“There is something about being in nature that is very similar to what the psychologist Carl Rogers talks about with unconditional regard, genuineness and empathy. When we step into the natural world there is no judgement, everything is unconditional. Nature mirrors us in every aspect that we are - our joy and our stress.” - Betsy Perluss

In this interview Israh connects with therapist and facilitator Betsy Perluss. Betsy shares the riches of her experiences both inside and outside of the consulting room, as a marital and family psychotherapist, student, and wilderness rites of passage facilitator at The School of Lost Borders.

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“Life itself initiates. We simply need to walk with a young person - to be there with them when life starts pounding them, and to support them in teasing out the lessons that the pounding brings.” ~ Frederick Marx

In this interview Israh connects with film-maker and founder of Warrior Films, Frederick Marx. Frederick developed a fascination from a young age, after the loss of his own father, about what it means to become mature as a man. Frederick speaks about what maturity means for him, shares some of his own rite of passage experiences, and talks about the work he is witnessing in the field of rites of passage for young men. Together Israh and Frederick explore the meaning of mentorship, the role of gender identity in rite of passage work, the role of ceremony and the critical importance of incorporation.

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“Nature reflects our own nature. We only have to sit quietly, to listen and ask and open up to a new communion and communication with something bigger than ourselves, and realise that nature is reflecting our own nature.” ~ Silvia Talavera

In this interview Israh meets wilderness guide, teacher and elder Silvia Talavera. Silvia has been working as a guide for the School of Lost Borders since 1993 and is currently focussing on creating vision quest programmes for women elders.

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“I have the commitment myself - and am inspiring others to have that commitment - to prioritise our lives so that we have this essential piece of rites of passage back in place. I really believe our culture - the world, people - needs it now and needs us to grow up.” ~ Rob Miller

Rob Miller is a wilderness guide, wildcrafter and ceremonialist who creates and facilitates rites of passage for young men and women in the US. In this interview Rob shares with us the story of how he came to this work, talks us through the necessary elements for a rite of passage to be meaningful and effective, and gives us an intimate insight into the form and nature of his work.

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