Alyse VanRamele
Fjällräven Guide
Bushcraft
Educator
Nature is and has always been a part of me. It lives and breathes within my blood and bones. Growing up in small towns close to nature, I played in the creeks - barefoot and wild. In these creeks is where nature and I became friends. Little did I know how much I would rely on this intimate friend later on in life. In my early adolescent years, I was diagnosed with a chronic pain disease to which I found difficult to treat. I re-connected into my: what I knew best and re-found my comforting companion with nature ultimately educating and nourishing myself to good health. It is because of this earthly practice, after a few years, that I am now able to live a fulfilling and almost pain free life. Since then, I continue with my studies ensuring a formal education in botanical properties and plant biology. In addition to my studies as one half of my practice, the other half is aimed to wake up and connect people intimately with their own personal relationship to nature through plant based medicines, ritual, and awareness. It’s important for me to highlight that we are not only a part of nature but that we play a part in nature, inherently. Although I share my knowledge to all different audiences, working with children is my absolute dream. I love imparting wisdom and sharing my knowledge with kids to help them understand their own personal connection with nature showing them that nature not only helps us, but that we all can help in return and continue live in natural rhythms with the earth. I truly believe that we are all inter-connected with our environment naturally, and now is the most relevant and important time to acknowledge and act on this. In addition to sharing my knowledge and other skills, I travel both regionally and globally to collaborate with other crafters and practitioners of the same belief within different cultures. As a group we share each other’s wisdom of taking care of nature and how nature takes care of us. Together we develop workshops where we teach kids skills and knowledge so that they can learn and apply this wisdom within their local communities instilling inspiration, curiosity, resilience and self-awareness.
Alyse
- What aspect of being in nature is most important to you?
- Tell us about your favorite adventure
- Who do you enjoy spending the day out with?
- Share a podcast/article/book/movie that you have enjoyed lately
- Do you have any favorite quote or words of wisdom that you often use or like specifically
Knowing that we are all connected and we can use that connection to help protect nature.
My favorite adventure to date would be a 4 day backpacking trip through the Kaçkar Mountains of northern Turkey.
Usually myself and my dog, Kootenay. If we have no one in the moment to share with, we are always happy to just be witness to the raw wild, together.
One documentary I’ve just watched and love was called The Alpinist. Incredible story.
I often will sign off with a Happy Trails + Stay Wild.