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 process through which we become more deeply attuned to the sources of meaning, connection, and transcendence in our lives.
It is intended to be a safe space for exploring spiritual questions and becoming more aware of the deeply held beliefs and values that shape how we relate to the world around us. The focus is different from a counseling or therapeutic relationship. A spiritual director acts as both companion and guide to the client, facilitating a process of reflection, practice, and growth.
What makes Northlandr’s eco-spiritual direction unique is our emphasis on nature as co-facilitator in the spiritual discernment process. The land has wisdom to share, if we take the time to ask – and if we know how to listen.
The “direction” in our spiritual direction sessions comes in large part from the client’s interaction with the natural world. Our guides bring skills to help deepen those interactions, and then explore what they mean. The guide’s role is not to get you from “point A” to “point B,” at least not in a spiritual sense. The path is yours to find and to follow. But it can be beneficial to have a companion who knows the terrain and can help identify things along the way.
Spiritual Pathfinding
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
Develop meaningful spiritual practices
Discern next steps that feel aligned with your inner life
Everyone has a unique spiritual path. Let us help you find yours.
Spirituality is a vital aspect of well-being. Studies indicate that spirituality is not only innate, but also good for us.
Healthy spirituality can decrease likelihood of depression and substance abuse, while increasing rates of resiliency. It can also contribute to the physical healing process.
What do we mean by spirituality?
Why spirituality?
“Spirituality is a dynamic and intrinsic aspect of humanity through which persons seek ultimate meaning, purpose, and transcendence, and experience relationship to self, family, others, community, society, nature, and the significant or sacred. Spirituality is expressed through beliefs, values, traditions, and practices.” 2013 International Conference on Improving the Spiritual Dimension of Whole Person Care
Spirituality is about universal needs such as meaning, connection, and transcendence.
One need not subscribe to a particular religion, or any religion at all, to benefit from Northlandr’s spiritual direction program. We specialize in working with people across a broad spectrum of beliefs and backgrounds, with an emphasis on nurturing the spirit through direct contact with the natural world.
Why nature plays a central role
A growing body of scientific research shows that exposure to natural settings can help ward against depression, anxiety, and chronic disease, while offering benefits for cognitive function, blood pressure, sleep, and overall mental health.
Eco-spiritual direction combines these benefits with a process of spiritual discernment, creating space to explore your values and beliefs, along with questions of meaning, purpose, mortality, relationship, the Sacred, and how we fit into the larger web of being. Sessions usually take place outdoors and incorporate direct engagement with the land and its seasonal rhythms.
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 or seeking 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 through conversation between the spiritual director and the client. Once-per-month sessions are typical. The director/client relationship is a mutual arrangement, and there is no obligation to continue meeting if the client ceases to find them meaningful. Likewise, the spiritual director can discontinue sessions if they determine for any reason that meetings are no longer appropriate or 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.