Backcountry Babes

Many moons ago, I found myself in a cozy cabin, tucked in the hills amongst the trees of Northern Idaho, alongside the backcountry babe crew. I accepted a position to guide young women towards clarity, mindfulness, and inner transformation using the tools of yoga and meditation in the backcountry of Montana/Idaho. Six of us moved out to Hope, Idaho to curate the program we would know as Clearview Trails. On this path of wilderness therapy guides, we were forced to confront our own trauma/vulnerabilities and step into our authenticity. So many raw, unexpected moments grew out of the challenges I faced in this chapter of my journey. Not tame and outlined as planned, but just as they were – authentic, wild, sacred. 

When I reminisce about the days spent here, it sometimes feels as if it were another life.  Between the off shift days and the days out in the field, I found myself embracing a simpler, slower pace of living. Instant coffee, 10-12 hours of sleep in a hammock, navigating via compasses and maps, writing letters, tying knots, looking for moose tracks- it all became the norm. Healing, community, challenges, crys, connection, love, laughs, growth, patience, and self-discipline all held a strong place out there. 

It is hard to fathom into words what this experience taught me and sometimes I think I may still be processing how this time shaped me into who I am today.  Although the duration of this program was short-lived, the impact it has on me is forever lasting. You never know where your journey will lead you. Keep an open mind and life will always throw the lessons you need your way and/or maybe even a badass group of goddesses to create a safe, sacred space with in the backcountry.

“I am worthy of a wholesome life filled with love, abundance, and forever growth. I am worthy of sunshine and stillness. I am water in all of its forms. I embody the sun and the moon. I am love. I am light. I am free.” written by me on a frigid winter day amongst this wild life