Testimonials

“Wild Dharma was nothing short of deeply healing and transformative. The cultivation of inner reflection, connection to the subtle energy of natural life about and within, and the immersive creation of community made this an exceptional voyage. ”

“...a deeply sacred, transformational, and beautiful experience.”

“Participating in the Wild Pilgrimage was a joyous, profound, and expansive experience. Climbing through the Big Sur backcountry with a precious cohort of kindred human beings, I was able to re-connect to my curious, playful, sensitive, and engaged animal-self. With the support of the intentional ways of moving through the land, facilitation of human and more-than-human connection, and the five days of space from our fast-paced modern world, I felt my nervous system reset in a way I was sure was no longer possible. I also laughed and loved harder than I have in a really long time.”

“I am not sure I have ever felt more in touch with who I am, who I was, and who I want to be.”

“Fletcher [Wildtender co-founder] led us through the wilderness as a brilliant educator and spiritual guide, teaching the art of expansion, relationality and introspection, while cultivating kinship with all the beings of this planet. He is both visionary and trustworthy, his unique talents multiplying as we shared time with him: communicator, wordsmith, poet, wilderness expert, artist, scientist…he is witty, profoundly kind and deeply convicted, his presence and leadership creating a transformative experience.”

“This Wild Pilgrimage was a beautiful and transformational experience for me. I felt present in each moment, embodied, and deeply connected to the nature around me. I have so many beautiful memories of our natural encounters, and I am carrying with me the wildness, spaciousness, and expanded reverence for all of life that I experienced.”

“A true rite of passage – a deeply meaningful journey, rich with purpose, bringing me (us) into a quality of presence, moment after moment...”

“[Wildtender guide] Fletcher’s leadership and facilitation was a true gift. The depth of knowledge and commitment to our pilgrimage program, and the larger mission of Wildtender, is remarkable and beautiful to witness.”

“[My experience] was excellent on many different levels: connecting to myself, the wild beings around me and the human beings around me. I had a full mind shift on my connection to earth…I feel lighter and more courageous to be out in the world, in the wilderness, and around human beings.”

“My ‘Wild Pilgrimage’ experience was one of the most meaningful and memorable experiences in recent years… What stands out was the deep connections made with all the people on the hike…”

“…an exquisite, challenging, nourishing, nurturing, beautiful experience.”

“...a gorgeous orchestration of knowledge, backcountry wisdom, and respect of the sacred by all three of our guides. An environment of safety, yet with flexibility and allowance to step toward the edge was felt and appreciated.”

“[Wildtender guide] Fletcher has helped me deepen my relationship with the wild in a profound way. His open heart and ridiculously encyclopedic knowledge of the natural world have been meaningful gifts to me in my continued exploration... I’m so grateful for his mentorship.”

“The entire experience was truly fantastic. It made me feel alive and connected with life. This means I was able to re-center my focus on the things I love most: relationship, movement, presence, and feeling at one with the beauty that exists in our more than human mental/physical spaces.”

“I wanted to deepen my connection with the land, and build my confidence and wilderness skills. Fletcher was the perfect guide and mentor. We co-created a program that fit my needs wonderfully... My experiences in nature are now much more joyful and connected. In addition to giving me lifelong tools and practices, our adventures have been awe-inspiring and just plain fun.”

““With a demanding job and young family, I had been worn down by the stresses of modern life. While my intention was to disconnect, my experience was the exact opposite. Through a custom guided trip in the Big Sur backcountry, Wildtender helped me connect in harmony with my surroundings... I returned to my family refreshed, full of life, optimism, and clarity.””

“[This program was] not simply a physical challenge, it was a mental and emotional cleansing. It was an opportunity to develop a relationship with nature that I did not know was possible.”

“The Wild Dharma experience was phenomenal. It planted seeds of mindfulness, present-centered awareness, and an overall love of this wild world. It made me feel clear, calm, and alive, brimming with vitality. I felt like myself for the first time in a long time. This lifted a fog and allowed me to move forward with a newfound positivity and clarity regarding all things and all beings.”

“I felt reconnected with the land and returned to a kinship with the more-than-human-world.”

“The Wildtender Pilgrimage felt like a reset for me. I’m still processing the whole experience as it was truly life changing for me... I’ve returned home to myself and in nature. I’m moving through life with more open, present awareness and it’s an incredible feeling. Thanks to the guides and the group for being so supportive on this journey.”

“Four months since our Yosemite Pilgrimage, and I’m longing to be back on the trail, be in a wilderness circle, go deep with my inner wild. I can still feel the exhilaration, fatigue, aching muscles, pure bliss and the deep connection with nature and fellow pilgrims. Hearing Coyote the last morning in the High Sierra, and seeing the mist rising from the wet vegetation as the sun heats up air.”

“One of the best weeks of my life. Feeling into the layers of rebirth, integration, and wholeness that this experience provided... There’s no going back from this feeling, as it lives on now in my bones and informs how I want to show up in this life. Loved my fellow pilgrims and grateful to have been by each others’ side on this journey. To many more…”

“I felt alive, connected, disconnected (in the good way), more myself. There is nothing more important to me.”

“Wildtender founders Noël and Fletcher are wonderful! They are kind, compassionate and competent trip leaders, and they compliment each other very well... I appreciated the way they encouraged my curiosity, sensory experience, and direct relationship with the natural world – often posing questions when something intriguing came up on the trail (like animal tracks or edible / medicinal plants), as opposed to lecturing or solely providing answers. Above all, this was a deeply meaningful and transformative journey.”

“[Wildtender] provided safety, security and trust that my basic needs would be met, and I was freed up to revel in the wonder of the wild, appreciate all of the beauty that surrounded me and connect with each person in our group. ”

“The experience of being together in this way was transformative, both physically and emotionally. I loved getting to experience the power and capabilities of my body and the effect of disconnecting from modern technology on my psychological state.”