And did you get what you wanted from this life, even so?  I did.  And what did you want?  

To call myself beloved, to feel myself beloved on the earth.

~Raymond Carver

Women's Earth Spirit Circle

An Extraordinary Journey into the Wilderness of

Your Heart and Soul 

Do you feel a kindred connection to the Earth as a teacher, medicine and the clearest mirror for your highest self, yet need guidance to take this further?

Do you feel a yearning for inner connectedness, yet the pull of daily demands knocks you off your center?

In our current society, it can be difficult to stay in alignment with our truest self and deeper calling.  Our unique gifts can become shrouded, pushed aside or forgotten.  Many of us have so much to offer, yet lack the spiritual and emotional support of like-hearted community that we need to actualize our fullest potential.  We can feel the desire to cultive a sustaining, intimate connection with the natural world and our true self, yet not know where to start.

~Imagine being guided to deeply connect with nature and the woman you know yourself to be.

~Imagine spending the whole year with the support of like-minded women and the luxury of time in beautiful places outdoors.

~Imagine being part of an intimate community that witnesses and appreciates you throughout the year.

The intention of the Earth Spirit Circle is to create a close circle of women, steeped in sisterhood and time outdoors with the collective vision to be the fullest, truest expression of yourself.  You will be a part of a community that gathers to create personal rites of passage in nature to return to that deep part of yourself that's been lost.  You will learn practices so that you can become grounded and clear in your daily life.  If you are a healing arts professional, you will learn new practices and tools that will likely benefit your practice.

So if you want to be...

• YOURSELF again. Joyful. Free. Grounded. Alive!

• The most authentic expression of yourself!

• Clearly connected to your purpose.

• More confident in your relationships and work in the world.

• Grounded in self-care and growth practices.

A transformational journey is WAITING FOR YOU!

"My experience learning with Amy and her team has been vital in realizing my gift in the world, making deeper connections, exploring my longings and intentions, and being empowered to work with the earth as my soul source. Our year together and beyond was a truly sacred journey that brought precious women into my life and built a community of support for the very vulnerable and powerful transformation that is possible in deep, conscious engagement with the Land. If you are longing for a more intimate relationship with the earth, yourself, and others, I recommend a day, a weekend, a year, a lifetime in connection with this gifted woman and the dynamic, healing insights she magically spins into the world. Amy continually and generously offers a place for awakening and belonging." ~Karyn Wolfe Lynn

The Earth Spirit Circle brings together sisterhood, nature, and spirituality.  In this magical blend you will be supported to experience yourself as whole, interconnected and loved. You will have a place where your inner riches can safely emerge, welcomed among peers in the beauty of the natural world. You will find your true ground so you can see new possibilities, navigate life's challenges or start new chapters!

You will experience

• Building a community that will love and support you and your intentions, with monthly indoor meetings throughout the year.

• Your true self through a deep, sustaining connection with the Earth and have that reflected to you in a circle of women who are supporting and seeing the real you.

• Embodied spiritual practices, rooted in Vajrayana Buddhism and the Diamond Heart Approach

• Approaches from the fields of Ecopsychology, Somatic Psychology & Expressive Arts Therapy

• 3 Nature Daylong Retreats over the course of seasons in the same location to cultivate a sustaining relationship to place.

• 11 Indoor/Outdoor 2 Hour Evening Meetings throughout the year to create continuity and community.

• A 3 Day Nature Retreat, with solo time and fasting, where you will create your own personal rites of passage to explore your wishes and intentions for the year.

• A 9 Day Wilderness Journey, with solo time and fasting, where you will be supported by the group and the practices you’ve been learning to prepare for a multi-day solo; you will participate in a fire ceremony, offering to the fire what you want to transform in your life; you will claim a life change you are ready to make, ask important life questions, and receive the nurturing and solace of the natural world.

• A Sweat Lodge Ceremony to inspire and honor your commitments and prayers for your life ongoing.

• A 2 Day Culmination Retreat to celebrate your growth over the course of our year together.

you will learn

• Meditation practices to build awareness and groundedness for your daily life.

• Exercises to access your creativity through art and movement.

• Authentic self expression through embodied spiritual exercises and nature connection exercises.

• Rituals to build Earth honoring practices into your daily life.

• How to safely prepare on a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level for the Daylongs, Nature Retreat and Wilderness Journey.

• Connection and bonding exercises so that you are a part of a long lasting, true sisterhood.

What makes this women’s circle stand out amoung the many support groups and outdoor experiences out there?

Most women’s groups run by therapists don’t have the outdoor component because it is a unique and rare skill set to also be trained as a wilderness rites of passage guide.  Most vision quest like experiences and personal growth outdoor trips don’t have the component of a long term group. Usually they are one-off experiences that don’t offer this level of sustained support and guidance. Women will have huge transformations on a one time trip but won’t be able to sustain the transformation because they lack community and a dedicated guide to track their journey beyond the trip.

The Earth Spirit Circle begins with an outdoor daylong in peaceful West Marin, April 27th 2024.  This group is limited to 7 amazing women.  In order to create a strong container for your growth and exploration, I am committed to ensuring that each woman is a good fit for the circle. There is an application process where each woman will be personally interviewed by me.

Guides on your journey

Amy Biesemeyer, Licensed MFT has been guiding women in gorgeous outdoor settings since 2004.  Her deep love for the natural world was born in 1994 when she backpacked throughout California for eight weeks, studying Ecopsychology.  She is especially passionate about working with groups of women and has deeply explored her own womanhood through facilitating and participating in women's therapy groups and earning a BA in Women's Studies.  She trained with the School of Lost Borders, holds a Masters in Somatic Psychotherapy from the California Institute of Integral Studies and is a Wilderness First Responder.  In addition to her work as a wilderness rites of passage guide and trainer, she draws upon her experiences from being a student of Jennifer Welwood, The Diamond Heart Approach and Somatic Experiencing.  Nature is her teacher and sanctuary, and she is honored to guide others in the magical unfolding of their inner wilderness.

I will be joined by Erin Carper and Sarah Rojas who both completed the Somatic Ecopsychology Apprenticeship Program with me.  What does this mean for you?  It means that you will have three amazing women guiding you to ensure your safety and growth throughout the year!   

Erin Carper is following the call to bring others into nature to deepen their connection to themselves and the Earth. As a child, she had the gift of time in nature with her Grandmother, which instilled a life-long love and respect for all beings and an endless curiosity for the natural world. Erin carries a lifetime of dedication to the study of the body in motion as a professional dancer, practitioner of meditation, and instructor of GYROTONIC® and Dance for PD® (Parkinson’s Disease) with her into any space she occupies. 

Erin holds a BA in Dance from Saint Mary’s College LEAP Program, and in 2019, she completed the Somatic Ecopsychology Apprentice Program with Amy Biesemeyer and Dave Talamo of Wilderness Reflections. In 2022, she completed a two-year program at the Center for Consciousness Medicine where she studied sacred ceremony, somatic psychotherapy, Earth-based ritual, and holistic coaching skills to deepen her work as a guide. Erin is a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) through the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). 

Sarah Rojas, LMFT received her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a Holistic emphasis from John F. Kennedy University. With a foundation that integrates body, mind, soul, and spirit, Sarah works with the whole person in a loving, gentle manner. Having received certification in Somatic Eco-Psychology and Wilderness Quest Guiding through Wilderness Reflections in 2015, Sarah utilizes the mirror of nature to help others explore the symbolism, metaphor, and gifts of transformation and healing present in the wild. Sarah loves supporting others in tapping in to the wisdom of their psyche and soma through individual and group work, with a special passion for helping people sink into the nourishing and grounding experience of mother earth as an archetypal attachment figure.

What women are saying

"I would compare my experience of before and after I joined the circle to being like a caterpillar on its way to transformation into a beautiful butterfly. When I first joined the circle, I was moving through life well but not letting the world fully see who I truly was. Joining the circle allowed me to enter a safe cocoon of support and self-reflection where I slowly began to emerge as a beautiful butterfly.  Amy’s process of creating a safe environment for self-challenge and self-growth has enabled me to step beyond my comfort zone and get to know the deepest parts of my soul. The combination of her guidance and being in nature helped me come home to myself in way I’ve never found possible before.

I’ve found a group of women and teachers that I’ve grown very close to and hope to stay connected to the rest of my life. Through deep reflection I’ve been able to tap into my life’s calling. The most valuable gift I’ve received from the circle is that I’ve discovered who I truly am and what I can offer the world. Coming home to myself within a community of women that supports me has been invaluable. The circle has completely changed my life for the better and more than anything it has helped me become accepting of my true self. "  ~Lauren Elasik, AMFT

“The 9-day quest backpacking in the wilderness had a big impact on me that only deepened over time. I was physically and mentally challenged while being 100% supported and seen and encouraged without pushing. As a result, I developed a deep sense of security within myself that I can now call upon at any time. And I didn't struggle alone, as I am used to doing. I was elbow to elbow with courageous and generous women learning how to connect to the earth and to face my fears of failure. It was the sharing of this journey that forged the deep and lasting bonds between us all.

I now have a family in which I am seen and in which my gifts are appreciated. I have a place to be myself on a regular basis. I feel the hearts of the others so deeply and it fills me up.  From being in the Earth Spirit Circle, I have emerged from chronic aimlessness to be content with where I am and look forward to whatever it is that is ahead. I am just way more open and optimistic and centered in my heart.”  ~Amy Mar

“Amy's adept skill at creating safe centering space allowed a very diverse group of women to come together in deeply rich and intimate ways. We participants ranged in age from 28 to 68, and represented a variety of ethnicities, but that didn't stop us from developing continually closer bonds as our times together progressed.  I'm committed to staying as viable, pliable and reliable as my 68-year old self will allow, so when I learned of Amy's Women's Earth-Spirit Circle, I prayed, consulted my three daughters ("Mom, you HAVE to do this!" ), and went for it!

Because of the Dixie Fires in the summer of 2021, the location of our Quest was closed two weeks before we were supposed to go. Amy and her capable assistants figuratively 'Moved Mountains' to secure a place in the Sequoia National Wilderness, so as to fulfill her commitment to us for this pivotal experience.  Because of her trust in herself as a seasoned woman of the wilderness, Amy can lend her assurance to us as participants. All of us had some doubts and fears about backpacking into the wilderness, away from all conveniences of modern life, AND hanging out alone for three days with the option to fast for some or all of that. Each of us hiked out of the wilderness having recovered our love of the land and in awe of our courage and bravery!  I am so thankful to witness not only my own transformation, but that of six other beautiful women as well!” ~Doreen Van Leuween, LMFT

“I feel like these women are my closest relatives right now. We have done life together for going on a year and a half. It has been immense source of strength for me, guiding me home closer to myself and mama earth. I feel more centered and calm and like I always have them to rely on. Not that I didn’t have women in my life that I could rely on before, but the circle is a special space that Amy holds so gracefully and allows you to deeply check in, be seen, and validated. One of my close friends did it with me and now we have a deeper bond too. I would definitely suggest doing 1 or 3 days with Amy to see if she feels like a fit as a facilitator. Other than that, be ready for an amazing ride of sisterhood and deep mama earth time.” ~Audra Grady Verrier, Ph.D.

“When I first joined the Circle, I was struggling to keep my faith in my future and find a sense of belonging and stable community. I was also stepping into adulthood: committing to a profession, partner, and place for the first time in my life, and felt depressed and overwhelmed. I joined the Circle to strengthen my connection to spirit, the natural world, and sisterhood to help me navigate my unease and the transition. With the support of my sisters, I became more aware of strengths and resources and began to release judgement of myself and fear of the future. My newfound strength and confidence in myself and the present moment is allowing me to take on more responsibility and leadership in my life without stress, and find more ease and grace. 

The greatest gift from the Circle was the serenity I experienced on the land in which every fragment of my being felt integrated and whole. On the land, I experienced a transformation of spirit: I am ever more aware of how sacred and infinite this life is. This experience also awakened my leadership and helped me realize that I wish to be part of the force of women carrying earth wisdom forward. This year I started a women's circle with eight women-friends to keep the circle alive in my life; I am so grateful for these gifts that keep on nurturing and giving!” ~ Joanna Calabrese, LMFT

"If you told me a year ago I would have the strength (both physical and inner) to repeatedly journey into the wilderness, I would have been highly skeptical. Chronic pain had drastically limited my ability to move. Yet with the care and guidance of the leaders and the ongoing support of our circle of women, I was able to go beyond fear. In this group, I came to trust myself, my body and my relationship with nature again. I rediscovered a home base within myself that is strong, resilient, receptive and alive."  ~ Kamala Tully

“Throughout our year together, Amy and my earth spirit sisters witnessed and supported me as I went through one of the greatest transformations a woman can go through- becoming a mother. The support of the group was an essential part of my personal growth, but so was my solo time in nature. Being alone out on the land was a true gift that helped me connect to myself and the great earth mother in a deep and spiritual way. 

The morning I reunited with my earth spirit sisters after three days on solo was one of the most powerful and joyful experiences in my life. At that moment, I fully embodied the true self I had discovered and continued to discover throughout the year. Amy is a gifted and knowledgeable guide in this process- creating a safe space  while also gently nudging you out of your comfort zone- both necessary components to true personal growth. I feel so grateful for Amy's guidance and teachings, for the lasting friendships I made, and for my son who, though inside my womb for the duration of the circle, was no doubt forever altered by this experience.” ~Caitlin Miller 

“Amy is true gift to the rites of passage profession.  Amy is humble yet offers powerful wisdom and guidance.  She is very nurturing, clear, and honest.  Amy meets participants right where they are and then gracefully guides them beyond. I was very impressed with how well she deeply listened to each of our stories and then reflected back what she heard.  I felt so well held emotionally and spiritually, within such a strong 'container' that was created.  She offered so much wisdom for next steps in each of our lives.” ~ Kiea Spake Wright

“I loved my experience with this circle. It was everything I could have wanted and more. The most important thing I received from the group was a connection and trust with myself and nature. It also helped me to value and prioritize being honest with myself and others.” ~ Frances

details

Dates

April 2024-April 2025

Nature Daylongs: April 27 & September 7, 2024 & February 22, 2025

Nature Retreat: June 7-9, 2024

Wilderness Quest: August 2-11, 2024

Thursday indoor meetings: 11 total, 7-9pm, dates given upon request

Sweat Lodge Ceremony: March 2025, exact date TBA

Culmination & Celebration Retreat: April 4-6, 2025

Location 

We will meet in Marin County for the Thursday meetings and Daylongs.  The Retreat and Wilderness Quest will take place in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.  Exact locations to be given upon registration.

Fee  

Sliding scale: $5,497-$6,997 for the year or $458-$583 per month.  You can either pay the balance in full or set up a monthly payment plan. An $800 deposit will be subtracted from this amount.  Early bird discount of 6% of your fee good until February 29th.  Some scholarships available.

Your investment includes all meetings, outdoor excursions, and the sweat lodge. Plus organic meals and camping accommodations for all of the overnight trips. 7% of proceeds are donated to the Tree Sisters organization.

To honor the difference of financial resources of the women who apply and to draw diversity, including socioeconomic, the fee is based on a sliding scale.  We trust that women will be in alignment and integrity with themselves, when making a decision.  To aid in the process, please use the following equity-based considerations.  This model was inspired by The School of Lost Borders. 

Consider contributing MORE on the scale if you:

• have the ability to comfortably meet all of your basic needs

• belong to a sponsoring organization or are employed full-time

• have investments, retirement accounts, or inherited money

• travel recreationally

• have access to family money and resources in times of need

• work part-time by choice

• own the home you live in

• have a relatively high degree of earning power due to level of education (or gender and racial privilege, class background, etc.)

Consider contributing LESS on the scale if you:

• have difficulty covering basic expenses

• are supporting children or have other dependents

• have significant debt

• have medical expenses not covered by insurance

• are an elder with limited financial support

• are an unpaid community organizer

Registration

Feeling called to join this transformational Circle?!  Then I would love to talk with you!  There is an informal interview so that I can ensure group compatibility.  Click here to contact me so that we can start the process.