Same Map, Different Journey

Last year I ran a 12 week program called the ‘Rewilding Series’.

It was made up of three workshops – each focusing on a different landscape in nature, which reflected particular themes in our lives.

We began in the centre of a map – in a space that reflected our domestic lives – cleared land, roads, fences and buildings.

The workshop - Wild Calling - explored the call of the wild and explored the challenges of living in a noisy, fast paced society.

As we continued the journey in the next workshop, we ventured out to the edges of the landscape – the space between the domestic and the wild.

In nature it’s at the edges we see long grasses, weeds and vines – and in the workshop - Wild Edges - we explored what these symbolised in our lives.

What prevents us from stepping beyond the fences and ‘safety’ of our homes - the old beliefs, patterns and conditioning.

In the final workshop, we ventured beyond the edges and into the wild - in Wild Quest.

We took the questions that arose in the previous workshop and sat in solitude from dawn to dusk – in a powerful rite of passage.

In nature, the plants and animals only know how to be themselves - you don’t see a bird trying to be more ‘goanna like’.

When we (as humans) sit in nature, surrounded by our wild kin, we can’t help but come back to our wild, authentic selves!

It’s been 12 months since I ran the program and over the course of the year, I’ve begun to see how the map applies to all areas of our lives.

In my current life, about 80% of my time is dedicated to my children – supporting them in their unschooling journey.

How the rewilding series applies to unschooling

Part 1: Wild Calling

The centre of the map is where the journey into unschooling begins – where we hear the call to walk a different path.

It reflects the box society places us in – its manicured lawns, fences and walls designed to keep us safe and contained (hello, school yard!)

Here we start to question what we’re doing and whether there is an alternative to mainstream schooling?

We might begin to do some research, gathering the tools and resources needed should we decide to step outside the system.

Part 2: Wild Edges

Following the ‘calling’ leads us to the edges of the school yard (or for those not in school, the edges of our mainstream mindset).

School fences are built high these days - it makes me wonder, is this to keep the outside out, or the inside in?

Climbing these fences marks the start of ‘de-schooling’ – an opportunity to pause, question and de-condition from everything we’ve been taught.

We’re almost guaranteed to ruffle some feathers here - particularly those of the so called ‘authorities’.

We might go back and forth, titrating between home and school before making a decision. This is only natural!

The ‘edges’ are perhaps the hardest, most challenging place to be – because we’re asked to let go of what’s kept us ‘safe’ and trust in the unknown.

More often than not, those who find themselves on this path never really fitted into the system to start with.

They are the outcasts, the ones that put their foot down and said ‘NO’.

They are also the incredibly unique individuals who are able to think outside the box!

We don’t need more factory farmed humans, we need the wild thinkers, change makers and visionaries - I see these in the unschooled!

Part 3: Wild Quest

Jumping that fence takes us into the wild – our wild nature perfectly reflected in outer nature.

An animal in the wild is the purest expression of itself – untamed and untethered.

If you’ve ever compared one to the same animal in a zoo, it’s like looking at two different species – humans are no different!

A child who is given the space to wander, explore and simply be themselves is incredible to witness.

We’re all born with innate gifts and these can’t be found within a system that tells us who we are, what to do, how to behave…

They’re found when we come back into our bodies, untangle from old beliefs and conditioning, and allow space for what really wants to emerge.

Stepping away from external authority and trusting in our internal authority is a rite of passage in itself.

A rite of passage for our children - AND a rite of passage for ourselves!

We might travel back and forth as we uncover more layers - but with each new cycle is a new understanding and deepening into self.

In the wild, we witness animals constantly moving between landscapes – from the wild, to the edges, and sometimes right into domestic spaces!

As humans we’re really no different!

If you’re new to unschooling or questioning whether mainstream schooling is right for your family, I’ve created a guide to support you.

It’s called Unschooling is Rewilding - and you can download it for free today!

For those seeking some extra support, feel free to enquire about 1:1 mentoring or a solo retreats by completing the form here.