Magic at the Women's Wilderness Workshop

Two weeks ago, I was transported to a magical place - an all-women primitive skills gathering in the mountains of NC. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to teach at the first annual Women's Wilderness Workshop (WWW), and for that I am so very grateful.

WWW is the first gathering of its kind in the Southeast, though its roots come from the Earthskills Gathering community. For those that don't know, the Earthskills Gathering, Firefly Gathering and Piedmont Earthskills Gathering, along with others, are events that teach earth-based skills to deepen our nature connection and spark new-old ways of natural living. Participants camp out and learn such things as hide tanning, how to gather wild foods and medicines, basketry, pottery, primitive fire starting, survival skills and much more.

Through my teaching work at the Piedmont Wildlife Center, I was able to share archery with the community at the Piedmont Earthskills Gathering this spring. It was delightful, and I felt that I had found my tribe. I only wish I had known about it sooner!

Then a friend told me about WWW and lo! Many of the wonderful people I met at Piedmont Earthskills Gathering were involved! I just knew that I had to be there. Christina Gordon, the founder of WWW, was impressed by my resume and took me on as a part-time instructor. I was scheduled to teach one session each of my Meditative Archery and Backpacking, Trekking & Equipment Selection.

I'd seen on the map that there was a space for yoga practice, though it would only be a guided practice

on Saturday. Friday morning I went to do my own practice, but there was a mixup with the building. I ran into some other seekers, but none of us could find the space. We found a spare porch, the gang asked me to lead a practice and I did. It was a beautiful beginning for the weekend.

There were so many interesting people there, both in the pool of instructors and participants. I feel like I made 60 new friends. I learned how to make pine needle baskets. I hiked up the mountain. I napped. I danced, I sang, I drummed and I participated in our beautiful Moon Lodge ceremony. The conversations were extraordinary!

Saturday morning found me teaching my Backpacking, Trekking & Equipment Selection. We had wonderful discussions about how to walk in harmony with the land. We talked about staying safe. We talked about planning and its key role in both of the preceding goals. We played with my collection of equipment. Somehow, the morning flew by and we all wanted to have a Part II of the class.

Sunday morning we had a large crew for Meditative Archery and it was such a hoot. I love to introduce people to archery, and this class was no exception. It was so beautiful to witness these women learn that yes, they CAN do archery! They were such a supportive and fun group; a real pleasure to teach. We really dug into the good stuff - getting centered and grounded and shooting from a place of calmness.

What a beautiful time. Words fail, really. From the WWW website:

"There is a sacred energy that forms when women come together and gather within the cycles of the Earth and we are planting the seeds to bring that energy into this encampment. Opening the doors to women of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds to explore these ancient skills in the company of other women!"

I can't wait for next year! Come and join us. Your spirit will be restored and your heart will be lifted by this wonderful community. And oh yeah, you will learn some awesome skills too!