Question 1

Can I take my phone on an Alive Eco-Journey?

Accepted Answer

No, we encourage guests to leave their phones behind. This allows for a deeper connection with nature and helps participants unplug from technology, reducing stress and enhancing mindfulness during the experience. After a little resistance, participants are often amazed at the relief!

Question 2

What about taking photographs?

Accepted Answer

We’ve got you covered! The facilitator will take key photos during the journey, or some experiences may have a professional nature photographer who has an excellent skill for discrete and non-intrusive photography with great results and memories for the home or office wall! Your job? To lose yourself to find yourself in nature!

Question 3

What if I am not used to natural spaces?

Accepted Answer

Nature will always meet us where we are at, and so will Alive Eco-Journeys. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned explorer, we'll work together to find the right journey for you. Let’s discuss your comfort levels and preferences to create a meaningful experience.

Question 4

Does an Alive Eco-Journey cater to all ages and fitness levels?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our Eco-Journeys are designed to be inclusive and adaptable, making them accessible for participants of all ages and fitness levels. We range from game drives to sitting in beautiful spaces to adventurous hikes in mountains and dives in the ocean.

Question 5

Where do Alive Eco-Journeys take place?

Accepted Answer

Alive Eco-Journeys can occur in a variety of natural spaces, including urban parks, rugged mountains, calming forests, the open ocean, and vibrant bushland. Additionally, we can design an Eco-Journey in a natural space close to where teams are holding their conference, ensuring convenience and a meaningful experience.

Question 6

Can we teach my team the skills that I would usually teach in a workshop in the office?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can incorporate key skills from traditional workshops into our Eco-Journeys, including communication, teamwork, and stress regulation. Engaging with nature improves emotional well-being and enhances learning, making the skills more impactful and memorable.
Here are some essential skills that can be taught during Eco-Journeys:

1. Mindfulness and Stress Management: Techniques for being present in the moment can help reduce anxiety and improve emotional well-being.
2. Teamwork and Communication: Group activities foster collaboration and enhance interpersonal skills, which are vital for effective teamwork.
3. Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Participants can engage in challenges that require critical thinking and innovative solutions in a natural setting.
4. Leadership Skills: Opportunities to take the lead in activities help individuals develop confidence and guide others effectively.
5. Conflict Resolution: Navigating group dynamics in outdoor settings can teach valuable conflict resolution strategies.
6. Resilience and Adaptability: Experiencing nature’s unpredictability helps participants learn to adapt to changing circumstances and overcome challenges.
7. Environmental Awareness: Understanding ecological principles and conservation efforts promotes a sense of responsibility toward the environment.
8. Physical Skills: Activities like hiking, canoeing, or rock climbing build physical fitness and outdoor skills.
9. Creative Thinking: Engaging with nature stimulates creativity, allowing participants to think outside the box and explore new ideas.
10. Self-Awareness and Personal Growth: Reflective practices in a natural setting encourage individuals to explore personal values and growth areas.

These skills can be tailored to meet the needs of individuals or teams and can significantly enhance personal and professional development.Here’s how you can present the distinction between Alive Eco-Journeys and retreats on your website

Question 7

Is this the same as a retreat?

Accepted Answer

No, there is a fundamental difference between Alive Eco-Journeys (AEJ) and traditional retreats. While many retreats focus on escaping (retreating)  from daily life into nature, AEJ emphasizes reconnecting with the natural world to come alive in life. Our approach is about immersing ourselves in nature, activating the ecological self, and exploring how this connection can lead to personal breakthroughs.

Unlike typical retreats that often start with introspection, AEJ encourages participants to look outside themselves. We believe that by fully engaging with nature—rather than using it merely as a backdrop—we can access deeper insights and foster a more profound sense of connection with both ourselves and the world around us.

Question 8

How is AEJ different from other nature immersion experiences?

Accepted Answer

Alive Eco-Journeys (AEJ) stands out due to our unique blend of over 20 years of experience in mental health (of teams and individuals) and our deep commitment to nature as a therapeutic force. In addition to nature immersion experiences, AEJ prioritizes the integration of practical and robust life skills within the adventure.

Each AEJ experience is facilitated by trained mental health professionals who are also passionate about nature. This ensures that every journey is tailored to the specific dynamics of the group and the natural environment, making each adventure truly unique. As nature unfolds its gifts, your guides draw from their extensive toolkit of skills and techniques, responding to what emerges in the moment.

AEJ draws inspiration from skills taught in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). While it is not a formal DBT therapeutic skills group, the skills taught are inspired by this approach, providing practical tools around distress tolerance, emotional regulation, interpersonal relationships, and mindfulness. Additionally, we incorporate nature connection techniques based on the principles of Ecopsychology.

Remember, we want to see you come alive—not only in nature but in your everyday life, too!