EOL operates on the assumption that everyone is a leader.  By using nature as the teacher and metaphor, participants receive powerful and disarming tools for exploring, un-learning and reconstructing.  From this place, I’m living the work I was born for and it is an authentic expression of who I am….roots, branches and Beyond.

– Lauren Van Ham, Eco-Chaplain and Consultant

It’s a tremendous relief to know that I already am my possibilities and I don’t have to wait around for them anymore.  I am doing this work, not only for myself but also for the world.  I am a spore in a network of mycelium.  The more I grow, the more spores I release, which allow other mushrooms, which transform waste into feed for millions of microbes, millions of plants, millions of animals.  The more I expand the more I allow the network to expand! 

– Brittany Meyer

During EOL, I was shown how humility in leadership is one of the most potent qualities.  I also found the power of inquiry and how much clarity can be gained by asking the right questions.  I trust in the integrity of nature and surrendering to that truth may be a way to find purpose. 

If you are willing to look at your root system honestly and take complete responsibility for creating your future with the greater world, then EOL will probably serve you.

– Amos “Soma” Miller, Ecological Landscape Designer

I did not expect the inner transformation that has started over the past five months. I approached this more as an intellectual pursuit but found instead that I’ve begun to cultivate greater awareness, appreciation, control over my “triggers”, warmth, and happiness.  I feel a greater sense of impact on others, a larger capacity to be loving in my relationships. I feel an awareness of nature and my connection to it – how tapping into it can bring joy.  I’ve been able to more easily bring a sense of joy and focus and calm.

I definitely feel more confident in my abilities to take a crazy idea – that is my own – and manifest it in the world.  I am better equipped to reflect on my own performance without requiring the approval of others. I have new tools to ensure that my efforts are in integrity so that I can make sure to “walk the talk”.

Come to it with an open heart and mind.  You will need both.  EOL initiated a time of explosive growth for me… in ways I never anticipated.  It is not a class, but an invitation to a new part of the journey that can equip you with new tools to serve yourself… and the world.  Be forewarned – you will get out only what you choose to put in.

– David Steuer, Co-Founder, Leading Sustainability Consultancy

I designed a new operating system – upgraded – 2010 model.  So much shame and sadness was down in my soil that is being remediated now by love – healed by openness.  Learning now to speak truth from self-love, and be present to the entire process.

I am no longer hiding in my shyness and reserved nature.  I speak openly, clearly, and authentically.  I met an incredible group of people that have inspired me and been given a transformational experience.  I was given the opportunity to be heard and felt and am walking away a legitimately different person.

– Gregory Rosewell, Teacher and Writer

Don’t allow the sense “I don’t have time” to put it off, but do know that the time commitment may require you give up things that don’t serve you, in order to welcome in the new.

– David Perkins, Farm & Garden Consultant

I [now] move more from my heart and mind, and less from fear or anger.  I more deeply trust in the timely unfolding of projects, relationships, solutions to challenges, etc.  The course is thoughtfully designed and facilitated to guide participants in surveying their inner landscape and then deconstructing and rebuilding leadership skills.  The facilitators hold the space with humility, integrity, expertise, and deep compassion.

– Julia Clothier, Outdoor Education Director

My branches are multiplying, spreading out and reaching more towards the sky in joy since becoming a part of the EOL circle and my trunk has become more stable and strong, perhaps more able to bring nutrients up from the soil to feed the canopy.  A trunk that has opened its channel from the heart (roots) to the head (canopy).  What that translates to is that I feel more willing and able to (branch out) connect with others around me to feel and ask for support, and also more able to offer my support and gifts to others.  Also the tools of daily practice have made me feel more grounded and stable.

EOL has revealed the power I have within myself to heal and move forward, creating the life that best serves myself and the world, through connection to community and nature.

– Nicole Stevenson, Licensed Massage Therapist

I am a stronger and more empathetic leader.  I can more clearly articulate what needs to be said and what I am dealing with internally – noticing how my mood and thought waves affect the group.  I give a fuller picture and explanation as to what is going on.

This is a deeply enriching program and sets a foundation for you to see yourself fully and what you can achieve.  

– Katrina Zavalney, Organizational Development & Sustainability Consultant

I’m clarifying my visions for what’s possible, for what I really want, and taking direct action steps towards those visions.  I’m cultivating powerfully authentic relationships with other people and the group.I’m now committed to giving myself time (each day, each moon) to reflect, re-member, remediate, celebrate, re-create, and share myself.

I am now courageously sharing my gifts and expressing myself.  If you feel called to change/recreate your life, just do EOL

– Scott Davidson, Non-Profit Leader

As a result of the EOL course, I found the strength, clarity, and confidence within myself to powerfully step into my role as Executive Director and hold a space for our organization to re-envision itself.  Every aspect of my life has been positively impacted by my willingness to authentically walk my path, fully self-expressed.

– Donna Helete, Executive Director, Outside Now

I can follow my dreams instead of the ‘adult’ mindset of compromise, sacrifice, disillusion and ‘that’s just the way it is.’  EOL = fertility.  It is rain on thirsty land.

– Tahni Fornes, Massage Therapist

It feels like I’ve been given license to source the regenerative power of nature.  It feels so right – nature as guide/teacher/elder.  I have also learned effective processes for decomposing stories that no longer serve me. I am speaking with more power.  I am more open and coming from my heart rather than my head.  I am also supporting others’ journeys and dreams and am bringing deep listening to my relationships. As I change, everything else in my life shifts as well.

– Mary Schriner, Special Education Teacher & School Garden Director

I feel stronger in my conviction, clearer in my visioning and fuller in my heart. I know a complete certainty of purpose and am finding the language to help share the dream. I feel completely loved and supported in my personal process and in bringing these gifts out more fully into the world.

– Ruth Paradise

In my leadership I have noticed more clarity, more humor, more human-ness, and more self-acknowledgement (internally). I have noticed more of a willingness to share myself and an even greater desire to have more of a leadership role in my current job.

– Leah Smith

I have a deeper understanding, forgiveness, and patience and new, wiser ways of seeing the world and people around me. James and Christopher led us through the class with compassion, patience, and passion.

– Brittany Richardson

I feel more clear and confident in myself, my skills, and abilities. I feel more open and my relationships and friendships have blossomed as a result. I have more peace – and can reach more people with inner peace than inner panic!

– Andrew Wollenberg

If you are up for radical renewal, ready to purge your root systems of encumbrances, ready to get clear on your stake and purpose in the world in service to the environment, with a group of like-minded and like-hearted souls you can co-create community with for the rest of your life, then this is the program you've been waiting for. from 1-5,  a 10 – off the charts!

– Catherine Walker

I learned to transform triggers by tracking their roots and then smiling at the source. Attachments to old patterns melted away. This opens my heart space to receive more authentic responses to my intentions – the world has suddenly opened up!

– Salvatore Caruso

The course has supported me in honoring and embodying my own personal truth.  If you feel the call to embark on this journey, I absolutely invite you to say YES! To accept the knowingness within your own being to embody your potential and show up powerfully in the world.  The world beckons you to share your light.

– Jennifer Riley