Encountering Nature as a Cathedral for Queer Spiritualities

Save the Date!

 

With gratitude for a wildly successful first year, we are thrilled to announce
the return of Our Sacred Natue next year!

Mark your calendars for October 24 – 27, 2024 to join us in Eureka Springs, AR

October 24-27, 2024

Eureka Springs, AR

Registration for 2024 opening soon!

After a wonderful first year, we are already planning 2024’s retreat

At Our Sacred Nature, a weekend sanctuary emerged for LGBTQIA+ folx from Arkansas, Colorado, Washington State and The Netherlands!  Together we created a momentary refuge for in the verdant embrace of the natural world, honred our voices, and allowed our stories to intertwine with the eternal rhythms of the universe at Ferncliff Retreat Center. 

Whether you seek quiet introspection or spirited connection, you are invited to save the date – October 24-27, 2024 –  for next year’s weekend retreat held by and for LGBTQIA+ folx and our dearest allies in Eureka Springs, AR.

During the day we will immerse in forest bathing, gentle yoga, sound baths and labyrinth walks. In the evenings we will gather in the warmth of communal fireside conversations where your story is honored and your presence cherished.

Wherever you are on life’s journey, you are invited to experience the profound beauty of both the outer landscape and your innermost self.

Life Changing

“I was invited to come in a different capacity, where I was someone different with different priorities none of which being myself. However, life changed for me and I was quickly forced to make myself a priority.

This past few months I have felt and ache in my heart that I cannot shake. Some days are better than others and some days don’t feel like they could go quickly enough. This weekend taught me I am not alone in this, nor am I an imposter to the community I have been in for many many years, that perhaps these decades of being an ally and advocate for other queer people, I was silently being an ally and advocate for myself.

This weekend, was in a few words, life changing for me. I am full of gratitude and while I am still grieving, I am finding the pockets of peace and joy.” – MJ

The most peace that I have felt in a long time

“I experienced the most peace that I have felt in a long time when attending the retreat! Thank you for provide such as safe and compassionate space!!” – HK

A weekend of kindness and acceptance

“The environment was beautiful and peaceful. The invitations were accessible and optional. There was no pressure. It was a weekend of kindness and acceptance and some much needed quiet, stillness, slowness, and reflection.” KL

Our Guides

Kimberly Knight (she/her) is a certified ANFT nature therapy guide, a certified outdoor life coach; a Veriditas-trained labyrinth guide; a nature-partnered spiritual care provider, and a digital strategist serving heart-centered wellpreneurs. 

After decades of diverse careers from  instructor at Zoo Atlanta to director of digital strategy at Agnes Scott College, she earned an M.Div. from Candler School of Theology where her studies focused on progressive and liberation theologies.

She lives in The Netherlands where she moved with her wife six years ago.

Rachel Pinto (she/they) is a native Arkansan and a social entrepreneur who has started several small businesses in the mental health industry. Rachel holds a Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, and is gifted in understanding and interacting with relationship dynamics in transformative ways. They identify as queer and non-binary, and, not coincidentally, a “recovering Southern Baptist.”

Prior to becoming a professional counselor and entrepreneur, Rachel worked in the fields of education, marketing, and church ministry. She lives in central Arkansas with her wife and two kids.

Farida Hamza has been teaching the art of being present for eight years. she is passionate about sharing the transformative power of yoga and is a firm believer that anyone can do yoga. She loves creating flow sequences that inspire joy and freedom.

She has been featured on the BBC for her piece on Islam and Yoga and on NPR to talk about teaching Visual Yoga to the Deaf or hard of hearing. She has also guest written for various yoga websites. She teaches Vinyasa Yoga, Structural Yoga, Restorative Yoga and Meditation. She received her 200 hour yoga training from Living Yoga Program in Austin, TX. Check out her blog: yogifari.blogspot.com

Drew Alisandre has been a practitioner of meditation for many years and performed with Crystal Singing Bowls for healing workshops during that time. Drew regulary shares his gifts in settings such as Unity of Little Rock and the Arkansas Yoga Collective. He has also recently given sound healing treatments to numerous people in several states. He has a deep connection with the Divine, as do we all, and wants to share that blessing in cooperation with the Crystal Singing Bowls.

Retreat Location

Take a 3-minute nature break

Donate Now!

Our Sacred Nature seeks to create an affordable experience for anyone and everyone regardless of their personal financial circumstances. If you would like to support this project, please consider donating whatever amount your budget will allow.

All gifts are treasured.

Please contact us if you would like to learn more about supporting our mission and vision with a monetary gift.

Contact Us