Author – Katia Krassas © Copyright -
Please do not copy without written permission from the author.

I reflect on a retreat I attended in 2018. An eco-healing retreat in the Tasmanian wilderness. We were a small group, so it was quite intimate. It was adventurous , spiritual, with deep nature immersion , and emotionally healing. Just what the (spirit 💖) doctor ordered.

Image Credit - Flower of the Heart - The Photo Forest

My favourite highlight (and there were many to choose from) was our mountain climb, commencing at 4am, in the dark with torches, no moonlight at this time of the month, getting to the top in time for the sunrise.

This was really tough and exhilarating at the same time. My body screamed with pain on the way up. My nervous system screaming in fear. My body wanting to curl up and hide somewhere quiet and invisible.

The unexpected happened as I pressed on, one step at a time. The physical pain and exertion helped me to finally get in touch with deeply held grief. My heart cracked open. I crouched down to the earth. The emotions flooded through my body, tears washed down my face, dripping into the earth at my feet.

I remember stopping in the pre-dawn light and gazing out across the mountains and forest below, mist floating in the valleys. Absolutely breathtaking. I knew in my heart that nature doesn't judge. Nature's way is to be fully present, to express, to create, to ground, to roar, to soar, to release and keep going.

Emotions are meant to flow. Out here on this mountain, in this wild place, I felt fully supported by Mother Earth. I felt and heard her rise and wrap me, soothe me and encourage me to keep going. To feel deeply, and to flow.

And in my moment of truth and connection, I experienced a deep insight into the power of vulnerability. When I am in pure connection with my heart, in love and compassion, there is no shame. I am powerful. And it is liberating.

Returning home to the big city has been interesting. Integrating back to the 'real' world, with my head still in the forest, I've commented many times how easily I adjusted to life in nature, and how difficult it's been getting back to life in the city where I've lived all my life.

Katia Krassas

See my bio here: natureconnectionempowerment

If you’re looking for support and are interested in how I can help, please reach out.

At midlife, I embarked on a healing journey that involved overcoming trauma, letting go of people-pleasing, and finding my voice. I changed my career to become a Holistic Counsellor, Healer, and Nature Connection Facilitator. Now, I help women connect to their inner power and feel comfortable in their own skin.

Walking with grief