About the Program
At Peace in the Wild (PIW), we understand the profound impact nature has on personal well-being and mental health. Our team of psychotherapists and researchers have delved into the therapeutic effects of connecting with the natural world, discovering that this close bond significantly benefits individuals, particularly those grappling with stress and anxiety.
We are proud to present Peace in the Wild, an immersive program designed to unite people with the enchanting landscapes of Western Maryland. Our past participants have described their experiences as life-changing, cultivating a deeper appreciation for and connection to nature.
We invite you to support our mission by contributing to our financial aid fund, which assists individuals who require monetary assistance to attend the program. No contribution is too small—every donation helps make this transformative experience accessible to more people in need.
As a charitable initiative, Peace in the Wild is dedicated to giving back. Once our operational expenses are met, we proudly donate all remaining proceeds to a local non-profit organization focused on nature conservation.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Embark on a transformative journey as you step away from your daily life and immerse yourself in the nurturing embrace of nature. The Peace in the Wild retreat offers a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world, yourself, and your spirituality through a variety of contemplative practices, such as:
Mindfulness and meditation
Periods of silence
Movement practices, like yoga or tai chi
Our retreat takes place at a serene retreat center, where you'll enjoy comfortable accommodations and delicious, healthy meals.
Included in the program:
Five nutritious and hearty meals
Two nights' accommodations
Small group interactions for personal connections
Engaging nature-focused activities:
Nature mandala and rituals
Meditation in nature
Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) and forest therapy
Earthing
Silence and solitude practice
Teachings on nature therapy
Campfire circle experience
Personal nature mosaic creation
"Letting go" practice in nature
Digital detox for true immersion
Therapeutic movement (yoga or tai chi) to release stress and harmonize with the forest's energy
This retreat is ideal for those who:
Feel happiest and most alive outdoors and wish to build a stronger relationship with nature
Want to reset and find grounding away from daily life
Are navigating a life transition or have lost sight of their life's vision
Experience stress and anxiety and seek solace in nature's tranquility
Are grieving and need the nurturing support of nature and community
Your Instructor
Heidi Schreiber-Pan, Ph.D. LCPC
Heidi Schreiber-Pan, Ph.D., LCPC, is a successful psychotherapist, the Executive Director of Chesapeake Mental Health Collaborative and founder of Center for Nature Informed Therapy, a sought-after international speaker and trainer. She is also the author of the popular book Taming the Anxious Mind – A Guidebook to Relieve Stress & Anxiety.
Phillip McKnight
Phillip McKnight completed a two-year training program for teaching awareness and compassion-based practices accredited by the International Mindfulness Teachers Association. Phillip has experience teaching a wide variety of ages, backgrounds, and abilities and uses his MA in Instructional Systems Design to determine the needs of the participant and help them develop skills in mindfulness meditation with tools for body, heart, mind, and community.