:
Wild Mountain is located near Buena Vista in central Colorado. We suggest carpooling with other participants. There is a bus 1 x a day from Denver to Buena Vista where we can pick you up and drive you to Wild Mountain. If you are traveling by bus, please plan to arrive on July 27th and return to Denver on the morning of August 4th.
Practical Preparations:
We will provide all meals, fresh drinking water, and a basic outdoor kitchen. Most days we will be together in council, so you may want to bring a comfortable chair (or we can provide one) and layers of clothing for a range of weather conditions. An equipment list will be sent to you once you register. Extra equipment is available, so please ask if you are in need of anything.
Please note that this is a training. As such our request and expectation of you is you show up with a learner’s mindset and are agreeing to participate in the daily nature-based walks to be able to really share your stories from these experiences and mirror those of others each day. While nature, ceremony, and land will be ultimate teacher in this regard, we the guides will also be teaching you everything we know to serve your learning of this beautiful practice. If you are unsure about being trained in this practice and your own commitment of what is expected as a trainee each day, please reach out to us to confirm if this is the right commitment for you.
Covid Protocol:
We ask that all participants take a Covid test within 48 hours of this program. If you have any questions please contact us.
Deposit:
To secure a spot in the training a nontransferable and nonrefundable deposit of $100 is required as well as submitting forms. If the deposit is a barrier for you joining or you are in need of additional funds for travel, please contact us.
You will also be asked to write a letter explaining why you are drawn to this training as well as what transitions or personal process you are currently facing.
Pay your deposit here.
Donation Based:
Our aim is to make this training accessible. Please give what you are able recognizing the time and resources that go into providing this offering. If you are able to give generously, that helps us provide more opportunities for others. Please visit our Reciprocity page for more information.
All proceeds from this training go back to providing resources specifically for BIPOC to join future trainings and programs. If you are in need additional funds to participate, please contact us regarding our BIPOC access fund.