I have to tell you that I had the best trip I have ever taken with Nature Awareness.
I have traveled all over the world, and this trip affected me more than any other, and far more than I had expected. I went in with an open mind, hoping to learn and find a spiritual connection to the world that has been missing in my life. I came away with so much more.
Your leadership, mentorship, and teaching skills are formidable, and I really enjoyed the sense of calm, collected patience that you displayed with people. To be in a camp full of teenagers, whom I normally avoid, and to find them courteous, respectful, intelligent, and curious about the world was a real eye opener for me. I found that I had a place in a community of strangers, and was able to learn and grow alongside them in ways I did not expect. Having you as the community leader cast a glow over the camp that inspired me to learn things, open my mind and get past any fears or reservations I might have had, so that I could experience things I had not expected at all.
The entire camp felt much like the world I wish to live in. It was filled with respect and fun, energy and camaraderie, open mindedness and understanding. It was truly a magical experience. I have tried my best to apply those qualities to my life beyond the specific skill I learned. I was camping in Big Sur last weekend, and found myself spending most of my time listening and seeing the world. It was a new experience for me despite having been to this same camp a dozen times. That behavior rubbed off on a few people too, and I know their experience was augmented as a result.
In short, I can’t say enough good things about you or your school. It affected me in so many ways that I can’t list them all. I simply loved it and can hardly contain my enthusiasm for it. I plan on going to all of your classes at the earliest possible date. Until then, please accept my immense gratitude for the experience. It really changed me in a wonderful way.
