Embodying the Way of the Guide
with Amos Clifford, Geeta Stilwell, and Ronna Schneberger
20th – 25th May 2025
Bowen Island – BC, Canada
A 5-day Personal Exploration Retreat
Deepen your understanding and embodiment of the Way of the Guide

The Embodying the Way of the Guide 5-day retreat is an experiential journey into the foundational philosophy of Forest Therapy.
It weaves together Forest Therapy experiences and embodiment practices that support building trust in the body, trust in the forest, and trust in the process of a Forest Therapy walk.
This retreat is for certified forest therapy guides, guides in training, and nature connection practitioners and enthusiasts who are curious about the mystery of being guided by the intelligence of the heart.
Tools that will support our journey of embodying the Way of the Guide

Forest Bathing

Embodiment

Heart Coherence

Breathwork

Shadow Work

Meditation

Deep Listening

Journaling
At this retreat you will:
Be guided on Forest Therapy walks.
Explore and practice embodiment tools that will support you to strengthen your trust in your own body, the forest, and the process of forest therapy.
Practice being guided by the forest and by our hearts.
Explore different archetypes that we carry and how the shadow of these archetypes can get in the way of fully trusting the forest.
Practice embodiment tools that support us to meet our edges and to instill confidence in us to go beyond them.

The Forest is the Therapist,
The Guide Opens the Doors
A journey of exploring deepening our embodied resources for presence, trust, humility, surrender, and staying open to the unknown mysteries of the heart and the forest.
Facilitated by Amos, Geeta, and Ronna

Amos Clifford
Amos is the founder of the ANFT and the author of The Way of the Guide, the foundational philosophy of Relational Forest Therapy.
He is the author of the best-selling book Your Guide to Forest Bathing and is currently writing a new book inspired in the archetypal journey of alchemy and pilgrimage.
Amos brings with him decades of experience with this work and a sincere inquiry into the mystery of the human heart and the heart of the forest.

Geeta Stilwell
Geeta is a forest therapy guide and a trainer of guides at the ANFT.
She is the creator of the online professional development course Embodying the Way of the Guide.
Geeta brings with her 20 years of embodiment experience and an honest intention of sharing with fellow guides and humans, the embodied resources that have supported her personal understanding and deepening of the philosophy of the Way of the Guide into her guiding practice and into her life.


Ronna Schneberger
Ronna is an award winning professional hiking guide and naturalist in Banff National Park for over 30 years.
She became a Forest Therapy guide in 2016 and is now a trainer with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and currently chairs Nature and Forest Therapy of Canada.
Ronna brings with her a deep love for the natural world and a profound trust in the forest and in the process of Forest Therapy and the Way of the Guide. She is passionate about reconnecting people with the land and themselves through story and deep nature experiences
The Venue and Accomodation

Xania Center – Bowen Island
It is a place to heal, to rest, to play and to discover one’s true nature and inherent gifts and home to Opa, a 1000 year old magnificent tree.
This venue is a treasure only 90 minutes away from Vancouver International airport.
What is Included
– All practices and explorations offered by facilitators over 6 retreats days starting on the 20th of May evening and completing on the 25th of May morning.
– Insurance to cover any activities during the retreat, facilitated by retreat leads.
What is Not Included
– Travel to and from the venue.
– Personal travel insurance.
– Any personal expenses incurred by each individual.
Book Your Place
20th – 25th May 2025
Once you have registered for the retreat through the ANFT website please connect with Ronna at ronna@forestfix.ca for accommodations.
We have a limited number of places available. Secure your spot earlier than later.
Check-In
4 pm – 6 pm Tuesday, May 20th
Retreat Starts
7.30 pm – Tuesday, May 20th
12 pm – Sunday, May 25th
FAQ
Do I need to be a certified Forest Therapy Guide to attend this retreat?
Do your offer payment plans?
Yes. We offer a payment plan for the retreat tuition fee which you can pay in two installments. Accommodation and food needs to be paid in one go.
What should I bring with me?
When you register for the retreat you will receive a welcome information package that will clearly suggest everything you should bring with you for the most comfortable experience possible.
When should I arrive at the venue?
Check-in is on May 20th from 4 pm to 6 pm. Dinner will be served at 6:30 pm and we start the program at 7.30 pm for an orientation and arrival practice.
What is the closest airport to the venue?
Vancouver International Airport
How far is the venue from the airport?
The Xenia Center is 90 minutes away from Vancouver International Airport.
Do you cater for food intolerances?
Yes. After you register you will receive a form to harvest any food-related needs you might have. We want you to have the best experience possible.
What happens if I need to cancel?
If you cancel up to 60 days before the retreat start date, a full refund will be made, minus €100 administrative fee.
If you cancel 59 to 45 days before the retreat start date, tuition & food fees will be refunded. Fee for accommodation will be retained until your spot is filled. Once your spot is filled by another participant, the fee for the accommodation will be refunded in full.
If you cancel 30 or less days before the retreat start date, there will be no refund.
If you decide to leave the retreat once it has started, there will be no refund.
In case Renature needs to cancel the retreat, the total amount paid by you will be fully refunded.
Can I participate in this retreat if I am pregnant?
Yes. This is a very gentle process that will allow full participation. We do require a letter from your doctor in that he authorises your participation. This does not apply to high risk pregnancies.
Let us know if you have any questions!
Please reach out to us using the form below, via email to info@renature.pt or through WhatsApp.