Get out of your head and ignite your senses as we explore the wonders of the natural world
Wonder Walks
Slow down. Tune in. Remember how to experience wonder.
Join us for a trauma-informed nature experience walk designed to gently pull you out of your head and back into your body, with the trees, the wind, and the rhythm of the group as your co-guides.
You may think, "I walk outside all the time. Why join a group to do the same?"
The short answer? Because neuroscience says so.
The long answer? Because healing is easier, and more magical, when we do it together.
🌿 Why Walk Together?
There’s a kind of quiet alchemy that happens when we walk in community.
As we move together, we begin to co-regulate. Our nervous systems settle.
Our senses sharpen.
The forest becomes full of wonder we might have missed alone.
My Somatic Experiencing teacher once described it like this:
When fireflies come together, they begin to glow in unison.
That’s co-regulation. That’s the nervous system in harmony.
That’s what becomes possible in a Wonder Walk.
🌸 What to Expect
Each walk includes gentle practices designed to support your nervous system, sense of safety, and connection with nature:
Grounding meditation to begin
Gentle, somatic guidance to awaken the senses
Invitations to connect with the land, water, and one another, not just to receive, but to experience yourself within relationship with the greater web of life, rooted in reverence and reciprocity
Trauma-informed education drawn from Somatic Experiencing™
Space to notice nature’s mirrors, how seasonal rhythms and landscapes reflect back themes in your own life, and how you might give back to the land that gives so much
A closing circle to integrate insights, emotion shifts, and clarified intentions
💛 Who It’s For
These walks are for anyone who:
Often finishes a walk and realizes they’ve been stuck in their thoughts
Is recovering from trauma, burnout, or chronic stress
Is in therapy and wants a safe space to practice somatic skills
Is on a therapy waitlist and looking for support in the meantime
Is looking to deepen their relationship with nature and their body
Craves trauma-informed, heart-centered community
These walks are not about taking from nature, but about entering into a relationship… listening, learning, giving thanks, and tending in return.
🌀 A Story from the Trail
“Ice was our teacher during our Wonder Walk last winter.
We quickly realized when we are focused on staying safe and not slipping, our senses were not as available to take in our surroundings. Just like when we have other stressors, and traumas, our attention goes to survival vs taking in the beauty.
Instead of judging ourselves, we got curious about what supports can we bring in so we don't have to orient to threat as much.
Some of us put ice treads on. They quickly realized that that support allowed them to feel safe and they could start looking around and orienting to their surroundings with their senses.
Another walker suggested we link arms! So, for a portion of the walk, 4 of us walked together, arms linked, settling into a lovely rhythm that allowed each of us to feel secure and supported.
And then, naturally we started to laugh more, take in our surroundings with our senses and find wonder around us and feel the warmth within us!
What a gift!! Truly a wonder to experience how safe connection allows us to become more present.”
Where we walk
Guelph: Old Growth Forest Project
When I return to Guelph, Wonder Walks are held at the Old Growth Forest Project, a special piece of land that’s been lovingly tended and restored. It’s a living example that our presence on the land can be one of care and contribution, not just consumption.
Manitoulin Island Trails
Walks on Manitoulin take place on various stunning trails across the island, each offering its own beauty depending on the season with winding paths, mossy forests, and sparkling shorelines.
📍 Exact location details are shared upon registration.
Visiting the island and feeling stuck in your head?
Hire me, Angela, for a one-on-one Wonder Walk.
With gentle guidance rooted in Somatic Experiencing™, I’ll help your nervous system slow down so your body can open to the wonders of the island.
Manitoulin Island, known as “Mnidoo Mnis” (Spirit Island) in Anishinaabemowin, is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, including the Odawa (Ottawa), Ojibwe (Chippewa), and Pottawatomi Nations (the Three Fires Confederacy). Today, several Anishinaabeg communities live on and around the island. [Click here for our full land acknowledgement.]
