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The Gift of Giving to Yourself
- Suzanne Cervarich, SING Leader
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
What gift have you given yourself lately?
When we allow ourselves to receive - to truly gift ourselves time, care, and nourishment - it creates a beautiful ripple effect. The benefits of self-care extend beyond us, touching our families, coworkers, communities, and even the earth itself. Yet giving to ourselves can sometimes feel like the hardest thing to do, even though it may be the most valuable gift of all.
For the second year in a row, I chose to celebrate my birthday month of May by giving myself the gift of time in the forest: time to slow down, reconnect with my inner wisdom, deepen my relationship with nature, and share meaningful moments in community.
I joined the Slowing Down in the Wild: A Women’s Backpacking Trip led by Beth Jones of Deep Green Journey and The Center for Spirituality in Nature. A few years ago, I discovered The Center while searching for a community of like-minded people who value contemplation, connection, and the healing power of the natural world. It felt like coming home.
Nature has always been my sanctuary. It is where I experience the deepest sense of joy, peace, and connection—to my inner wisdom, and to Source, Great Spirit, God. I am continually grateful for the gifts of Mother Earth: the vibrant colors, nourishing waters, fresh air, and abundant food that sustain us.
As a child, I often puzzled my mother on Sunday mornings by saying, "God doesn't care where we worship or what we wear—I feel closest to God outside." Even then, I understood something that continues to guide me today.
I've always been drawn to physical challenges that invite me into the wonder, beauty, and healing presence of the natural world. After attending this backpacking experience twice, I felt even more inspired to deepen my involvement with The Center for Spirituality in Nature, and I was finally able to sign up for the SING leadership training to become a SING leader myself.
This year's trip was especially meaningful because Beth invited me to serve as a support guide. As fellow certified Association of Nature and Forest Therapy guides, we have collaborated before, and it was an honor to help hold space for the group. I also had the joy of offering an evening sound bath immersion beneath the open sky, accompanied by the songs of crickets and evening birds, and preparing three nourishing meals to share around camp. It was such a delight to serve in these ways!
As a holistic wellness guide based in Virginia, I offer Reiki & Sekhem Self Healing, sound baths, breathwork, meditation, and nature-based experiences both in person and online. Bringing these practices into wild spaces—and witnessing how deeply they support connection, restoration, and belonging—is one of my greatest joys.
Throughout the weekend, I experienced the beauty of both giving and receiving. I offered helping hands with tents and supplies, words of encouragement along challenging stretches of trail, and the simple gift of presence as women supported one another through the weight of their packs, tired feet, and the warmth of the day. Watching each person discover their own strength and cheer one another on was profoundly moving.
In return, I received laughter, companionship, nature's innate healing, small treasures in the form of stones and pine needles, and gentle messages from Mother Earth. During one reflection, Beth invited us to notice what we were ready to leave behind in the forest—what no longer needed to be carried. It was a powerful reminder that nature holds space for both our burdens and our becoming.
If you've never experienced a backpacking trip like this, I encourage you to consider it. You will be cared for. You will find camaraderie. You will discover new layers of awareness and connection—both within yourself and with the natural world—in whatever ways are meant for you.
Sometimes, the greatest gift we can offer ourselves is simply permission to slow down, step outside, and remember that we belong.
Enrollment for the fall Slowing Down in the Wild backpacking trip is open! Register now to reserve your spot - it sells out in advance.
