I saw an Instagram post this morning that brought up a surprising range of feelings: amusement, enjoyment, sadness and *facepalm.*
The post was by eco-activist drag queen Pattie Gonia, whose platform and content I enjoy and recommend. Here’s what she said in the reel (slightly paraphrased):
“Ever wanted to build your dream life, learn to live outdoors and become an expert healer overnight? Well, get your gardening boots on! Because this is The Sims, Enchanted by Nature. Want to be a fairy forager thriving in nature with seven cats? Done! A plant-based babe who only eats garden-grown smoothies? Here, you can, because babe, this is The Sims. It’s not a glitch, it’s a lifestyle. Be outdoorsy, be weird, be enchanting. Get lost in wonder with The Sims 4, Enchanted by Nature.”
What’s coming up for you?
I’ve got complicated feelings about it. But here’s the positive and optimistic side:
For people who aspire to a more outdoorsy, magical or nature-based lifestyle but may feel unsure of where to start or need a boost of inspiration, this could help be a nudge in that direction.
Maybe engaging with the imaginal realms to see a version of themselves who forages plants, grows a garden and lives in a fairy tree could help people feel more connected to nature, even if it comes through a virtual experience.
Actually, I probably would have loved this game as a kid. I never played The Sims but getting to create the most witchy, forest-dwelling version of myself would have been really fun.
At the same time, here’s the actual lived experience of my day yesterday:
Walked in the forest with my dog
Worked with wildcrafted oils I’m making from plants I foraged near my home
Offered a powerful channeled transmission from the Sapphire Dragon Lineage to people all over the world at the 3rd annual International Dragon Thunder Summit
Spent the evening and twilight hours in my backyard listening to two juvenile Great Horned Owls as they made hungry baby begging calls until their parents came to feed them
I’m living my feral forest witch era and loving it. It’s not a glitch, it’s a lifestyle!
I hope people who need a dose of nature, however they get it, enjoy this game. And I really hope no one thinks they’re going to become an expert healer overnight.
But if you want the actual, lived experience version of those things —
Come join me at my forest temple home for a 1:1 immersive retreat!
Do you crave in-person magic and connection with nature?
Do you desire deep spiritual practice, healing and initiation work in the forest?
Do you want to get out of your daily grind and spend a few days in a temple with a master healer and teacher?
Book your one-day, two-day or three-day intensive retreat now! (Located near Portland, Oregon.)
1:1 Intensive Retreat Details
1-3 days, including temple lodging and nourishing meals.
Deep Shamanic and energy healing work.
Shamanic journeying, intuitive and mediumship practice to connect with the spirits for guidance and healing.
Teaching and instruction from Shamanism, Alchemy, and other lineages.
Personal ritual or ceremony.
Embodiment and movement work, consciousness practices, energetic techniques.
Personal guidance, processing, support and reflection.
Coaching and strategy, visioning, working with your spiritual business or soul-aligned practice, writing your book.
Hiking, forest-bathing and relaxation time in beautiful nature.
3 online sessions for preparation and integration.
Current 1:1 clients receive a major discount!
These retreats are for people who are called to come experience deep healing, mentorship and personalized support.
In the words of one retreat client:
“The 1 on 1 shamanic healing retreat I did with Michelle was sublime and powerful. The flow and balance of work sessions with rest and integration time gave the space needed for deep healing. After every session I had profound experiences of revelation, recognition and peace. The underlying current throughout the 3 day process was a deep connection within and coming home to my soul.”
There is depth and potency in the immersive experience that you just can’t find anywhere else.
Is the forest temple calling you to immerse yourself in the healing magic of nature and personal ceremony?
>>>Book a call with me to schedule your retreat.
More words from retreat clients:
“This retreat showed me how powerful I am without plant medicine and that deep spiritual experiences can happen without plant medicine. I feel like I reclaimed more of my authentic true self and feel more connected to spirit. I am remembering that I am the medicine and my clairvoyance is very strong. Michelle, I really appreciate you welcoming me into your sanctuary and sharing your wisdom and love. I felt safe, seen and heard.”
“I wanted to thank you again for such a fun retreat! It really was important and powerful to mark this point in my journey.”
"Well, shit! That [retreat] had far greater implications than I was able to predict. I have felt a deep shift in my approach to relationships and life. It was a wonderful energy that put my life into balance. On the heels of that energy came a flood of transformative energies that are continuing to break me open."
