Grateful for Joshua Tree National Park

Skip the chaos of Black Friday and join Sydney Williams of Hiking My Feelings for a long weekend of wellness in the wilderness of Joshua Tree National Park. Participants can engage in hiking, mindfulness activities, and community connections to deepen their self-awareness and resilience, integrating nature's healing power into their daily lives.

How can the natural world inspire us to better manage stress, emotions, and mindfulness? What transformations are possible when we purposefully engage with the desert, seeing the outer wilderness as a reflection of our inner landscape?

This is a strenuous activity - more than 5 miles of walking, personal supplies required. 

Join Sydney Williams, author and founder of Hiking My Feelings, for an experience that combines hiking, mindfulness activities, self-reflection practices, and community connection to help participants uncover a deeper connection to themselves, others, and the world around them. The proven framework for accessing nature's healing power will empower you to cultivate resilience, self-trust, and compassion. By integrating these skills from the park into your daily life, you can reduce stress, improve your mindset, and feel connected to a more meaningful existence.

Itinerary: 

Friday, November 29

3:00 pm: Arrival and Caravan We begin our journey at the Joshua Tree Visitor Center. From here, we’ll caravan together to our home for the weekend – Lost Horse Campground. Feel the excitement build as we drive through the iconic landscape of Joshua Tree, knowing that a weekend of self-discovery and connection awaits.

3:30 pm: Set Up Camp and Settle In Upon arrival, we’ll set up our tents and get settled. Take this time to breathe in the crisp desert air and ground yourself in the present moment. This is your chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature.

4:30 pm - 6:00 pm: Welcome Ceremony and Dinner Gather around as we officially kick off our retreat with a heartfelt welcome ceremony. This is a bring-your-own-meals event, so enjoy your dinner while meeting fellow adventurers. Share stories, laugh, and start forming the bonds that will carry us through the weekend.

7:00 pm: Fireside Gratitude Workshop As the stars begin to twinkle above us, we’ll come together around the campfire for our Fireside Gratitude Workshop. This is a time to reflect on what we’re grateful for and set our intentions for the days ahead. There’s something magical about sharing gratitude under a desert sky.

Saturday, November 30

7:00 am: Pre-Hike Briefing Rise and shine! We’ll start our day with a pre-hike briefing to prepare for the adventure. Learn about the trail, safety tips, and what to expect as we traverse the stunning desert landscape.

8:00 am: Hike We’ll embark on a 4-6 mile round trip hike through sandy washes and cross-country terrain. With minimal elevation gain, this hike is accessible for all fitness levels. Take in the beauty of Joshua Tree as we explore its unique flora and fauna.

2:00 pm: Return to Camp After our hike, we’ll return to camp. This is your time to relax, reflect, and recharge. Whether you choose to explore more of the area, journal your thoughts, or simply rest, this time is yours.

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Group Discussions and Dinner As the sun begins to set, we’ll gather for group discussions. This is a space to share your experiences, insights, and what you’ve discovered so far. Enjoy dinner together, deepening the connections we’re building.

7:00 pm: Connect the Stars Self-Reflection Activity Under the vast desert sky, we’ll engage in a self-reflection activity. Connect the stars above with the stars within you, contemplating your place in the universe and the path you’re on. This activity is designed to foster deep introspection and personal growth.

Sunday, December 1

7:00 am: Pre-Hike Briefing and Intention-Setting We’ll start our final day with another pre-hike briefing, coupled with intention-setting. Reflect on what you’ve learned and how you want to carry these lessons forward.

8:00 am: Hike Our final hike will be a 2-4 mile round trip through sandy washes and cross-country terrain. As we walk, think about the journey you’ve been on this weekend and what it means for your journey ahead.

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Break Camp It’s time to pack up and prepare to leave Lost Horse Campground. Reflect on the memories made and the insights gained as we break camp.

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Closing Circle Before we part ways, we’ll gather one last time for a closing circle. Share your final thoughts, express gratitude, and say goodbye to the new friends you’ve made. This closing circle is a time to honor the journey we’ve shared and look forward to the paths we’ll walk next.

2:00 pm: Event Ends Our time together concludes, but the experiences and connections will last a lifetime. As you leave Joshua Tree, carry the spirit of this retreat with you, knowing that you are part of a community that supports and uplifts each other. Safe travels home, and until we meet again, keep exploring, keep reflecting, and keep growing.

Sydney Williams: When former collegiate athlete and competitive skydiver Sydney Williams unexpectedly found herself on the receiving end of a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis while grappling with unresolved trauma from a decades-old sexual assault, she set out on a mission: turn her pain into power. After two hikes across Catalina Island via the Trans-Catalina Trail, she founded Hiking My Feelings® to help others tap into the mind-body connection and healing power of nature that helped kick her self-limiting beliefs and disease into remission.

Barry Williams: Hailing from New Hampshire, Barry grew up outdoors and has hiked most of the White Mountains and Presidential range, in addition to various walkabouts around the US. Before Hiking My Feelings, Barry was a professional skydiver for over 16 years. Combining a degree in psychology from the University of New Hampshire, his experience as an educator, and his training as a Wilderness EMT, Barry is uniquely equipped to lead hikes, facilitate educational programming, and ensure everyone’s safety outdoors at our events.

Photo credit: Barry Williams, Hiking My Feelings