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 Nurture
Through Nature is a member of the Better Business Bureau and
the Maine Business Listing, out performing other Maine businesses
in reliability, quality and customer service.
"Your spirit
imbues this place with energy and passion. I value so much how authentic
you are and how authentic you try to make this place."
Rita Alfonso LaBarbara-Zen & the Art of Woodcarving Retreat
Owner's Statement~
Beginning
our 9th season, NTN is led by founder and owner, Jen Deraspe, Licensed
Maine Guide, group facilitator and university educator. She finds her
passion in guiding people back home, to their hearts, by accessing the
wisdom & healing power found in nature and in themselves.
Jen
has extensive outdoor recreational experience, having lead women on excursions
for the past 13 years. For her entire professional life, Jen has instructed in higher education in the areas of health, wellness and
sports medicine. After 17 years of service, Jen is stepping down from
her adjunct faculty post at the University of Southern Maine in order to
fully devote herself to her passions in retreat leading, group
facilitation, and walking in her own Truth in the moment at hand.
A life-long learner, Jen is passionate about wild, natural places and the
practice of yoga, meditation, and mindfulness, as well as the study of
wellness, alternative therapies, and the universal Truths found in many
spiritual practices. Jen has committed her life to finding Truth, and in
that, freedom. She is at her best in that space. In Jen's experience,
the most direct, simple and profound method
she has found to find that simple freedom and peace is through The Work of
Byron Katie.
Jen
is a graduate of The School for The Work of Byron Katie and loves to share
the simple and transformative process of questioning our stressful
thoughts in a way that brings greater peace, clarity and freedom. The Work
work's miracles for those open and willing to look within for the
possibilities found in questioning the beliefs that cause all the
suffering in the world. Seeing the benefits first hand in her life
and in her clients, Jen is passionate about sharing her love for The Work
through the eclectic program offerings at Nurture Through Nature. Also a
yoga instructor, Jen's weaving of holistic offerings brings great
possibilities through a variety of methods.
A
Maine native, Jen's playground was and remains the woods, mountains, and
waters of western Maine . Fun-spirited and playful, Jen is most at home
in nature, taking in the gifts, teachings, quiet and beauty found there.
"The serenity, growth, and insights available
through our programming and in our carefully selected natural places that
we share with you has proven again and again to be transformative and
healing. If you are investigating your life and are ready to invest in
you, are in need of a deeper peace, of learning in a safe and supportive space, please
join our ever-expanding circle.
The greatest gift I can give, both to you and to me, is to expand my
consciousness~awareness. As I do, I am adding to the expansion of the
Universe, and All-That-Is benefits from my existence by their exposure to
my expansion. I see and draw to me, through Divine Love, those Beings who
seek self-realization through the processes that work for me and that I
share with humility and honor. This sharing will elevate us all.
Source Energy, I ask to clearly speak your words, for Infinite
Intelligence, to lead others to broader understandings.
I come to teach freedom and possibility. I come to serve. Please
join me if that is also what you want."
Jen Deraspe, owner, Nurture Through Nature
Words Inspired by the Teachings of Abraham, Byron Katie & in witnessing my
life unfolding along my journey home.
Testimonial
"The idea that one finds health and wholeness in the wilderness
was not new to me. I had experienced it before. I could have taken a
solo retreat from my busy life and gone camping alone. But then I would
have missed the richness that a group of women offers. I felt buoyed
by the support of the group and honored to witness the unfolding of
others. Jen is a powerful leader, speaking truth from the heart in word
and action. Not only did I really enjoy these eight wonder-filled days,
but I am also returning home with a sense of balance and mindfulness
that is carrying over into my family and workplace.
Thank you." Jackie Grannis-Phoenix, Maine, August '05
More about Jen
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NTN staff
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 Joanne
Toone “I
am drawn to the woods, mountains, rocks, lakes, rivers and streams,
and give thanks daily for the power and wisdom available in the
universal web of life. The natural living world around us provides
the answers we are looking for if we dare to quiet our conscious
minds long enough to hear. Visiting Maine from my home in the UK
I knew that this was where I was supposed to be and I relocated
here one year later. I am aware of and listen closely to that same
intuition as my journey on this abundant earth continues to evolve.
My work has involved a variety of counseling and facilitating roles
but my passion is helping people find their own power within to
enable them to live the life they were born to live - the life they
dream of.”
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Maggie Carter "I
experience my greatest joy when I am sharing my unique gifts, personal
experiences, realizations, and my passion with those who are drawn
to work with me.
In my professional life I have worked as an educator, a director
of staff development, a director of human resources, a consultant
to organizations, a master facilitator and trainer and personal
life coach. I have worked with individuals, groups and organizations
to facilitate positive change and explore new possibilities. I have
loved every 'job' I have had and I feel fortunate to have had so
many different opportunities."
FMI: www.maggiecarter.com
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 Jennifer
Ries is a Recreational
Maine Guide, naturalist, and Instructor at Earthways School of Wilderness
Living. She gives presentations and offers skill workshops at schools
and organizations throughout the state. Jen originally came to Earthways
to apprentice with Ray with whom she continues to study and co-lead
trips. Growing up in Missouri, Jen spent most of her time in the
fields and woods near her childhood home. After years of travel
and learning, she settled in Maine to pursue her passion for the
outdoors.
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 Claire
Betze
Licensed Maine Guide
"I remember myself as a kid always wanting to climb those
"mountains" on the side of the road when we would stop at rest stops
on family vacations. Now, I realize that was the beginning of
wanting to be up high on a mountain top, always with a view to
breathe into my soul. Years later, I find myself with an
unquenchable thirst to be outside and to experience the outdoors and
simplicity of Nature. I find spirit in Nature - my own and that of a
higher power. It brings me back to center and rejuvenates my soul. I
believe that introducing people to the outdoors is a wonderful
opportunity to open whatever doors that
may be found along the way."
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Jill Siegel LMT, CPT, is a licensed massage
therapist and certified polarity therapist, in private practice since
1996. Through individual sessions, Jill supports individuals to increase
physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health using therapeutic
bodywork, holistic nutrition, yoga, T'ai Chi Chuan, energy exercises
and meditation. She shares her work with women and men who are seeking
to awaken the heart-mind and their own inherent wisdom. Jill loves
life and is a fun and free-spirited woman that NTN appreciates having
on board!
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Our Logo
In Native American teachings, the turtle is the oldest symbol for planet
Earth. It is the personification of goddess energy, and the eternal
Mother from which our lives evolve. We are born of the womb of the Earth,
and to her soil our bodies will return. In honoring the Earth, we are
asked by Turtle to be mindful of the cycle of give and take,
to give back to the Mother as she has given to us.
Medicine Cards, Jamie Sams
Our Promise...
"Let us guide you home..."
Our intention for your retreat is to create a space for you to
remember your heart
and it's awesome power in your life.
Your heart is your home and NTN is here to help you remember your
heart's whispers and longings.
Why
do we specialize in retreats for women?
"We have no competitive
element in our outdoor adventure experiences and instead focus on groups
coming together in cooperation and community, providing support for each
other in all situations, roles and settings. There is power in honoring
the comaraderie of women in nature. In creating a cooperative spirit in
all that we do, our retreats lead to special bonding amongst our participants.
Many strong friendships are established and maintained as a result of
time and rich experiences shared in nature. Many client's husbands or
partners do not prefer spending time in outdoor recreation or holistic
retreats. We create a safe space for women to join in with other women
who want to "get away", obligations and responsibilities left
behind for a much needed respite. We value the company of women.
Sharing in a new experience with other women has proven again and again
to be a healing, fulfilling and rewarding experience for our participants.
We are weaving an ever-expanding web of women who honor and remember their
authentic spirits as they rise up above the preconceived roles and expectations
set by self and others.
Civility and Diversity Policy
Nurture Through Nature (NTN) is a growing community of women from diverse
backgrounds committed to providing equal access for all community members to
learn and retreat together. In addition, NTN has an
anti-discrimination policy which requires that this access be available to
all people regardless of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national
origin or citizenship status, age, disability, or veteran status.
NTN is a place for the active examination, the exchange of ideas, and the
investigation of our internal workings. NTN strives to maintain a climate of
justice and safety marked by mutual respect for each other. We are committed
to the highest standards of civility and decency, and to promoting and
supporting a community where all people can work and learn together in an
atmosphere free of abusive or demeaning treatment.
NTN is not a place for threats or intimidation of others on any basis.
NTN rejects acts of discrimination or harassment based on race, ethnicity,
age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, veteran status, and political
beliefs. NTN encourages staff and guests to report any behavior which
targets individuals or groups based on race, color, religion, sexual
orientation, national origin or citizenship status, age, disability, or
veteran status. All reported incidents of alleged violations of this policy
will be investigated.
Testimonial
"This
retreat was the nicest thing I have ever done for myself~no spa, cruise,
concert, or travel has had the affect this week has had. I have seen beautiful
places, met fascinating people, had my body pampered and my mind challenged,
but none of these have given me this sense of self appreciation like the
experience I had with
Nurture Through Nature;
I now have the determination to improve my life."
SJ Kirksey, Maryland
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