Our Events

This is more than learning how to set up a tent, this is wilderness wellness.

Through guided self-discovery exercises, in-the-field education, mindful movement, environmental stewardship, and storytelling, we heal and transform our relationship to self so we can show up more powerfully for our communities.

Coming Soon

  • Sequoia National Park

  • Joshua Tree National Park

  • Request a Retreat

 All Events

Trail of Life: Self-Reflection Workshop with Hiking My Feelings
Apr
10

Trail of Life: Self-Reflection Workshop with Hiking My Feelings

The Trail of Life invites us to tune into our inner wilderness, where we pause amidst the twists and turns to contemplate our journey, appreciate the lessons learned, and align with the path that resonates with our most authentic selves.

🧭 Guided Self-Discovery

You’ve read the book, now you’re ready to do the work - where do we start?

This isn’t a pre-recorded program, we facilitate our workshops LIVE! By starting with our foundational healing activity - creating our Trail of Life Maps - we draw inspiration from your life story to bring you home to yourself, visualize the life you want to live, and walk with you as you put one foot in front of the other in the direction of your dreams. By the way, every workshop features an interactive activity rooted in self-reflection, bonus mindfulness practices and resources (guided meditations, interviews with experts, book recommendations), journal prompts, as well as space to reflect on your hikes. PS If you can’t make it to the live meeting, you’ll have access to the instructional video.

🧭 Hiking as a Mindfulness Practice

In each workshop, we give you a prompt to meditate on while you’re hiking solo, or to talk about in your group if you’re hiking with other members in the program. We encourage participants to go for a hike once per week to reflect on the lessons learned in the program. By the time the program has wrapped up, you will have developed a regular hiking + mindfulness practice and reaping the rewards of your efforts. By the way, you pick your hikes based on what you’re comfortable with, there is no mileage or difficulty requirement.

🧭 Community Connection

We’re all coming to the table with our own lived experiences and filters through which we see life, but one thing is for certain - we are more alike than we are different. By learning how to hold space for your fellow program participants, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice active listening and learn from each other.

When we slow down enough to hear what people are saying and give space for processing the information and understanding the messenger, we can oftentimes find some of our stories in the stories of others. This deepens our connection to self - affirming that we are not alone in our experiences - as well as our connection to each other.

Note: all of our workshops are hosted LIVE via Zoom. If you want to listen in and hike while we meet, you are welcome to but it is not required. The hiking portion of the program is on your own time, at your own pace. 💚

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San Diego Book Signing + Hike at Mission Trails Regional Park
Apr
14

San Diego Book Signing + Hike at Mission Trails Regional Park

Turn your pain into power. Part inspirational memoir, part practical guide, Hiking Your Feelings offers a toolkit to unpack your “trauma pack” and step into the best version of yourself.

Join wellness advocate and wilderness guide Sydney Williams for a book signing and discussion of her new book, Hiking Your Feeling: Blazing a Trail to Self-Love, as well as a guided walk through the park. The book will be available for purchase at the MTRP gift shop.

The hiking portion will be optional and will be along the Father Junipero Serra Trail, a flat and accessible trail for all abilities.

About the Author:

Sydney Williams is the founder of Hiking My Feelings, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the healing power of nature. She is an author and a certified Wilderness First Responder, an instructor at the Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park, an instructor at the Field Institute at Sequoia National Park, and a founding member of the Outdoorist Oath. Through it all, she centers empathetic storytelling and allows her curiosity and enthusiasm to lead the way.

This event is organized by Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) Foundation, the nonprofit that supports the park. Your ticket helps the MTRP Foundation preserve and protect the park we love.

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Hike + Heal Grand Staircase Escalante
May
2
to May 4

Hike + Heal Grand Staircase Escalante

  • Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Hike + Heal Grand Staircase Escalante is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings, in collaboration with Grand Staircase Escalante Partners - the official non-profit partner of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.

This retreat offers a perfect blend of adventure, self-reflection, environmental stewardship, and relaxation, all while immersing yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes.

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Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park
Jun
28
to Jun 30

Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park

three days of magic amongst the sequoia trees

Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings in partnership with the Field Institute at Sequoia National Park, Sequoia Parks Conservancy, and Volunteers In Parks (VIP) Program. Inspired by Sydney’s life-changing journey in the outdoors, this event series infuses healing and intention into every activity we do. This isn’t a healing retreat in that we tell you how to heal - we create a space where healing is possible. We offer resources that can transform any experience into a learning opportunity and set the stage for good energy & supportive vibes.

This is a space where you can laugh, cry, relax, tap into your creativity, challenge yourself, and enjoy the rewards as a collective.

Our Sequoia National Park retreats merge our Inner Wilderness programming with the conservation project we will be completing during the event - exploring how we can heal in nature, and how to bring healing to the lands that help us heal. Watch the video above to get an idea of what we’re up to in the park for our events!

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Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park
Jul
19
to Jul 21

Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park

three days of magic amongst the sequoia trees

Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings in partnership with the Field Institute at Sequoia National Park, Sequoia Parks Conservancy, and Volunteers In Parks (VIP) Program. Inspired by Sydney’s life-changing journey in the outdoors, this event series infuses healing and intention into every activity we do. This isn’t a healing retreat in that we tell you how to heal - we create a space where healing is possible. We offer resources that can transform any experience into a learning opportunity and set the stage for good energy & supportive vibes.

This is a space where you can laugh, cry, relax, tap into your creativity, challenge yourself, and enjoy the rewards as a collective.

Our Sequoia National Park retreats merge our Inner Wilderness programming with the conservation project we will be completing during the event - exploring how we can heal in nature, and how to bring healing to the lands that help us heal. Watch the video above to get an idea of what we’re up to in the park for our events!

View Event →
Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park
Aug
16
to Aug 18

Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park

three days of magic amongst the sequoia trees

Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings in partnership with the Field Institute at Sequoia National Park, Sequoia Parks Conservancy, and Volunteers In Parks (VIP) Program. Inspired by Sydney’s life-changing journey in the outdoors, this event series infuses healing and intention into every activity we do. This isn’t a healing retreat in that we tell you how to heal - we create a space where healing is possible. We offer resources that can transform any experience into a learning opportunity and set the stage for good energy & supportive vibes.

This is a space where you can laugh, cry, relax, tap into your creativity, challenge yourself, and enjoy the rewards as a collective.

Our Sequoia National Park retreats merge our Inner Wilderness programming with the conservation project we will be completing during the event - exploring how we can heal in nature, and how to bring healing to the lands that help us heal. Watch the video above to get an idea of what we’re up to in the park for our events!

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Hike + Heal Glacier National Park
Sep
26
to Sep 29

Hike + Heal Glacier National Park

  • Glacier Institute - Glacier National Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Hike + Heal Glacier National Park is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings, in collaboration with Glacier Institute - the official educational partner of Glacier National Park.

NOTE: This retreat is part of our Blaze Your Own Trail to Self-Love program. Folks interested in this retreat must be able to commit to the program leading up to and following the retreat to be able to participate.

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Blaze Your Own Trail to Self-Love Open House
Mar
24

Blaze Your Own Trail to Self-Love Open House

Curious about Blaze Your Own Trail to Self-Love? Join our open house to learn about the program, meet members of the community, and start your week inspired and refreshed!

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

🧭 Guided Self-Discovery

Every workshop features an interactive activity rooted in self-reflection, bonus mindfulness practices and resources (guided meditations, interviews with experts, book recommendations), journal prompts, as well as space to reflect on your hikes.

🧭 Hiking as a Mindfulness Practice

In each workshop, we give you a Mindful Miles Prompt - something to meditate on while you’re hiking solo, or to talk about in your group if you’re hiking with other members in the program. We encourage participants to go for a hike once per week to reflect on the lessons learned in the program. You pick your hikes/walks based on what you’re comfortable with, there is no mileage or difficulty requirement.

🧭 Community Connection

We’re all coming to the table with our own lived experiences and filters through which we see life, but one thing is for certain - we are more alike than we are different. By learning how to hold space for your fellow program participants, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice active listening.

When we slow down enough to hear what people are saying and give space for processing the information and understanding the messenger, we can oftentimes find some of our stories in the stories of others. This deepens our connection to self - affirming that we are not alone in our experiences - as well as our connection to each other.

ABOUT BLAZE YOUR OWN TRAIL TO SELF-LOVE

Welcome to Blaze Your Own Trail to Self-Love! This is where we lace up our hiking boots and venture deep into the wilderness of self-discovery, embracing an empowering mindset and the practices that will set your heart ablaze. Join Sydney and Barry Williams, your guides and fellow adventurers, as we navigate the rugged terrain of limiting beliefs, scale the mountains of self-compassion, and uncover the hidden treasures of self-acceptance. Together, we will forge a new path, igniting a fierce love for ourselves that will radiate through every aspect of our lives.

There's no right or wrong way to embark on this journey, the most important thing is to take the first step.

When you're on a hike, you don't magically appear at the summit, you get there one step at a time. Sometimes it's the hardest walk of your life. Sometimes you're skipping through a field of wildflowers. Either way, it can be transformational, but only if you allow yourself to have and reflect on the experience.

HEALING IS THE SAME WAY.

You don't arrive at the top of Healing Mountain, saved, rescued, recovered. On this Trail of Life, there will always be ups and downs, that much is certain.

Healing is a lifelong practice. There is no deadline to meet. This can't be done overnight. Really, all you can do is equip yourself with some tools to help you along the way.

And that should feel like a giant exhale.

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San Diego Launch Party: Hiking Your Feelings at Diesel Bookstore in Del Mar
Mar
12

San Diego Launch Party: Hiking Your Feelings at Diesel Bookstore in Del Mar

Join us Tuesday March 12th at 6:00 pm as we welcome Sydney Williams to the store to discuss and sign Hiking Your Feelings: Blazing a Trail to Self-Love.

This event is free to attend and will be held at DIESEL, A Bookstore in Del Mar.

Free seating is limited. To reserve a seat, please purchase one copy of a book for one seat. 

Sydney Williams Event Reservation 

Turn your pain into power. Part inspirational memoir, part practical guide, Hiking Your Feelings offers a toolkit to unpack your “trauma pack” and step into the best version of yourself.

Join wellness and wilderness enthusiast Sydney Williams as she shares her healing journey from eating and drinking her feelings to hiking her feelings. When Sydney unexpectedly found herself diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, while grappling with grief and unresolved trauma built up over a decade, she set out on a quest to turn her pain into power. Two hikes across Catalina Island and eighty miles later, she learned to disconnect from distractions and reconnect with herself, all through the power of nature. Now, she’s encouraging others to get outside and blaze their own trail to self-love, turning buried traumas into healthy coping mechanisms. With affirmations, prompts, and reflection exercises throughout—all presented from Sydney’s supportive and self-effacing perspective—Hiking Your Feelings offers a toolkit to unpack your “trauma pack” and step into the best version of yourself.

INSPIRATIONAL & INSIGHTFUL: Follow Sydney as she reflects on her own journey from buried traumas and poor body image to acceptance, healthy coping mechanisms, and self-love.

RELATABLE & UNIVERSAL: Touches on themes and problems that many struggle with, including grief and loss, sexual assault, poor body image, career stress, and the stigma of diabetes, all presented from Sydney’s supportive and self-effacing perspective.

HEALING POWER OF NATURE: Discover how getting outside—even just for a walk around the block—can help you tune into your body better.

HIKE YOUR OWN HIKE: Learn to love yourself as you are now. Go from eating, drinking, working, or spending your feelings to hiking your feelings.

UNPACK YOUR TRAUMA PACK: Identify new activities and rituals that will allow you to choose love over fear and lift the invisible weight from your shoulders.

PROMPTS, ACTIVITIES & EXERCISES: Apply the lessons Sydney has learned to your own life, through thoughtful tasks at the end of each chapter.

Sydney has been featured in Huff Post, Psychology Today, U.S. News & World Report, and on the SXSW stage. She is also a certified Wilderness First Responder, an instructor at the Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park, an instructor at the Field Institute at Sequoia National Park, and a founding member of the Outdoorist Oath. Sydney has been nominated for Woman of the Year by San Diego Magazine

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SXSW Group Hike + Austin Trail Cleanup with Gossamer Gear and The Trail Conservancy
Mar
10

SXSW Group Hike + Austin Trail Cleanup with Gossamer Gear and The Trail Conservancy

  • Edward Rendon Sr. Metro Park At Festival Beach Pedestrian Walkway Austin, TX, 78702 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

SXSW weekend means getting outside, y’all. Gossamer Gear, Hiking My Feelings, and The Trail Conservancy have all teamed up to host a wonderful Sunday morning at Festival Beach. You’ll be able to meet fellow trail enthusiasts, pick up trash, and enjoy Texas spring all before making it to your next SX event. If you’ve been meaning to get outside in ATX, then you won’t want to miss this.  

During the event, you’ll have the opportunity to chat with Sydney Williams, founder of Hiking My Feelings. This organization is on a mission to improve community health by creating opportunities for people to experience the healing power of nature. Sydney will be speaking at SXSW about her newest book, Hiking Your Feelings, on March 9th, and she hopes to do even more for the ATX community by leaving it better than she found it. To learn more about her events, you can visit her SXSW event page here: https://schedule.sxsw.com/2024/events/PP134183

Once you’ve picked up all of your trash, you might win some prizes from Gossamer Gear

Gossamer Gear is located in Austin, Texas, and focuses on creating functional, lightweight hiking and backpacking gear. If you come back with the most trash or the weirdest piece of trash, you could be the recipient of a new daypack. With smaller raffle prizes to offer, you’ll want to stick around until the very end. 

Participants will meet on the Bulter Trail at Festival Beach (Google Pin Location). Parking will be available at the Estacionamiento Edward Rendon Parking lot and street parking along Chicon Street. Please come prepared in comfortable clothing to hike and pick up trash. TTC will provide trash grabbers, gloves, and bags. You will only need to bring a filled water bottle and yourself. 

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Hiking Your Feelings Book Signing at SXSW
Mar
9

Hiking Your Feelings Book Signing at SXSW

Get your book signed at the SXSW Bookstore!

Join wellness & wilderness enthusiast Sydney Williams as she shares her healing journey from eating and drinking her feelings to hiking her feelings. When Sydney unexpectedly found herself diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, while grappling with grief and unresolved trauma built up over a decade, she set out on a quest to turn her pain into power. Through hiking and backpacking, she learned to disconnect from distractions and reconnect with herself. Now, she’s encouraging others to get outside and blaze their own trail to self-love, turning buried traumas into healthy coping mechanisms.

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Hiking Your Feelings Launch at SXSW
Mar
9

Hiking Your Feelings Launch at SXSW

We’re launching Hiking Your Feelings at SXSW!

Join wellness & wilderness enthusiast Sydney Williams as she shares her healing journey from eating and drinking her feelings to hiking her feelings. When Sydney unexpectedly found herself diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, while grappling with grief and unresolved trauma built up over a decade, she set out on a quest to turn her pain into power. Through hiking and backpacking, she learned to disconnect from distractions and reconnect with herself. Now, she’s encouraging others to get outside and blaze their own trail to self-love, turning buried traumas into healthy coping mechanisms.

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SPEAKER: Public Lands Alliance Conference
Mar
5

SPEAKER: Public Lands Alliance Conference

Guardians of the Public Lands: Effective Strategies for Next-Gen Stewardship & Personal Well-Being

Co-Presented by: Sydney Williams, Founder/CEO of Hiking My Feelings and Daniel Huecker, Field Institute Director at Sequoia Parks Conservancy

Inspired results require innovative approaches. So, what will it take to engage the next generation in stewardship of and advocacy for our public lands? Join us as we explore how the integration of stewardship and self-care has yielded tangible benefits. We’ll discuss how stewardship and self-care events reinvigorate parks; engage a new generation of stewards, donors, and advocates; and generate volunteer hours necessary to support increasing conservation efforts.

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Intentional Hiking Speaker Series: Find Your Wellness in the Wilderness
Mar
4

Intentional Hiking Speaker Series: Find Your Wellness in the Wilderness

About Intentional Hiking:

An online discussion series focused on our relationship with the environment, our trails, and each other. Together we will convene the hiking community, empower action on social and environmental causes, & encourage hikers to be more intentional and thoughtful while hiking.

Topic: Hiking My Feelings - Find Your Wellness in the Wilderness 

Hiking My Feelings is on a mission to improve community health by creating opportunities for people to experience the healing power of nature. Founder Sydney Williams is launching her second book on March 12! Come hear all about turning your pain into power and the exciting year of events scheduled around the country. 

In addition:

  • Have a chance to win a copy of the new book (with a trail journal & stickers)

  • Have a conversation with other intentional hikers about the topic *read more about the conversation code below.

For this event 2/3 of the donations will be given to Hiking my Feelings. *Donations will appear as a second "ticket" in your order **Donations are not tax deductible unless made directly to a registered non-profit organization.

About the Speaker:

Sydney Williams is the founder of Hiking My Feelings, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the healing power of nature. Her 15-year (and counting) career in communications has run the gamut from launching Oscar Mayer's social media channels and working with Fortune 500 brands to educating the public about the importance of stewardship and equitable access to recreational opportunities. Through it all, she centers empathetic storytelling and allows her curiosity and enthusiasm to lead the way.

Sydney has been featured in Huff Post, Psychology Today, U.S. News & World Report, and on the SXSW stage. She is also a certified Wilderness First Responder, an instructor at the Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park, an instructor at the Field Institute at Sequoia National Park, and a founding member of the Outdoorist Oath. Sydney has been nominated for Woman of the Year by San Diego Magazine.

FAQ

Only register if you can attend this event live

  • A recording of each event (excluding the conversation portion) will be uploaded to the Intentional Hiking YouTube channel.

  • Each recording will be accompanied by a Conversation Kit which will help you have a discussion on the event's theme with friends and family.

Conversation code

  • Please engage in these conversations with curiosity, an open mind, and respect. 

  • Lead with kindness and compassion. 

  • Listen to understand; not reply. 

  • No judgement, no advice (unless specifically asked for)

Non-profit Partners

  • Each guest can choose a non-profit partner of choice to feature during the event. 

  • Attendees can raise money for the non-profit during the registration process by giving a donation. 

  • Donations will be split evenly between the guest, non-profit partner, and host.

Gear Giveaways

  • Events will feature gear or product giveaways from new or cottage hiking brands. 

  • Need to be present to win.

Event Duration

  • Each event will last between 60-90 minutes

Event Link

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What Else Can Go Right?! -  Self-Reflection Workshop with Hiking My Feelings
Mar
3

What Else Can Go Right?! - Self-Reflection Workshop with Hiking My Feelings

Embracing this perspective empowers you to navigate challenges with resilience, find silver linings in every situation, and create a ripple effect of positivity that not only impacts your own life but also inspires and uplifts those around you.

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Group Hike at Mount Rubidoux with Lifestyle Medical
Feb
24

Group Hike at Mount Rubidoux with Lifestyle Medical

Hiking Your Feelings helps the traveler turn reflective miles into heartfelt smiles. Hiking includes both ups and downs, but when it’s done as described in this book, you can be confident in both your journey and your destination.”

 –Wayne S. Dysinger, M.D., M.P.H., former president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine


Meet at Ryan Bonaminio Park | 5000 Teqiuesquite Ave. Riverside | West side of park near playground and covered picnic area

Sign the waiver: https://hikingmyfeelings.org/waiver

Water and trail mix provided

Wear shoes for hiking and bring sunscreen, outerwear, and extra water and snacks as necessary.

This paved trail is considered to be an easy-to-moderate hike. This hike will be led by Sydney Williams from Hiking My Feelings and will take approximately 1.5-2 hours to complete.

Watch your email for weather updates!

Questions? Email Kelsie.White@lifestylemedical.com 

About Hiking My Feelings: Sydney Williams is the author of Hiking Your Feelings: Blazing a Trail to Self-Love (Mandala Publishing, 2024) and founder of Hiking My Feelings, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the healing power of nature. Her fifteen-year (and counting) career in communications has run the gamut from launching Oscar Mayer's social media channels and working with Fortune 500 brands to educating the public about the importance of stewardship and equitable access to recreational opportunities. Through it all, she centers empathetic storytelling and allows her curiosity and enthusiasm to lead the way.

Sydney has been featured in Huff Post, Psychology Today, U.S. News & World Report, and on the SXSW stage. She is also a certified Wilderness First Responder, an instructor at the Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park, an instructor at the Field Institute at Sequoia National Park, and a founding member of the Outdoorist Oath. Sydney has been nominated for Woman of the Year by San Diego Magazine

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Your Best Possible Self: Visualization Workshop with Hiking My Feelings
Feb
4

Your Best Possible Self: Visualization Workshop with Hiking My Feelings

With this powerful visualization practice, you can unlock your full potential, turn your dreams into reality, and experience a life filled with purpose, fulfillment, and an unshakable sense of joy.

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“Live Your Dash”: Vision Board Workshop with Hiking My Feelings
Jan
7

“Live Your Dash”: Vision Board Workshop with Hiking My Feelings

Hello, 2024! Our “Live Your Dash” Vision Boards serve as a daily reminder to infuse every moment with intention, purpose, and a deep appreciation for the extraordinary adventures on your Trail of Life.

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Reflect + Integrate: Self-Reflection Workshop with Hiking My Feelings
Dec
10

Reflect + Integrate: Self-Reflection Workshop with Hiking My Feelings

We’re on Zoom but it’s giving serene water vibes, so allow the gentle current to wash away what no longer serves you and absorb the wisdom gained. Join us for our final workshop of 2023 to nourish your soul, navigate future challenges with grace, and usher in 2024 with newfound strength and resilience.

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Hike + Heal Joshua Tree National Park (Camping + Hiking Retreat)
Nov
17
to Nov 19

Hike + Heal Joshua Tree National Park (Camping + Hiking Retreat)

three days of magic amongst the joshua trees

Hike + Heal Joshua Tree National Park is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings. Inspired by Sydney’s life-changing journey in the outdoors, this event series infuses healing and intention into every activity we do. This isn’t a healing retreat in that we tell you how to heal - we create a space where healing is possible. We offer resources that can transform any experience into a learning opportunity and set the stage for good energy & supportive vibes.

This is a space where you can laugh, cry, relax, tap into your creativity, challenge yourself, and enjoy the rewards as a collective.

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Clear + Kind: Communication Workshop with Hiking My Feelings
Nov
12

Clear + Kind: Communication Workshop with Hiking My Feelings

Just in time for the holidays! Clear and kind communication builds bridges, nurtures connections, and paves the way for meaningful conversations. So, let your words be a gentle breeze that carries warmth and understanding, and let’s create a world where empathy and harmony thrive.

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Hike + Heal Beyond Zion
Oct
13
to Oct 15

Hike + Heal Beyond Zion

Hike + Heal Beyond Zion is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings, in collaboration with Land Beyond Zion Glamping & Tours.

This retreat offers a perfect blend of adventure, self-reflection, and relaxation, all while immersing yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes of the American southwest.

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Hike + Heal Joshua Tree National Park (Backpacking Retreat)
Oct
6
to Oct 8

Hike + Heal Joshua Tree National Park (Backpacking Retreat)

three days of magic amongst the joshua trees

Hike + Heal Joshua Tree National Park is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings. Inspired by Sydney’s life-changing journey in the outdoors, this event series infuses healing and intention into every activity we do. This isn’t a healing retreat in that we tell you how to heal - we create a space where healing is possible. We offer resources that can transform any experience into a learning opportunity and set the stage for good energy & supportive vibes.

This is a space where you can laugh, cry, relax, tap into your creativity, challenge yourself, and enjoy the rewards as a collective.

Use code SPACEPACKER23 at checkout to save 20% on registration!

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Your Next Summit: Self-Reflection Workshop with Hiking My Feelings
Oct
1

Your Next Summit: Self-Reflection Workshop with Hiking My Feelings

Your next goal stands before you like a towering mountain summit, and just as a determined hiker meticulously plans their ascent, equips themselves with tools and knowledge, and takes one step at a time, you too will conquer this challenge.

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Hiking My Feelings x Highlander Adventure: Kalispell, Montana
Sep
19
to Sep 23

Hiking My Feelings x Highlander Adventure: Kalispell, Montana

Are you ready for the Adventure of a Lifetime?

Ready to go backpacking with us?

Since we started in 2018, we’ve wanted to host a backpacking trip for our community and now the wait is over! After participating in their Big Bear Lake backpacking event earlier this year, we are stoked to partner with the HIGHLANDER team on their upcoming event in Kalispell, Montana! We’ll be leading a workshop to help participants prepare for the mental aspects of a backpacking before the trip, hosting programs on-site and hyping you up on-trail during the event, and offering resources to help you integrate your experiences after you return home a HIGHLANDER.

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Face Your Fears: Self-Reflection Workshop with Hiking My Feelings
Sep
10

Face Your Fears: Self-Reflection Workshop with Hiking My Feelings

Facing your fears is essential because it is within the realm of discomfort that true growth, resilience, and personal transformation thrive. This workshop will unlock the doors to a life of profound satisfaction as you learn to conquer the obstacles that once held you back.

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Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park
Aug
25
to Aug 27

Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park

three days of magic amongst the sequoia trees

Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings in partnership with the Field Institute at Sequoia National Park, Sequoia Parks Conservancy, and Volunteers In Parks (VIP) Program. Inspired by Sydney’s life-changing journey in the outdoors, this event series infuses healing and intention into every activity we do. This isn’t a healing retreat in that we tell you how to heal - we create a space where healing is possible. We offer resources that can transform any experience into a learning opportunity and set the stage for good energy & supportive vibes.

This is a space where you can laugh, cry, relax, tap into your creativity, challenge yourself, and enjoy the rewards as a collective.

Our Sequoia National Park retreats merge our Inner Wilderness programming with the conservation project we will be completing during the event - exploring how we can heal in nature, and how to bring healing to the lands that help us heal. Watch the video above to get an idea of what we’re up to in the park for our events!

View Event →
Limiting Beliefs: Self-Reflection Workshop with Hiking My Feelings
Aug
13

Limiting Beliefs: Self-Reflection Workshop with Hiking My Feelings

Unearthing and understanding your limiting beliefs is like removing the overgrown vines that have obscured the path, allowing the warm sunlight of self-awareness to filter through the forest of your mind, freeing you to blossom and thrive in the expansive meadow of your true potential.

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LIVE: How to Prepare for a Long-Distance Hike
Aug
9

LIVE: How to Prepare for a Long-Distance Hike

Mental preparation for a hike is just as important as physical one, but we overlook it sometimes.

This is why we're organizing an Instagram LIVE on the HIGHLANDER USA profile on 9th of August (Wednesday) at 7 PM PST/10 PM EST where we'll cover the topic of how to mentally prepare for a long-distance hike (such as HIGHLANDER). 😁

Talking about this topic will be Sydney Williams, founder of @hikingmyfeelings, a nonprofit dedicated to the healing power of nature and @jrayfromthegym, a HIGHLANDER Ranger, a seasoned adventurer and a two-time HIGHLANDER from the Big Bear Lake event.

See you on 9th of August (Wednesday) at 7 PM PST/10 PM EST! 🤩

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Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park
Jul
14
to Jul 16

Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park

three days of magic amongst the sequoia trees

Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings in partnership with the Field Institute at Sequoia National Park, Sequoia Parks Conservancy, and Volunteers In Parks (VIP) Program. Inspired by Sydney’s life-changing journey in the outdoors, this event series infuses healing and intention into every activity we do. This isn’t a healing retreat in that we tell you how to heal - we create a space where healing is possible. We offer resources that can transform any experience into a learning opportunity and set the stage for good energy & supportive vibes.

This is a space where you can laugh, cry, relax, tap into your creativity, challenge yourself, and enjoy the rewards as a collective.

Our Sequoia National Park retreats merge our Inner Wilderness programming with the conservation project we will be completing during the event - exploring how we can heal in nature, and how to bring healing to the lands that help us heal. Watch the video above to get an idea of what we’re up to in the park for our events!

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Feel Your Feelings: Self-Reflection Workshop with Hiking My Feelings
Jul
9

Feel Your Feelings: Self-Reflection Workshop with Hiking My Feelings

To feel your feelings is to be like a sturdy tree, rooted deep in the earth, as you embrace each emotion like the changing seasons, allowing them to pass through you like the wind while staying grounded in your authentic self.

WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO:

🧭 Guided Self-Discovery

Every workshop features an interactive activity rooted in self-reflection, bonus mindfulness practices and resources (guided meditations, interviews with experts, book recommendations), journal prompts, as well as space to reflect on your hikes.

🧭 Hiking as a Mindfulness Practice

In each workshop, we give you a Mindful Miles Prompt - something to meditate on while you’re hiking solo, or to talk about in your group if you’re hiking with other members in the program. We encourage participants to go for a hike once per week to reflect on the lessons learned in the program. You pick your hikes/walks based on what you’re comfortable with, there is no mileage or difficulty requirement.

🧭 Community Connection

We’re all coming to the table with our own lived experiences and filters through which we see life, but one thing is for certain - we are more alike than we are different. By learning how to hold space for your fellow program participants, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice active listening.

When we slow down enough to hear what people are saying and give space for processing the information and understanding the messenger, we can oftentimes find some of our stories in the stories of others. This deepens our connection to self - affirming that we are not alone in our experiences - as well as our connection to each other.

ABOUT BLAZE YOUR OWN TRAIL TO SELF-LOVE

Welcome to Blaze Your Own Trail to Self-Love! This is where we lace up our hiking boots and venture deep into the wilderness of self-discovery, embracing an empowering mindset and the practices that will set your heart ablaze. Join Sydney and Barry Williams, your guides and fellow adventurers, as we navigate the rugged terrain of limiting beliefs, scale the mountains of self-compassion, and uncover the hidden treasures of self-acceptance. Together, we will forge a new path, igniting a fierce love for ourselves that will radiate through every aspect of our lives.

There's no right or wrong way to embark on this journey, the most important thing is to take the first step.

When you're on a hike, you don't magically appear at the summit, you get there one step at a time. Sometimes it's the hardest walk of your life. Sometimes you're skipping through a field of wildflowers. Either way, it can be transformational, but only if you allow yourself to have and reflect on the experience.

HEALING IS THE SAME WAY.

You don't arrive at the top of Healing Mountain, saved, rescued, recovered. On this Trail of Life, there will always be ups and downs, that much is certain.

Healing is a lifelong practice. There is no deadline to meet. This can't be done overnight. Really, all you can do is equip yourself with some tools to help you along the way.

And that should feel like a giant exhale.

If you're interested in signing up for the whole 2023-2024 program, click here!

GET GEARED UP!

This month, we're thrilled to offer one lucky participant this prize pack from our pals at Sawyer Products:

  • Permethrin: Odorless after drying, Sawyer Permethrin Fabric Treatment can be used to treat a variety of fabrics like clothing, gear, and tents. A successful application of this insect repellent treatment is effective against mosquitoes and ticks for 6 weeks or 6 washes.

  • Picaridin: Sawyer’s newest and most popular insect repellent for your skin, Picaridin is safe for use on the whole family and does not harm clothing and gear.

  • Sunscreen: Keeping you comfortable and protected all day long with a single application, Sawyer Stay-Put SPF 30 sunscreen uses a non-greasy, Breathable Matrix Formula that spreads into all layers of your skin, uniquely penetrating where other sunblocks simply can’t go.

  • Squeeze: The Squeeze Filter is our workhorse model and is the filter of choice for heavy users and those who need long term reliability. The Squeeze Filters come with a Lifetime Warranty.

  • Shirt + Stickers!

View Event →
People Over Profits at Outdoor Retailer
Jun
19

People Over Profits at Outdoor Retailer

People Over Profits at Outdoor Retailer

Headed to Outdoor Retailer? If so, be sure to swing by the Ranger Station at 3:30pm on Monday!

I am moderating the People Over Profits panel in collaboration with Sawyer, and I'm honored to be facilitating this conversation with some of our industry's best and brightest minds.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:

Gabaccia Moreno: Gabaccia is a Sawyer Ambassador and is the Executive Director of The Outdoorist Oath, a non-profit organization dedicated to the planet, inclusion, and adventure. Gabaccia is a first-generation Mexican-American multi-disciplinary creator and consultant, and on the weekends you can catch her hiking, backpacking, wildflower chasing, tracking, hunting, and fly fishing.

Jahmicah Dawes: Hailing from Stephenville, Texas, Jahmicah is an angler, father, and entrepreneur. He is the founder of the first Black-owned gear shop in the nation, Slim Pickins Outfitters, and is a leader in our industry in his community-driven approach to business.

Sean Kappauf: Founder of non-profit One ATTA Time, Sean has a deep passion for connecting people to the global water crisis. From corporate collaborations to government partnerships, Sean is skilled in bringing multiple parties together to bring Sawyer filters to communities lacking clean drinking water.

Zelzin Aketzalli: Sawyer Ambassador Zelzin "Quetzal" Aketzalli is the first person from Mexico to complete the Triple Crown of Hiking – the Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Pacific Crest Trail. Beyond this achievement, Zelzin is also an outdoor educator and teacher. She is passionate about land advocacy and creating more accessible spaces.

Sydney Williams, Moderator: Sydney is the Founder and CEO of Hiking My Feelings and is dedicated to helping others tap into the mind-body connection and healing power of nature. Out of her own experience in understanding trauma and kicking disease into remission, Sydney has bridged the gap for folks to get familiar with their space in the outdoors. She's an author, podcast host, outdoor instructor, and currently calls Sequoia National Park home.

ABOUT THE PANEL

What is possible when we put people over profits? In a panel discussion led by Sawyer, we'll tap into a well of international experience from industry leaders adopting sustainable practices that promote equality, community empowerment, and environmental stewardship.

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Trail of Life: Self-Reflection Workshop with Hiking My Feelings
Jun
11

Trail of Life: Self-Reflection Workshop with Hiking My Feelings

The Trail of Life invites us to tune into our inner wilderness, where we pause amidst the twists and turns to contemplate our journey, appreciate the lessons learned, and align with the path that resonates with our most authentic selves.

WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO:

🧭 Guided Self-Discovery

Every workshop features an interactive activity rooted in self-reflection, bonus mindfulness practices and resources (guided meditations, interviews with experts, book recommendations), journal prompts, as well as space to reflect on your hikes.

🧭 Hiking as a Mindfulness Practice

In each workshop, we give you a Mindful Miles Prompt - something to meditate on while you’re hiking solo, or to talk about in your group if you’re hiking with other members in the program. We encourage participants to go for a hike once per week to reflect on the lessons learned in the program. You pick your hikes/walks based on what you’re comfortable with, there is no mileage or difficulty requirement.

🧭 Community Connection

We’re all coming to the table with our own lived experiences and filters through which we see life, but one thing is for certain - we are more alike than we are different. By learning how to hold space for your fellow program participants, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice active listening.

When we slow down enough to hear what people are saying and give space for processing the information and understanding the messenger, we can oftentimes find some of our stories in the stories of others. This deepens our connection to self - affirming that we are not alone in our experiences - as well as our connection to each other.

ABOUT BLAZE YOUR OWN TRAIL TO SELF-LOVE

Welcome to Blaze Your Own Trail to Self-Love! This is where we lace up our hiking boots and venture deep into the wilderness of self-discovery, embracing an empowering mindset and the practices that will set your heart ablaze. Join Sydney and Barry Williams, your guides and fellow adventurers, as we navigate the rugged terrain of limiting beliefs, scale the mountains of self-compassion, and uncover the hidden treasures of self-acceptance. Together, we will forge a new path, igniting a fierce love for ourselves that will radiate through every aspect of our lives.

There's no right or wrong way to embark on this journey, the most important thing is to take the first step.

When you're on a hike, you don't magically appear at the summit, you get there one step at a time. Sometimes it's the hardest walk of your life. Sometimes you're skipping through a field of wildflowers. Either way, it can be transformational, but only if you allow yourself to have and reflect on the experience.

HEALING IS THE SAME WAY.

You don't arrive at the top of Healing Mountain, saved, rescued, recovered. On this Trail of Life, there will always be ups and downs, that much is certain.

Healing is a lifelong practice. There is no deadline to meet. This can't be done overnight. Really, all you can do is equip yourself with some tools to help you along the way.

And that should feel like a giant exhale.

If you're interested in signing up for the whole 2023-2024 program, click here!

GET GEARED UP!

This month, we're thrilled to offer one lucky participant this prize pack from our pals at Sawyer Products:

  • Permethrin: Odorless after drying, Sawyer Permethrin Fabric Treatment can be used to treat a variety of fabrics like clothing, gear, and tents. A successful application of this insect repellent treatment is effective against mosquitoes and ticks for 6 weeks or 6 washes.

  • Picaridin: Sawyer’s newest and most popular insect repellent for your skin, Picaridin is safe for use on the whole family and does not harm clothing and gear.

  • Sunscreen: Keeping you comfortable and protected all day long with a single application, Sawyer Stay-Put SPF 30 sunscreen uses a non-greasy, Breathable Matrix Formula that spreads into all layers of your skin, uniquely penetrating where other sunblocks simply can’t go.

  • Squeeze: The Squeeze Filter is our workhorse model and is the filter of choice for heavy users and those who need long term reliability. The Squeeze Filters come with a Lifetime Warranty.

  • Shirt + Stickers!

View Event →
E13: Wellness in the Wilderness
Feb
21

E13: Wellness in the Wilderness

Tune in LIVE on Tuesdays at 1pm PT!

Did you know that the average American spends 90% of their lives indoors?

It's tragic and it's true - we have lost our connection to the wilderness from which we came, and it is impacting every aspect of the human experience. If you're ready to slow down and take a cue from nature to help you bring your best self to life, love, and work - welcome to Wellness in the Wilderness, we're glad you're here!

Join Hiking My Feelings founder + CEO Sydney Williams and her guests as they explore how creativity, connection, and community are amplified by time spent outside. Through shared story and self-reflection, we can gain tremendous insights and inspiration from our journey on the Trail of Life. Tune in each Tuesday at 1pm PT to feel a little less alone in this world, and understand how the outer wilderness influences our inner wilderness to support optimal wellness of the mind, body, and spirit.

View Event →
E12: Wellness in the Wilderness
Feb
14

E12: Wellness in the Wilderness

Tune in LIVE on Tuesdays at 1pm PT!

Did you know that the average American spends 90% of their lives indoors?

It's tragic and it's true - we have lost our connection to the wilderness from which we came, and it is impacting every aspect of the human experience. If you're ready to slow down and take a cue from nature to help you bring your best self to life, love, and work - welcome to Wellness in the Wilderness, we're glad you're here!

Join Hiking My Feelings founder + CEO Sydney Williams and her guests as they explore how creativity, connection, and community are amplified by time spent outside. Through shared story and self-reflection, we can gain tremendous insights and inspiration from our journey on the Trail of Life. Tune in each Tuesday at 1pm PT to feel a little less alone in this world, and understand how the outer wilderness influences our inner wilderness to support optimal wellness of the mind, body, and spirit.

View Event →