Wild Gathering Community

Welcome to Nature's Healing Embrace: Wild Gathering Community.

Our Wild Gathering Community is a spiritual collective that provides a sense of belonging to individuals from all traditions who seek to reconnect their spirituality with the natural world.

We recognize that each person brings their own unique spiritual background and circumstances to the table. Our goal is to gather insights from a variety of sources and viewpoints. Therefore, we define ourselves not as a church, but as a spiritual community where individuals unite in fellowship with one another and with the natural world.

We consciously focus on beauty, nurture the allure of mystery, and embrace the exhilarating experience of life. We perceive a profound sense of wholeness in every aspect of our untamed world.

We gather to learn, meditate, and connect or reconnect with nature, while supporting each other's spiritual journeys and mindfully nurturing our own.

The Wild Gathering Community focuses on rediscovering our inherent understanding that the Earth is sacred, and this sacredness resides within every human and all living beings. Reawakening to this profound awareness can transform how we choose to live, connect, and take action.

As we embark on our spiritual journey together as a community, keep in mind that our story is still developing and evolving. We currently gather on the second Sunday of each month at various locations throughout the Shenandoah Valley region.

Our watershed
We reside in the Chesapeake Bay and Shenandoah River watershed. The more we get to know the living beings within our watersheds, the more we will love them and protect them.
Land Acknowledgement
With respect, acknowledgment, and love, we gather on the land of the Eastern Siouan-speaking ancestors of the Monacan Nation and Manahoac peoples, and of the Iroquoian speakers and of the Central Algonquian language speakers.. We wish to thank them for their loving care of this land, their stories, and deep ancestral wisdom.

What to expect:
Our time together will focus on the nature that surrounds us and resides within us as a form of spiritual practice, creating a sacred space. We will meditate, embark on journeys, drum, sing, roam the land, and listen to the messages it has for us. We will share stories, prayers, and songs, all while being embraced by the elements of nature. Together, we will remember that we are part of nature; we do not simply inhabit the land, we coexist with it.

Our meetings follow a consistent format each time. We gather in a circle, representing unity, and start with a warm welcome and a brief introduction, allowing everyone to settle into our shared space.

We will then transition into a grounding meditation to help us center ourselves and fully embrace the present moment. During each gathering, we may share short readings and reflections from diverse spiritual and ecological traditions, participate in a nature-inspired invitation, and consistently foster a sense of kinship to support each other on our personal and collective journeys toward a deeper love for ourselves, each other, and the Earth.

We will engage in a 30–45-minute solo wandering to connect with the sacred conversations happening around us—whether it's with a tree, stone, flower, creature, or creek. Afterward, we will return to the circle for a sharing session, allowing participants to speak as they feel inspired.

We conclude our gathering with a sharing circle followed by a closing ceremony.

Every experience is distinct, shaped by the particular individuals involved, the relational dynamics that arise, the seasonal changes throughout the year, and the willingness of those participating. Our interactions consistently inspire and transform us, forging beautiful symmetries that enhance our connections with ourselves, one another, and the natural world.

What to Bring:
A folding chair, camp chair, or blanket to sit on
Your reusable water bottle & snacks
A journal or notebook and pen
Covered walking shoes or outdoor covered sandals
a watch to keep time on your wander
bug spray/sunscreen

Note: We are apart of the Wild Church Network. For more information about this network please visit their website at Wild Church Network - Home

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

State Arboretum of Virginia, 400 Blandy Farm Lane, Boyce, United States