Meet Sheree Lynn | Ecotherapy educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sheree Lynn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sheree, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve always loved nature. The first part of my professional life was spent as an ecologist on the western slope near Aspen. I then transitioned into K-12 education, and became an international professional development leader for counselors, and a Principal. Throughout all of my careers I’ve seen the need for mental wellness strategies; as I’ve seen students and adults alike face significant challenges.

Lots of focus has been put on some strategies like yoga, etc., but I felt that the role nature plays in mental wellness has taken a backseat to most other strategies.

But all the research shows that we are cut off from nature, our connections are severed.

I came up with the idea of Caring Nature to intentionally reconnect people back to nature for their own wellness, and truthfully, for the wellness of nature herself.

I offer a class on a hike through Garden of the Gods on specific mental wellness strategies, that includes engaging activities and reflection.

I also offer to consult with businesses and organizations on incorporating outdoor activities into their professional developments to improve the culture and learning of their organization. Creating peaceful natural spaces inside and outside businesses help workers manage stress.

And of course, I write for grants to get kids in school outside. Since the pandemic kids’ hearts and minds are hurting. So much help can be found by getting traditionally-excluded children outside.

I believe in the healing power of nature and I want to help people find their way back to it.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is unique in that I’m taking a big risk. I’m not researching the most popular food item, or article of clothing, and then offering it to people. I’m offering something that not all people may know that they need. That puts a lot of pressure on my ability to teach them how much better off they and their loved ones will be if they intentionally find ways to connect back to nature, in as many ways as they can, which is why I offer a variety of services. People can connect back to nature by getting outside, inviting nature into their homes, creating art with things found in nature, or taking the time to bond and create community in nature.

That has been the hardest part, finding a way to help people understand the wellness they can experience by intentionally connecting back to nature.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would be outside! Hiking and reflecting the quiet trails of the Garden of the Gods, strolling the town of Manitou Springs, visiting Red Rock Canyon and Cheyenne Canyon. For a meal we have to go authentic and visit the incredible Tibetan family that owns Little Nepal; a cultural icon in Colorado Springs. I’d definitely take them to the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center for a little excitement and a meet and greet with the wolves1

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A few summers ago I was lucky enough to teach with the University of Colorado Upward Bound program, led by Indigenous women. I learned so much from them; what they taught me was honest and beautiful. I worked with students from Jemez Pueblo, Navajo Nation, Pine Ridge Reservation, the Ramah Navajo Community, the Southern Ute Reservation, and the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation. I learned more about teaching to the heart than I had in decades of studying learning theory. I left the program changed, and wanting to do a better job of contributing beauty to the world.

Website: https://caringnature.org/

Image Credits
Sheree Lynn