google-site-verification: google6110f9a75ac52450.html
top of page
Moab.jpg

Resilient by Nature

Practical Tools for Stress, Strength, and Sustainability in the Desert

Resilience Retreat in Moab, Utah

Set within the spacious stillness of the desert, Resilient by Nature is a six-day, place-based resilience retreat for people living and working under sustained pressure. You’ll learn practical, evidence-informed tools to regulate stress, strengthen inner resources, and return home with a realistic plan for sustainability, without needing a “total life overhaul.”

Moab, Utah
 

Nov 16–21, 2026
 

Limited to 15 participants

From $1,900
(tuition + lodging)

Questions? info@natureinformedtherapy.org

The Journey of the Week

Rather than offering a single “peak experience,” Resilient by Nature is designed as a progressive arc—restoration, practice, integration—so resilience becomes something you can actually carry into your life.

01

Arrival & Grounding

Settle into the desert’s rhythm through guided hikes, sit spots, and short learning segments. The focus is on downshifting stress responses and reconnecting with your body and attention.

02

Strengthening Inner Resources

Build core resilience skills through experiential practice: attention training, nervous system regulation, and cultivating inner strengths such as steadiness, compassion, and confidence.

03

The Solo Day — Deep Listening & Integration

A structured, supported day-long solo experience in a nearby park. You’ll have clear safety guidelines, reflective prompts, and plenty of choice: walking, resting, journaling, and listening closely to what restores balance from within.

04

Returning with Clarity

The final days focus on integration—translating insight into practical rhythms, boundaries, and tools you’ll use under real-world pressure.

Who This Retreat Is For

This experience is designed for people who:

​

  • carry responsibility for others (clinicians, leaders, caregivers, educators, advocates)

​

  • work in high-stakes or emotionally demanding environments

​

  • feel competent on the outside, but depleted or overstretched on the inside

​

  • want practical, evidence-based tools—not just a temporary_toggle reset

​

  • are longing for time to reflect and recalibrate in nature

Participants Leave With

This experience is designed for people who:

​

  • greater capacity to regulate stress in real time

​

  • tools to interrupt burnout cycles before they escalate

​

  • increased clarity about limits, values, and sustainability

​

  • a personalized resilience plan grounded in neuroscience

​

  • a felt sense of steadiness from time in wide, quiet landscapes—and a deeper appreciation for the desert

Evidence-Based, Nature-Rooted

Guided by Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan and Phillip McKnight, the retreat integrates:

​

  • RISE Resiliency framework (practical resilience skills developed for demanding settings)

​

  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) principles

​

  • nature-informed practices designed to restore attention, rhythm, and nervous system balance

​

  • resilience skills informed by the work of Dr. Rick Hanson


The RISE framework has been used in high-pressure, real-world contexts, including programs associated with the United Nations.

What’s Included

Included

​

  • retreat tuition and facilitation

  • guided hikes, sit spots, and resilience practices

  • structured, supported solo day experience

  • reflection prompts and program materials

  • lodging for five nights

  • self-serve breakfast and dinner

 

Not Included

​

  • travel to/from Utah

  • optional gear purchases

  • lunches, snacks, and personal incidentals

Pricing & Lodging Options

Use code EB100 when registering by 9/17 for early bird discount

25376610644_013c6f27cc_c.jpg

Location & Travel

The retreat takes place in Moab, Utah, chosen for expansive desert landscapes, varied hiking terrain, and powerful sunrise and sunset experiences.

​

Carpooling: We encourage carpooling from Salt Lake City Airport (approx. 4-hour drive). Let us know if you’d like to be added to the carpool list.


Pacing: Activities are designed to be accessible. You’ll have options to adjust distance and intensity.

25376632324_71db2bdf12_c.jpg

Optional Individual Resilience Coaching

Participants may choose a one-on-one coaching session during the retreat. This session supports you in creating a personalized resilience plan, tailored to your stress patterns, strengths, values, and life context, so your tools match your real life.

Everyday Hero Discount

Those serving in demanding roles are often exposed to sustained stress, emotional labor, moral injury, and limited recovery time. This retreat exists because resilience isn’t a luxury in these roles—it’s essential for long-term sustainability.

​

Everyday Hero Discount: 10% off the program tuition portion (not applied to lodging).


Eligible examples:

​

  • healthcare professionals (including mental health providers)

  • first responders (fire, EMS, law enforcement)

  • active-duty military and veterans

  • social services professionals

  • environmentalists, conservation professionals, land stewards, park/natural resource staff

Email finance@natureinformedtherapy.org with documention or ID for discount

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the daily schedule like?
Most days include a morning practice, guided time outdoors, a short learning segment, and integration/reflection. The flow balances movement and stillness, solitude and connection.

​

Do I need to be an experienced hiker?
No. We’ll offer options for pacing and distance. The intention is restoration, not performance.

​

Is the solo day safe?
Yes. The solo day is structured and supported with clear guidelines, check-ins, and a defined location plan. It’s designed to feel grounding—not isolating.

​

What should I bring?
After registration, you’ll receive a packing list (layers for desert temperature swings, walking shoes, water bottle, sun protection, and journaling materials).

​

What’s included in meals?
Self-serve breakfast and dinner are included. Lunches and snacks are on your own.

​

Can I come alone?
Absolutely. Many participants come solo. The retreat is designed for both connection and personal space.

​

What’s the group size?
Participation is capped at 15 to preserve depth, safety, and individualized attention.

​

What if I have dietary needs?
Email us in advance. We’ll do our best to accommodate and will let you know what’s feasible.

​

How do I get there?
Fly to Salt Lake City or Grand Junction, then drive to Moab. We’ll help coordinate carpooling when possible.

Ready to Join?

Resilient by Nature is offered infrequently and intentionally kept small. If this retreat feels like the reset your system has been asking for, we encourage you to reserve your spot early.

Questions? info@natureinformedtherapy.org

bottom of page