Eco-Spiritual Direction
Nature-centered spiritual direction for clarity, connection, and discernment.
Eco-spiritual direction is an emerging wellness practice that integrates the long tradition of spiritual direction with insights from eco-therapy and nature-based wellbeing. At Northlandr, we work with nature not as a backdrop, but as an active partner in the spiritual discernment process.
What is eco-spiritual direction?
Spiritual direction is a reflective practice that helps individuals become more deeply attuned to sources of meaning, connection, and transcendence in their lives. Unlike psychotherapy or counseling, spiritual direction is not focused on diagnosis or treatment. Instead, it creates space to explore questions of purpose, values, belief, and inner life.
Eco-spiritual direction builds on this tradition by intentionally grounding the process in the natural world. Sessions often take place outdoors or incorporate direct engagement with land, water, weather, and seasonal rhythms. Nature becomes a co-facilitator, offering insight, metaphor, and guidance through lived experience rather than abstraction.
How eco-spiritual direction works at Northlandr
In eco-spiritual direction, the “direction” does not come from the guide telling you where to go or what to believe. Instead, it emerges through your own relationship with the natural world and your inner experience.
A Northlandr guide serves as a companion and skilled listener, helping you:
Deepen awareness of your experience in nature
Reflect on what those experiences reveal about your values, beliefs, and longings
Discern next steps that feel aligned with your inner life
The path is not linear, and there is no predefined destination. Each person’s spiritual journey is unique. Our role is to help you listen more clearly and walk with greater intention.
Why nature plays a central role
Spiritual direction is a reflective practice that helps individuals become more deeply attuned to sources of meaning, connection, and transcendence in their lives. Unlike psychotherapy or counseling, spiritual direction is not focused on diagnosis or treatment. Instead, it creates space to explore questions of purpose, values, belief, and inner life.
Eco-spiritual direction builds on this tradition by intentionally grounding the process in the natural world. Sessions often take place outdoors or incorporate direct engagement with land, water, weather, and seasonal rhythms. Nature becomes a co-facilitator, offering insight, metaphor, and guidance through lived experience rather than abstraction.
Who eco-spiritual direction is for
Eco-spiritual direction may be a good fit if you are:
Seeking spiritual direction or discernment without rigid doctrine
Navigating grief, loss, or a significant life transition
Feeling disconnected from meaning, purpose, or inner clarity
Interested in spirituality that is grounded, embodied, and nature-centered
Drawn to mindfulness or forest bathing but seeking deeper reflection
Curious about spirituality without identifying with a specific religion
No prior spiritual practice, religious affiliation, or outdoor expertise is required.
What to expect in a session
Eco-spiritual direction sessions are typically one hour and may take place outdoors or integrate nature-based practices into the conversation. Each session is shaped collaboratively and evolves over time based on your needs and interests.
Sessions may include:
Time spent walking or sitting in nature
Guided reflection or contemplative practices
Conversation exploring insights, questions, and patterns that emerge
Integration of experiences into daily life
The frequency of sessions is determined together, with once-per-month meetings being common. The relationship is mutual and non-obligatory. Either the client or the guide may choose to discontinue if the work no longer feels beneficial.
How eco-spiritual direction differs from therapy
Eco-spiritual direction is not psychotherapy, counseling, or medical treatment. While many people experience emotional and mental health benefits from time in nature, this work is not intended to replace professional psychiatric or psychological care.
For individuals experiencing severe or ongoing mental health challenges, including persistent depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, or suicidal ideation, we strongly encourage working with a licensed mental health professional as a primary source of care.
Clear boundaries help ensure this work remains safe, supportive, and appropriate.
Cost and accessibility
Eco-spiritual direction sessions at Northlandr are one hour in length and are offered at a standard rate of $75 per session.
We believe this work should be accessible. If cost presents a barrier at this time, we encourage you to reach out for a conversation. We are open to discussing options when needed.
Our priority is creating a supportive and respectful space for meaningful work.
You don’t need to have it all figured out.
Eco-spiritual direction offers a supportive starting point for those seeking spiritual clarity, grounding, and deeper connection with the natural world. Whether you are navigating uncertainty, transition, or simply a longing for something more aligned, this work invites you to begin exactly where you are.