Ariana is founder of The Earthbody Institute, a professional, educational, and transformational forum dedicated to the cultivation of dynamic mutual relationships with the natural world. She is creator of the groundbreaking Professional Ecotherapy Training and Certification Program, now entering its fourth year. She facilitates workshops locally and internationally, including Online Ecotherapy Certificate Programs, Ecotherapy Immersion Programs and consultation groups. She also teaches Ecotherapy seminars as an adjunct professor at John F. Kennedy University.
Ariana believes that developing a consistent nature connection practice with elements of somatic awareness and openness to the sacred can foster a more holistic and balanced way of life. She is devoted to her own daily spiritual practice in nature, and encourages her private clients and students to develop their own practice. In all of her programs, she facilitates creation of a strong Earth-honored community, fulfilling an ancient human need of experiencing a profound connection to the sacredness of all beings.
Ariana is thrilled to be practicing Ecotherapy outdoors in the East Bay hills with more than half of her individual clients, and also brings the power of nature indoors to her private practice in Berkeley. Her main therapeutic influences include Hakomi Mindfulness-Centered Somatic Psychotherapy, Somatic Ecotherapy, Dance Movement Therapy and Earth-based trainings from The School of Lost Borders.
Individual Psychotherapy
Hakomi Mindfulness-Centered Somatic Psychotherapy
Somatic Ecotherapy
Dance Movement Therapy
Kai loves to empower people to find simple ways to connect with the Earth in daily life, to cultivate deeper bonds with wild places, and to access nature-based healing. Her first book, Poems of Earth and Spirit: 70 Poems and 40 Practices to Deepen Your Connection with Nature, celebrates our innate kinship with all life and helps us strengthen that kinship wherever we are.
As the founder of Our Nature Connection, Kai offers group programs, individual sessions, and consulting services based on a unique approach she calls NatureWise. Her approach is rooted in deep listening to nature, infused with love for people and the Earth, and shaped by what activist Carolyn Casey calls “a willingness to collaborate with everything.”
Kai’s work is also is informed by 30-plus years of professional experience developing innovative educational programs and by extensive training and practice in mindfulness, holistic healing, and creative expression. Prior to founding Our Nature Connection, she spent 25 years leading non-profit campaigns and programs to advance sustainable and socially just food systems.
Kai is profoundly nourished by her deep love of the lands and waters of the Santa Cruz area, where she has lived for more than 30 years.
Group programs in nature connection, Ecotherapy, nature-based mindfulness, and nature-based healing (in person or online)
Individual sessions (in person or by phone/Skype)
Consulting services to help you:
create more dynamic and effective programs
expand your nature connection toolkit
develop nature-based programs or sessions
tap into the healing and calming power of nature for yourself or your clients
Training design and facilitation
Writing and editing
Ryan is also an earth poet, author of Re-Membering: Poems of Earth & Soul, and High-Cooing Through the Seasons: Haiku From the Forest. He has published work in Earth Island Journal, Deep Time: The Journal of the Work That Reconnects, Terrain Magazine, Elephant Journal, various poetry journals, and in A Walk with Nature: Poetic Encounters that Nourish the Soul.
"I know what it is like to abandon oneself. And I also know what it looks like to listen to your authentic inner voice and deepest longings to create the life you desire. If you are wanting to feel a sense of deeper belonging to yourself, your calling, and to wild nature, let's talk. When I listen, I listen with all my ears—opening my pores up to absorb the information I am receiving, not just from words, but the body, symbols, and energies. My intention is to listen deeply with my mind, heart, soul, & body to honor the psyche's journey towards wholeness. Contact me for a FREE 30 minute discovery call to see if it is a good fit."
1-on-1 Earth-Rooted Mentoring/Coaching
Wilderness Ceremonies/Rites-of-Passage
Deep Belonging Course
Ecogrief Healing Circles
Custom Wilderness Backpacking Journeys (1-4 days, groups of 1-5)
Weekend Immersions
Community Nature Meetups
Small group facilitation (Council Circle, Writing Wild Workshops, Deep Belonging Workshops)