Laura Gunion
Laura believes that humans have tremendous potential, much of it hidden and unconscious. As a mentor, wilderness guide and naturalist, it is both her privilege and responsibility to support others as they encounter their true nature. She feels it’s essential that we grow, not only for ourselves, but also to create cultures that will benefit future generations. She insists on bringing the soulful and sacred into daily living. Her curiosity, acute listening, and precise questioning support people in living boldly and courageously. Laura has been a mentor at Wilderness Awareness School since 2002, and continues to love instructing at their 9-month adult program, Anake Outdoor School. She lives in the woods above Duvall , WA, where she shares land with Bewick’s Wren, black bear, and many other wild ones.
Events with Laura Gunion
Fishing For Shadow Online – April, 2023April 17 - May 5, 2023
FISHING FOR SHADOW I went out to the hazel wood, Because a fire was in my head, And cut and peeled a hazel wand, And hooked a berry to a thread; And when white moths were on the wing, And moth-like stars were flickering out, I dropped the berry in a stream And caught…….?????? Fishing for Shadow’s Dangerous Gifts is a newer online program. It is preparatory, in some ways, for the Sweet Darkness intensive. We will explore Shadow — the hidden, deep, and dangerous realm of our psyches. The psyche has sinister or negative aspects as well as positive…
Sweet Darkness for Women: The Initiatory Gifts of the Sacred Wound and Shadow - June, 2023June 11 - 16, 2023
Sweet Darkness for Women: The Initiatory Gifts of the Sacred Wound and Shadow, is Animas Valley Institute’s most intensive short program. Because of this, we require that people have participated in other Animas programs before applying to Sweet Darkness. The immersion will take place over 6 days. There are many ways to experience and define being a woman. Because of this, we want to clarify that this offering is for people who have been socialized (at least the majority of their life) as female and who also self-identify as a woman. We make this choice conscientiously and ask for understanding…
July Beauty Mesa Quest – July, 2023July 18 - 29, 2023
THE ANIMAS QUEST This is an all camping Quest. This contemporary Western embodiment of the ancient, pan-cultural vision fast is a dynamic wilderness rite for all who are seeking greater depth and clarity about life purpose and meaning. As a rite of initiation, the quest is a ceremonial descent to the underworld, in which you die to your familiar way of belonging to the world, uncover the passion and wisdom of your soul, and retrieve the gift that is yours alone to bring to the world, enhancing personal fulfillment and genuine service. The Animas Quest catalyzes the encounter with soul…
Into the Dark Womb - Sonoran Desert Women's Quest - September, 2023September 25 - October 6, 2023
Women, do you hear a great love call singing within your bones? A call from the earth, the cosmos and the ancestors, asking you to fully inhabit your true place within the earth community and protect the web of life? We invite you to join us in the beautiful Sonoran Desert in Arizona for a contemporary Western enactment of the ancient, pan-cultural vision fast ceremony and wilderness rite. This is a unique ceremonial gathering designed specifically and intentionally for women-identified humans seeking greater connection, depth, and clarity about life purpose and meaning. This Quest is intended to serve as a…