Hidden Gems: Meet Tamara Herl of Wild Divine Retreat Center

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamara Herl.

Tamara, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When I was young, I used to spend hours walking on the open prairie adjacent to the town where I lived. I felt peace there. Solace. Acceptance. Unlike some people who know what they want to be when they grow up, I only knew that I wanted to do something I enjoyed that would help other people at the same time.

I found the first part of the answer to what I wanted to be when I discovered the field of art therapy. But soon, I began to long for a way to focus on people’s strengths, and I was drawn to life coaching. All the while, I never lost my love for nature, and I began using art as a tool for social activism. And then I discovered the world of forest therapy and nature-connected coaching, so I’ve been developing my professional skills in those areas for the past two years.

What I’ve discovered is that nature is like a living, breathing oracle that you can tap into when you need guidance or support. I love teaching people how to get deeply connected to nature and decode the messages they receive so they can step into their full potential. Humanity needs each of us to step into our potential so that we can help society transform!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My biggest challenge has always been keeping a balance between work and the rest of my life. I tell myself, “I don’t have time” to go outside in nature. But I also know that nature time is a key element to both my personal well-being and my growth as a coach and guide. So, earlier this year, I challenged myself to go out in nature every day for 30 days and make ephemeral art.

Ephemeral art is temporary, like the sand paintings that the Buddhist monks create. My art ended up taking the form of mandalas, which are circular designs often used to help people meditate.
Each morning, I went out in nature and focused on the details around me to find things I thought would be interesting to use in my design for the day. This was in early spring, so there were times when it was quite cold, snow-covered the ground, and there was not much growing. I found as narrowed my vision and looked closely, there were many interesting textures, and a variety of subtle colors to choose from.

I began posting my images on Facebook, and friends were encouraged me to create an oracle deck with the photos, which I did. Now, not only do I have another tool I can use to help myself and others tap into nature’s consciousness, but my connection to plants has been transformed in that I always notice the beauty of tiny details around me when I slow down and tune in as I walk in nature.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Wild Divine Retreat Center?
You could say that I’m a weaver. Because at Wild Divine Retreat Center, I offer retreats, team building, and one-on-one sessions that weave together all of the experiences that I have seen be so effective in helping people thrive: art, nature, and spiritual practices. When I meet with people face to face, I take them out on the land or bring nature inside to them. They feel energized and inspired.

They get the answers they need. They break through barriers. They wake up their joy. They figure out what the next step is so they can begin living their potential and making the kind of impact they want to in the world. I also see people virtually. You can be on your back porch or at your favorite trail. We’ll connect with Zoom or by phone, and I’ll help you get tuned into nature so that you can receive the guidance and support you need. I speak about “Nature as a Path to Knowing” at local, state, national, and international levels. I work with area businesses to help employees show up the way they want to at work and in their careers.

My employee wellness project, “Inviting Creativity and Spirituality into the Workplace,” helped Prairie View, Inc., a mental health center in Kansas, win an international award. I help people use art as a tool for personal growth and to advocate for the health of our planet. Several years ago, renowned Colorado photographer John Fielder participated in my eco-art project “Tears of the Earth,” which helped hundreds of people of all ages process their own/the earth’s losses and celebrate their love for the Earth.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
My favorite podcasts are Quantum Conversations with Lauren Galey, Circle of Change with Ame-Lia Tamborini, Lead Without Limits Stefania Rigo, Rise with Love with Melissa Mills, and Radiant Pearl Living with Stacy Zant.

Pricing:

• Forest Therapy $100/2.5 hour session
• Nature Connected Coaching Session $150/1 hour session
• Customized Team Building $500/half day
• Retreats $197/half day
• Earth Altars Oracle Cards $40/deck + shipping

Contact Info:

• Email: mindfultamara@gmail.com
• Website: www.TheWildDivine.us
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamaraherl/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foresttherapyguidecolorado
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TamaraHerl
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnfbD0LznBKd5iTPFY1MNUw
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/tamara_herl/_saved/

Image Credits
Professional Headshot by Tricia Turpenoff of Turpenoff Photography, and Kaye Herl & Tamara Herl