Nature is the Best Teacher
At Back to Earth, we believe in the transformative power of connecting deeply with the earth. Our primary teaching tool is nature itself—the landscape, the seasons, and the elements. By immersing ourselves in the natural world, we rediscover the wisdom and balance inherent in life, fostering a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being.
We take care of what we love, and we love what we know. A central element of Back to Earth’s approach is cultivating a close, personal relationship with the natural world. This connection nourishes us as humans and inspires us to treat the world around us with love, gratitude, and respect.
Through our programs, we aim to inspire action, restore ecosystems, and empower communities to live in harmony with the earth.
"The wisdom and skill of those who studied the universe firsthand, by direct knowledge and experience, for millennia, both inside and outside themselves, is what we might call the Old Ways." - Gary Snyder
Our philosophy is steeped in what can broadly be called "the Old Ways"—time-honored ways of seeing and relating to the natural world. Over the years, we have been guided by elders and mentors whose teachings and ceremonies form the foundation of our practice.
We honor the diverse indigenous cultures who have generously shared their knowledge with us, acknowledging their contributions while navigating the complexities of sharing these teachings responsibly. This respect for traditional ecological knowledge underscores our commitment to sustainability and reverence for the planet.
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Pillars of our Practice
Gratitude
Our original instructions as humans are to honor all elements of creation with gratitude, remembering that our lives are inextricably linked to the earth and its gifts. Gratitude is the first step toward finding ourselves and healing the world. Whether through practices of thanksgiving, shared gratitudes around a fire, or spontaneous outbursts of thanks as we traverse mountains, we aim to build a culture where gratitude flows freely and abundantly, inspiring others to care for and protect the planet.
Joy
Joy is an essential expression of our humanity and one of the greatest gifts we can offer ourselves, our communities, and the world. We teach that joy is found in exertion, in pushing our limits, in wildness; in making the familiar strange and embracing the mystery of life. We celebrate joy through singing, dancing, playing, and swimming. Cultivating joy nourishes our life force, enabling us to be truly of benefit to others while strengthening our bonds with the natural world.
Awareness
A meaningful life begins with the practice of paying attention—especially to our inner worlds. A rich interior life is a birthright, though often neglected in the rush for external validation and immediate gratification. We teach that life is enriched immeasurably by becoming attuned to our emotional landscapes and learning to navigate them with intention and purpose. By fostering self-awareness, we empower individuals to make thoughtful, sustainable choices that benefit both themselves and the planet.
Honesty
Honesty, in all its forms, is fundamental to our way of being. Honesty with oneself is the root of personal accountability; honesty with others is the foundation of healthy relationships. Speaking our truth nourishes our life force and gives others the courage to do the same. By cherishing honesty, we foster trust, clarity, and authentic connection—qualities essential to building resilient, environmentally conscious communities.
This is a living philosophy, one that continues to evolve as we deepen our relationship with the earth and each other. At Back to Earth, we invite you to walk this path with us—grounded in gratitude, guided by joy, and rooted in honesty and awareness. Together, we can inspire transformative action, protect our shared home, and create a future where nature’s wisdom guides the way.
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