Stories

We’re gathering for honest conversations about healing—how colonialism has shaped what we call “wellness,” and how we can do better together. Who we are. Hi, I’m Shana . I’m Luisray . I’m Summer . and I'm Lourdes. We come from different identities and experiences—many touched directly or indirectly by colonialism. We’ve been reading, discussing, unpacking, and practicing together. This series translates those conversations into a more accessible language for nature and wellne

Restoring Attention in an Age of Artificial Intelligence Nature and Mental Health → Nature and Neurodivergence I’ve written before about how Nature saved me. But lately, I’ve been wondering — can it also restructure  the way neurodivergent minds like mine work? As someone newly diagnosed with ADHD, I’ve come to see that Nature isn’t just my sanctuary — it’s my therapy. Last month, October is known as the ADHD Awareness Month, I find myself reflecting on what it really means t

As September draws to a close, we’ve heard stories and raised awareness for Deaf Awareness Month  and Suicide Prevention Month —themes that are never abstract for me, but deeply personal. Years ago, when exhaustion and suicidal thoughts pressed in, the forest became my sanctuary and led me to a renewed purpose for life- which was to become a guide.  Nature as Therapist—and Diversity Teaches Us Resilience In my own journey of trying to heal, the forest held me when I couldn’t

Why are nature retreats so powerful for your mental health? Because they offer what everyday life often can’t: a pause. A place to breathe. A moment to truly belong. An opportunity to transform your life. Last week, I took a workshop on hosting retreats. I was reminded of something that stopped me in my tracks: "The price of staying stuck is higher than the cost of the retreat." It hit something deep in me. It made me reflect on my own healing journey. And I'm sharing that st

🌿 I’m thrilled to share that my story is featured in the newly released book, All Humans Outside: Stories of Belonging in Nature—an inspiring collection of voices from diverse communities redefining what it means to belong  outdoors. 🧏🏽‍♀️🌎✨ Published by MountaineersBooks, this anthology highlights real experiences of people who connect with nature in deeply personal and transformative ways. As a Deaf nature guide and storyteller, I’m honored to represent the Deaf and Dis

Having Honest Conversations about Settler Colonialism, Healing, and the Wellness Industry I am a settler: What is Settler Colonialism?...

In celebration of Disability Awareness Month, we share a series of stories that portray what true access intimacy is and the lesson that...

Co-authored by Summer Crider, Hayley Broadway, and Jessica Ennis, with participation of DeafBlind co-navigators Kim Powers, Riss Leitzke,...

Article written by Summer Crider and Meredith Burke StoryWeaving: Co-Navigating with Disabled Bodies: Part 1 In the beginning of my newly...

In honor of Mental Health Awareness month, The Giving Cypress and Signed By Stories have partnered to underscore the need for awareness surrounding the high rates of suicide among deaf community members, and support for those afflicted. Summer shares their story and urges community members to pull together by sharing their own stories and participating in healing through peer support. Transcript: [TRIGGER WARNING: This video talks about mental health and mentions suicide.] De

In Nature, disability is merely a social construction and using silence in Forest Therapy can help us look deep inside ourselves, past...