As a Level 2 Kripalu Mindful Outdoor Guide, you develop skills that take your leadership to the next level. Deepen your exploration and relationship to the land through advanced forest-bathing techniques; an expanded set of nature-based mindful meditations and inquiries; further study with Mass Audubon; developing outdoor skills such as friction-fire making, shelter-building, and foraging; and ongoing Council practice. In Level 2, you present your personal project to the group.

Learn the basics of nature connection and community-building, including

• Advanced Theories of Nature Connection Explore a variety of perspectives on the relationship between people and place, drawing from yoga, Ayurveda, modern science, and various indigenous cultures
• Advanced Nature Meditations Delve into the air, ether, fire, water, earth, and wood elements as focal points for meditations in nature
• Refining the Art of Wandering Wandering involves sauntering with reverence and deep awareness of the earth. In this level, we explore indigenous approaches to moving in nature intuitively  
• Birthing Fire, Level 2  Learn to build your own bow-drill kit and how to make fire through friction. You also hone other techniques to deepen your connection to the fire element, and discover how to work with fire in a safe, empowering way
• The Mindful Naturalist Continue your studies with Mass Audubon as you deepen your exploration of the geology, flora, and fauna of the Berkshires. Tree and plant identification, animal tracks, signs and scrapes, as well as basic foraging, are covered
• Shelter Building Finding prospect and refuge in nature can be an important part of creating a safe, satisfying outdoor experience. In this level, you play with various techniques for keeping cozy and dry when exposed to the elements

Deepen Your Outdoor Leadership Skills

Aligning with Nature is a nine-day intensive that offers a profound opportunity for mindful outdoor guides to deepen their relationship with the “more than human world” through the lens of the Great Elements, Ancestral Skills, and deep communion with place. 

As a KSMOL guide, you will learn to

• Integrate fire into your mindful outdoor experiences, both as a focal point for meditation and as an ally for carving your own wooden tools and utensils.
• Carve your own bow-drill kit, and be initiated into the ancient art of birthing fire through friction by Mohican Tribal Representative and KSMOL faculty member, Shawn Stevens.
• Fashion a safe, dry, and cozy shelter using only what they gather from the forest.
• Harvest and treat water using fire, wood, and stones—a valuable skill for aligning with nature. 

Learning to guide in deep reciprocity with place means remembering to listen deeply and be guided. To this end, you will spend two days going offsite to “Places of Power and Refuge” near the Kripalu campus where guides will have the opportunity to practice exploring unique energetic qualities. On day one, KSMOL faculty will lead you on a visit to a 120-year-old wildlife sanctuary. On day two, KSMOL faculty will bring you to two energetically conjoined and sacred places of power on a day-long journey from earth to sky. Guides will also forage for wild teas and incorporate the ceremonial art of making and sharing tea within the context of guiding mindful outdoor experiences. 

Throughout the program, guides will receive mentoring and supportive feedback from faculty and peers. They will share the findings of their Level 1 home research project, present their personal project, and lead a one-hour mentored Mindful Outdoor Experience. By the end of the program, guides will have developed a profound connection with the great elements, and will walk with a greater sense of belonging. They will be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead meaningful and transformative experiences in the natural world, and carry forth the inquiry into what it means to “carry the fire” and be good ancestors. 

Note Upon successful completion of KSMOL Level 1, you are eligible to register for Level 2. No additional application is necessary. 

Note Female Registrants Please call to register for a Female Dorm 413.448.3500

Find out more about the Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership