Hiking = Healing: 3 Things You Should Consider
Hiking = Healing: 3 Things You Should Consider
Written by Bethany Leal, Social Media Ambassador
After years of working from home and re-learning how to maintain work-life balance without (completely) burning out, it’s easier than ever to detach ourselves from the sacred lands we live on. Consequently, it’s more vital than ever to reconnect with nature’s finest medicine.
Last Thursday, we hosted our bi-weekly Therapin*y Thursdays event on our Instagram Live (@therapinxy) with healers Raynelle Rino (Rino Consulting Solutions), Glecie Cabellero (In Her Healings), and Rebecca Manankil (Inspire & Instruct). In this article, we’ll be highlighting Raynelle’s advice as a practitioner who works with healing in nature.
In 2016, Raynelle started Rino Consulting Solutions to support and inspire confidence in her clients’ identities “as they move through a world in the midst of social, racial, and environmental transformation”. As a certified professional coach, she facilitates "Hike It Out Coaching" Programs which “blend her science, environmental justice, and spiritual connection to nature by providing "Healing Hikes", where clients increase their capacity to create change with the support and guidance of the nature experience.” You can read more about this experience in this Outside Magazine feature: Nature Therapy for People of Color in Traumatic Jobs. She offers these hikes quarterly, alongside Trailheads to Healing, open to anyone who wants to deepen their healing by understanding the role of nature in transformational justice, and nature-based coaching classes. Last week, she answered our questions about what to consider when pursuing hiking for healing.
#1: What are the benefits of hiking?
There are a lot of profound benefits to taking group or private healing hikes beyond fresh air. The process allows you to remember that you are part of nature and become intentional with the elements in our body that are present in nature (fire, air, water, earth). Raynelle reminds us, “we are walking parts of nature.” When you are struggling, you can ask nature to show you signs and bring you messages. By taking it to the next level and quieting your mind, you’re able to process and move through trauma. “It’s an ancient thing. Our ancestors communicated with the water, with animals,” she continues, “it’s something we can still do today. Nature will provide for you.” Ultimately, the experience of getting out into nature allows us the space to move inwards and forward.
#2: “I live in an urban city with limited options for transportation!” How can I access healing hikes?
There are many valid reasons one may not go on hikes regularly – to name a few, inaccessibility, fear of getting lost, low air quality, wildfires, and the ongoing pandemic. However, Raynelle bridges this gap by offering virtual healing hikes and private coaching services. Thankfully, this environment can be recreated in a zoom room! You’re probably wondering, how does this work?! It’s quite innovative, check out this excerpt from Raynelle’s website:
“These intimate virtual journeys through nature are born out of the need to access alternative ways of engaging with nature. Through the powerful process of journey work this healing hike will give you an opportunity to pause, slow down the mind and spirit, and create an open space for rest with a guided meditation through your own sacred space in nature. Most of the virtual hike will be done in silence with a guided meditation as we sit in the safety of our homes. We’ll have a point of breaking into a group sharing of the experience to close.”
For more and to register, these offerings can be found on her website.
#3: What are some of the best hiking spots?
Raynelle has developed a relationship with the following sites, and reiterates the importance of connecting with, and asking permission from the ancestral guardians of the land in the following sites on Ohlone, Muwekma, and Ramaytush territory:
Coyote Hills (Fremont, CA)Features: ancestors showing up
Oakland Hills (Oakland, CA)Features: volcanic rock, brings up maternal feelings, healing relationships with mother figures
San Francisco Lands End (San Francisco, CA)Features: labyrinths
To learn more, connect with Raynelle on Instagram (@hikeitoutcoaching), visit her website, or send her a message through our directory here. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram (@therapinxy) to tune into the next Therapin*y Thursdays session!