This is more than learning how to set up a tent, this is wilderness wellness.
Through guided self-discovery exercises, in-the-field education, mindful movement, environmental stewardship, and storytelling, we heal and transform our relationship to self so we can show up more powerfully for our communities.
Virtual Events
In-Person Events
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Hike + Heal Joshua Tree National Park (Weekend Retreat)
three days of magic amongst the joshua trees
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?
Join Sydney Williams, author and founder of Hiking My Feelings, for a weekend of wilderness wellness at Joshua Tree National Park. This experience 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. Our 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.
Hike + Heal Joshua Tree National Park (Single Day)
Join author and founder of Hiking My Feelings, Sydney Williams, for an inspiring talk and educational hike on the Panorama Loop in Joshua Tree National Park.
Does the key to transforming your life lie in the rhythm of your footsteps? Join author and founder of Hiking My Feelings, Sydney Williams, as she reveals the self-reflection framework that helped her recover from career burnout, reverse diabetes, and kick her self-limiting beliefs to the curb. Through hiking and backpacking, Sydney learned to disconnect from distractions and reconnect with herself, turning her pain into power. We'll be hosting this walking workshop on the Panorama Loop trail (6.3 mi, 1,194 feet of elevation gain), traveling at a meandering pace, and taking plenty of breaks for mindfulness activities, plant identification, and photos! We will host no more than 15 participants for this activity.
Required items participants need to bring for your course: water, snacks, daypack, sunscreen, hiking shoes, comfortable clothing.
Hike + Heal Glacier National Park
Hike + Heal Glacier National Park is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings, in collaboration with Glacier Institute - the official educational partner of Glacier National Park.
Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park
three days of magic amongst the sequoia trees
Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings in partnership with the Field Institute at Sequoia National Park, Sequoia Parks Conservancy, and Volunteers In Parks (VIP) Program. Inspired by Sydney’s life-changing journey in the outdoors, this event series infuses healing and intention into every activity we do. This isn’t a healing retreat in that we tell you how to heal - we create a space where healing is possible. We offer resources that can transform any experience into a learning opportunity and set the stage for good energy & supportive vibes.
This is a space where you can laugh, cry, relax, tap into your creativity, challenge yourself, and enjoy the rewards as a collective.
Our Sequoia National Park retreats merge our Inner Wilderness programming with the conservation project we will be completing during the event - exploring how we can heal in nature, and how to bring healing to the lands that help us heal. Watch the video above to get an idea of what we’re up to in the park for our events!
Hiking Your Feelings Book Signing
Join us Saturday, July 27 at Noon as we welcome Sydney Williams to the store to discuss and sign Hiking Your Feelings: Blazing a Trail to Self-Love.
This event is free to attend and will be held at Barnes & Noble in Visalia, California - the gateway to Sequoia National Park.
Turn your pain into power. Part inspirational memoir, part practical guide, Hiking Your Feelings offers a toolkit to unpack your “trauma pack” and step into the best version of yourself.
Join wellness advocate and wilderness guide Sydney Williams as she shares her healing journey from eating and drinking her feelings to hiking her feelings. When Sydney unexpectedly found herself diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, while grappling with grief and unresolved trauma built up over a decade, she set out on a quest to turn her pain into power. Two hikes across Catalina Island and eighty miles later, she learned to disconnect from distractions and reconnect with herself, all through the power of nature. Now, she’s encouraging others to get outside and blaze their own trail to self-love, turning buried traumas into healthy coping mechanisms. With affirmations, prompts, and reflection exercises throughout—all presented from Sydney’s supportive and self-effacing perspective—Hiking Your Feelings offers a toolkit to unpack your “trauma pack” and step into the best version of yourself.
INSPIRATIONAL & INSIGHTFUL: Follow Sydney as she reflects on her own journey from buried traumas and poor body image to acceptance, healthy coping mechanisms, and self-love.
RELATABLE & UNIVERSAL: Touches on themes and problems that many struggle with, including grief and loss, sexual assault, poor body image, career stress, and the stigma of diabetes, all presented from Sydney’s supportive and self-effacing perspective.
HEALING POWER OF NATURE: Discover how getting outside—even just for a walk around the block—can help you tune into your body better.
HIKE YOUR OWN HIKE: Learn to love yourself as you are now. Go from eating, drinking, working, or spending your feelings to hiking your feelings.
UNPACK YOUR TRAUMA PACK: Identify new activities and rituals that will allow you to choose love over fear and lift the invisible weight from your shoulders.
PROMPTS, ACTIVITIES & EXERCISES: Apply the lessons Sydney has learned to your own life, through thoughtful tasks at the end of each chapter.
Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park
three days of magic amongst the sequoia trees
Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings in partnership with the Field Institute at Sequoia National Park, Sequoia Parks Conservancy, and Volunteers In Parks (VIP) Program. Inspired by Sydney’s life-changing journey in the outdoors, this event series infuses healing and intention into every activity we do. This isn’t a healing retreat in that we tell you how to heal - we create a space where healing is possible. We offer resources that can transform any experience into a learning opportunity and set the stage for good energy & supportive vibes.
This is a space where you can laugh, cry, relax, tap into your creativity, challenge yourself, and enjoy the rewards as a collective.
Our Sequoia National Park retreats merge our Inner Wilderness programming with the conservation project we will be completing during the event - exploring how we can heal in nature, and how to bring healing to the lands that help us heal. Watch the video above to get an idea of what we’re up to in the park for our events!
Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park
three days of magic amongst the sequoia trees
Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings in partnership with the Field Institute at Sequoia National Park, Sequoia Parks Conservancy, and Volunteers In Parks (VIP) Program. Inspired by Sydney’s life-changing journey in the outdoors, this event series infuses healing and intention into every activity we do. This isn’t a healing retreat in that we tell you how to heal - we create a space where healing is possible. We offer resources that can transform any experience into a learning opportunity and set the stage for good energy & supportive vibes.
This is a space where you can laugh, cry, relax, tap into your creativity, challenge yourself, and enjoy the rewards as a collective.
Our Sequoia National Park retreats merge our Inner Wilderness programming with the conservation project we will be completing during the event - exploring how we can heal in nature, and how to bring healing to the lands that help us heal. Watch the video above to get an idea of what we’re up to in the park for our events!
Hiking Your Feelings Tour: Fireside Book Discussion
ABOUT THE TOUR
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and here at Hiking My Feelings, we're all about celebrating this important time. We believe that taking care of your mental health is just as crucial as caring for your body. Nature has this amazing way of helping us heal and discover new things about ourselves. By talking openly about mental health, we can break down the stigma and show everyone that it's okay to not be okay sometimes. Our programs are all about creating a safe, supportive community where you can be yourself and learn to take care of your mind as well as your body. So let's use this month to spread awareness, support each other, and remember that it's okay to feel all the feels!
🚀 Tour Highlights:
Fireside Chat and Book Reading: Join Sydney Williams at AutoCamp Yosemite for an intimate fireside chat and book reading. Dive deep into the empowering concepts presented in "Hiking Your Feelings," as Sydney shares her journey and insights on self-love through the lens of outdoor exploration.
📅 Tour Dates: April-May 2024
🌎 Other Tour Events:
April 29: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Joshua Tree
May 2-4: Hike + Heal Grand Staircase Escalante Retreat (SOLD OUT)
May 5: Mental Health Hike with the Canyonlands Field Institute
May 10: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at FieldStation Moab
May 17: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Zion National Park
May 18: Hiking My Feelings x Zion Forever Project Walking Workshop
May 21-25: Creative Stewardship Project in Yosemite National Park - email us for more information
May 25: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Yosemite National Park
Make a weekend out of it, stay at AutoCamp Yosemite and save 10%
Wilderness Wellness Workshop: Zion National Park
Hike + Heal Zion National Park is a Wilderness Wellness Workshop facilitated by Hiking My Feelings, in collaboration with Zion Forever Project - the official non-profit partner of Zion National Park.
This workshop offers a perfect blend of adventure, self-reflection, environmental stewardship, and relaxation, all while immersing yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes of one of the most iconic National Parks.
On Saturday May 18th, join the Hiking My Feelings team and Zion Forever Project for a unique Stewardship + Self-Discovery Workshop. This collaborative event combines the expertise of both organizations to offer an enriching experience that blends outdoor exploration with personal introspection.
Participants will survey land for natural features and historical artifacts, guided by knowledgeable leaders from Zion Forever Project. From petrified wood to evidence of the indigenous cultures who have stewarded these lands for thousands of years, the discoveries in the field will serve as a bridge to understanding our inner wilderness and our connection to each other.
This workshop is perfect for those looking to deepen their connection to nature while exploring the rich history of the land and serves as an opportunity to put some of the practices shared in the book to work in a community setting. Join us on May 18th for a day of discovery, stewardship, and self-reflection.
ITINERARY
7:30-8:00am: Arrive at AutoCamp Zion
8:00am: Depart AutoCamp Zion for Dalton Wash
8:30-9:00am: Project Briefing with Zion Forever Project
9:00am-12:00pm: Walking Workshop with Hiking My Feelings
🌎 Other Hiking Your Feelings Tour Events:
April 29: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Joshua Tree
May 2-4: Hike + Heal Grand Staircase Escalante Retreat (SOLD OUT)
May 5: Mental Health Hike with the Canyonlands Field Institute
May 10: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at FieldStation Moab
May 17: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Zion National Park
May 18: Hiking My Feelings x Zion Forever Project Walking Workshop
May 21-25: Creative Stewardship Project in Yosemite National Park - email us for more information
May 25: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Yosemite National Park
Hiking Your Feelings Tour: Fireside Book Discussion
ABOUT THE TOUR
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and here at Hiking My Feelings, we're all about celebrating this important time. We believe that taking care of your mental health is just as crucial as caring for your body. Nature has this amazing way of helping us heal and discover new things about ourselves. By talking openly about mental health, we can break down the stigma and show everyone that it's okay to not be okay sometimes. Our programs are all about creating a safe, supportive community where you can be yourself and learn to take care of your mind as well as your body. So let's use this month to spread awareness, support each other, and remember that it's okay to feel all the feels!
🚀 Tour Highlights:
Fireside Chat and Book Reading: Join Sydney Williams at AutoCamp Zion for an intimate fireside chat and book reading. Dive deep into the empowering concepts presented in "Hiking Your Feelings," as Sydney shares her journey and insights on self-love through the lens of outdoor exploration.
Wilderness Wellness Workshop with Zion Forever Project: Don’t just take our word for it, immerse yourself in the healing power of nature with a Saturday morning workshop. Put the transformative concepts from the book into practice as you explore the beautiful landscapes surrounding Zion National Park.
📅 Tour Dates: April-May 2024
🌎 Other Tour Events:
April 29: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Joshua Tree
May 2-4: Hike + Heal Grand Staircase Escalante Retreat (SOLD OUT)
May 5: Mental Health Hike with the Canyonlands Field Institute
May 10: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at FieldStation Moab
May 17: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Zion National Park
May 18: Hiking My Feelings x Zion Forever Project Walking Workshop
May 21-25: Creative Stewardship Project in Yosemite National Park - email us for more information
May 25: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Yosemite National Park
Fireside Chats are FREE! RSVP here:
You will have the option to add a Hiking Your Feelings Tour Starter Kit at checkout - includes a signed copy of the book, Mindful Miles pocket-sized trail journal, and a sticker!
Make a weekend out of it, stay at AutoCamp Zion and save 10%
Join us on Saturday for a Wilderness Wellness Workshop
Hiking Your Feelings Tour: Moab Group Hike
🚀 Tour Highlights:
Fireside Chat and Book Reading: Join Sydney Williams at each tour stop for an intimate fireside chat and book reading at Field Station in Moab on Friday night (May 10). Dive deep into the empowering concepts presented in "Hiking Your Feelings," as Sydney shares her journey and insights on self-love through the lens of outdoor exploration.
Local Hike: Don’t just take our word for it, immerse yourself in the healing power of nature with a local hike on Saturday morning. Put the transformative concepts from the book into practice as you explore the beautiful landscapes surrounding each tour location.
📅 Tour Dates: April-May 2024
🌎 Other Tour Events:
April 29: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Joshua Tree
May 2-4: Hike + Heal Grand Staircase Escalante Retreat (SOLD OUT)
May 5: Mental Health Hike with the Canyonlands Field Institute
May 10: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at FieldStation Moab
May 17: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Zion National Park
May 18: Hiking My Feelings x Zion Forever Project Walking Workshop
May 21-25: Creative Stewardship Project in Yosemite National Park - email us for more information
May 25: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Yosemite National Park
Group Hikes are FREE! RSVP here:
You will have the option to add a Hiking Your Feelings Tour Starter Kit at checkout - includes a signed copy of the book, Mindful Miles pocket-sized trail journal, and a sticker!
Make a weekend out of it, stay at Field Station Moab and save 10%
Hiking Your Feelings Tour: Fireside Book Discussion
ABOUT THE TOUR
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and here at Hiking My Feelings, we're all about celebrating this important time. We believe that taking care of your mental health is just as crucial as caring for your body. Nature has this amazing way of helping us heal and discover new things about ourselves. By talking openly about mental health, we can break down the stigma and show everyone that it's okay to not be okay sometimes. Our programs are all about creating a safe, supportive community where you can be yourself and learn to take care of your mind as well as your body. So let's use this month to spread awareness, support each other, and remember that it's okay to feel all the feels!
🚀 Tour Highlights:
Fireside Chat and Book Reading: Join Sydney Williams - author, speaker, and founder of Hiking My Feelings - at Field Station Moab for an intimate fireside chat and book reading. Dive deep into the empowering concepts presented in "Hiking Your Feelings," as Sydney shares her journey and insights on self-love through the lens of outdoor exploration.
📅 Tour Dates: April-May 2024
🌎 Other Tour Events:
April 29: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Joshua Tree
May 2-4: Hike + Heal Grand Staircase Escalante Retreat (SOLD OUT)
May 5: Mental Health Hike with the Canyonlands Field Institute
May 10: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at FieldStation Moab
May 17: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Zion National Park
May 18: Hiking My Feelings x Zion Forever Project Walking Workshop
May 21-25: Creative Stewardship Project in Yosemite National Park - email us for more information
May 25: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Yosemite National Park
Fireside Chats are FREE! RSVP here:
You will have the option to add a Hiking Your Feelings Tour Starter Kit at checkout - includes a signed copy of the book, Mindful Miles pocket-sized trail journal, and a sticker!
Make a weekend out of it, stay at Field Station Moab and save 10%
Join us for a hike on Saturday morning!
Mental Health Hike with Canyonlands Field Institute in Moab, Utah
Upcoming Hike – May 5th: Cultivating Gratitude
Join CFI, and guest expert Sydney Williams, on Sunday, May 5th to learn about the mental health benefits of gratitude and to practice incorporating it into daily lives! This program involves a short hike, partner and group exercises, and reflection, and features Sydney’s mental health expertise. This hike is free and includes transportation and lunch.
Sidney Williams is a speaker, author, and the founder of Hiking My Feelings, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the healing power of nature. Her work has been featured in Huff Post, Psychology Today, and the U.S. News & World Report. She is a certified Wilderness First Responder, an instructor at the Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park, an instructor at the Field Institute at Sequoia National Park, and a founding member of the Outdoorist Oath.
Advanced registration is required for these free programs, and hikes fill quickly.
Catch the Hiking Your Feelings Tour in Moab May 10-11!
🚀 Tour Highlights:
Fireside Chat and Book Reading: Join Sydney Williams at each tour stop for an intimate fireside chat and book reading at Field Station in Moab on Friday night (May 10). Dive deep into the empowering concepts presented in "Hiking Your Feelings," as Sydney shares her journey and insights on self-love through the lens of outdoor exploration.
Local Hike: Don’t just take our word for it, immerse yourself in the healing power of nature with a local hike on Saturday morning. Put the transformative concepts from the book into practice as you explore the beautiful landscapes surrounding each tour location.
📅 Tour Dates: April-May 2024
🌎 Other Tour Events:
April 29: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Joshua Tree
May 2-4: Hike + Heal Grand Staircase Escalante Retreat (SOLD OUT)
May 5: Mental Health Hike with the Canyonlands Field Institute
May 10: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at FieldStation Moab
May 17: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Zion National Park
May 18: Hiking My Feelings x Zion Forever Project Walking Workshop
May 21-25: Creative Stewardship Project in Yosemite National Park - email us for more information
May 25: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Yosemite National Park
Hike + Heal Grand Staircase Escalante
Hike + Heal Grand Staircase Escalante is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings, in collaboration with Grand Staircase Escalante Partners - the official non-profit partner of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.
This retreat offers a perfect blend of adventure, self-reflection, environmental stewardship, and relaxation, all while immersing yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes.
Hiking Your Feelings Tour: Fireside Book Discussion
ABOUT THE TOUR
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and here at Hiking My Feelings, we're all about celebrating this important time. We believe that taking care of your mental health is just as crucial as caring for your body. Nature has this amazing way of helping us heal and discover new things about ourselves. By talking openly about mental health, we can break down the stigma and show everyone that it's okay to not be okay sometimes. Our programs are all about creating a safe, supportive community where you can be yourself and learn to take care of your mind as well as your body. So let's use this month to spread awareness, support each other, and remember that it's okay to feel all the feels!
🚀 Tour Highlights:
Fireside Chat and Book Reading: Join Sydney Williams - author, speaker, and founder of Hiking My Feelings - at AutoCamp Joshua Tree for an intimate fireside chat and book reading. Dive deep into the empowering concepts presented in "Hiking Your Feelings," as Sydney shares her journey and insights on self-love through the lens of outdoor exploration.
📅 Tour Dates: April-May 2024
🌎 Other Tour Events:
April 29: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Joshua Tree
May 2-4: Hike + Heal Grand Staircase Escalante Retreat (SOLD OUT)
May 5: Mental Health Hike with the Canyonlands Field Institute
May 10: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at FieldStation Moab
May 17: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Zion National Park
May 18: Hiking My Feelings x Zion Forever Project Walking Workshop
May 21-25: Creative Stewardship Project in Yosemite National Park - email us for more information
May 25: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Yosemite National Park
Fireside Chats are FREE! RSVP here:
You will have the option to add a Hiking Your Feelings Tour Starter Kit at checkout - includes a signed copy of the book, Mindful Miles pocket-sized trail journal, and a sticker!
Treat yourself, stay at AutoCamp Joshua Tree and save 10%
Join the Trail Team!
We want to meet as many people as we can at these events and we need your help to spread the word. Download the images below and share them with your friends and family.
San Diego Book Signing + Hike at Mission Trails Regional Park
Turn your pain into power. Part inspirational memoir, part practical guide, Hiking Your Feelings offers a toolkit to unpack your “trauma pack” and step into the best version of yourself.
Join wellness advocate and wilderness guide Sydney Williams for a book signing and discussion of her new book, Hiking Your Feeling: Blazing a Trail to Self-Love, as well as a guided walk through the park. The book will be available for purchase at the MTRP gift shop.
The hiking portion will be optional and will be along the Father Junipero Serra Trail, a flat and accessible trail for all abilities.
About the Author:
Sydney Williams is the founder of Hiking My Feelings, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the healing power of nature. She is an author and a certified Wilderness First Responder, an instructor at the Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park, an instructor at the Field Institute at Sequoia National Park, and a founding member of the Outdoorist Oath. Through it all, she centers empathetic storytelling and allows her curiosity and enthusiasm to lead the way.
This event is organized by Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) Foundation, the nonprofit that supports the park. Your ticket helps the MTRP Foundation preserve and protect the park we love.
San Diego Launch Party: Hiking Your Feelings at Diesel Bookstore in Del Mar
Join us Tuesday March 12th at 6:00 pm as we welcome Sydney Williams to the store to discuss and sign Hiking Your Feelings: Blazing a Trail to Self-Love.
This event is free to attend and will be held at DIESEL, A Bookstore in Del Mar.
Free seating is limited. To reserve a seat, please purchase one copy of a book for one seat.
Sydney Williams Event Reservation
Turn your pain into power. Part inspirational memoir, part practical guide, Hiking Your Feelings offers a toolkit to unpack your “trauma pack” and step into the best version of yourself.
Join wellness and wilderness enthusiast Sydney Williams as she shares her healing journey from eating and drinking her feelings to hiking her feelings. When Sydney unexpectedly found herself diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, while grappling with grief and unresolved trauma built up over a decade, she set out on a quest to turn her pain into power. Two hikes across Catalina Island and eighty miles later, she learned to disconnect from distractions and reconnect with herself, all through the power of nature. Now, she’s encouraging others to get outside and blaze their own trail to self-love, turning buried traumas into healthy coping mechanisms. With affirmations, prompts, and reflection exercises throughout—all presented from Sydney’s supportive and self-effacing perspective—Hiking Your Feelings offers a toolkit to unpack your “trauma pack” and step into the best version of yourself.
INSPIRATIONAL & INSIGHTFUL: Follow Sydney as she reflects on her own journey from buried traumas and poor body image to acceptance, healthy coping mechanisms, and self-love.
RELATABLE & UNIVERSAL: Touches on themes and problems that many struggle with, including grief and loss, sexual assault, poor body image, career stress, and the stigma of diabetes, all presented from Sydney’s supportive and self-effacing perspective.
HEALING POWER OF NATURE: Discover how getting outside—even just for a walk around the block—can help you tune into your body better.
HIKE YOUR OWN HIKE: Learn to love yourself as you are now. Go from eating, drinking, working, or spending your feelings to hiking your feelings.
UNPACK YOUR TRAUMA PACK: Identify new activities and rituals that will allow you to choose love over fear and lift the invisible weight from your shoulders.
PROMPTS, ACTIVITIES & EXERCISES: Apply the lessons Sydney has learned to your own life, through thoughtful tasks at the end of each chapter.
Sydney has been featured in Huff Post, Psychology Today, U.S. News & World Report, and on the SXSW stage. She is also a certified Wilderness First Responder, an instructor at the Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park, an instructor at the Field Institute at Sequoia National Park, and a founding member of the Outdoorist Oath. Sydney has been nominated for Woman of the Year by San Diego Magazine.
Hiking Your Feelings Publication Day!
Today’s the day! Hiking Your Feelings: Blazing a Trail to Self-Love is here!
SXSW Group Hike + Austin Trail Cleanup with Gossamer Gear and The Trail Conservancy
SXSW weekend means getting outside, y’all. Gossamer Gear, Hiking My Feelings, and The Trail Conservancy have all teamed up to host a wonderful Sunday morning at Festival Beach. You’ll be able to meet fellow trail enthusiasts, pick up trash, and enjoy Texas spring all before making it to your next SX event. If you’ve been meaning to get outside in ATX, then you won’t want to miss this.
During the event, you’ll have the opportunity to chat with Sydney Williams, founder of Hiking My Feelings. This organization is on a mission to improve community health by creating opportunities for people to experience the healing power of nature. Sydney will be speaking at SXSW about her newest book, Hiking Your Feelings, on March 9th, and she hopes to do even more for the ATX community by leaving it better than she found it. To learn more about her events, you can visit her SXSW event page here: https://schedule.sxsw.com/2024/events/PP134183
Once you’ve picked up all of your trash, you might win some prizes from Gossamer Gear.
Gossamer Gear is located in Austin, Texas, and focuses on creating functional, lightweight hiking and backpacking gear. If you come back with the most trash or the weirdest piece of trash, you could be the recipient of a new daypack. With smaller raffle prizes to offer, you’ll want to stick around until the very end.
Participants will meet on the Bulter Trail at Festival Beach (Google Pin Location). Parking will be available at the Estacionamiento Edward Rendon Parking lot and street parking along Chicon Street. Please come prepared in comfortable clothing to hike and pick up trash. TTC will provide trash grabbers, gloves, and bags. You will only need to bring a filled water bottle and yourself.
Hiking Your Feelings Book Signing at SXSW
Get your book signed at the SXSW Bookstore!
Join wellness & wilderness enthusiast Sydney Williams as she shares her healing journey from eating and drinking her feelings to hiking her feelings. When Sydney unexpectedly found herself diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, while grappling with grief and unresolved trauma built up over a decade, she set out on a quest to turn her pain into power. Through hiking and backpacking, she learned to disconnect from distractions and reconnect with herself. Now, she’s encouraging others to get outside and blaze their own trail to self-love, turning buried traumas into healthy coping mechanisms.
Hiking Your Feelings Launch at SXSW
We’re launching Hiking Your Feelings at SXSW!
Join wellness & wilderness enthusiast Sydney Williams as she shares her healing journey from eating and drinking her feelings to hiking her feelings. When Sydney unexpectedly found herself diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, while grappling with grief and unresolved trauma built up over a decade, she set out on a quest to turn her pain into power. Through hiking and backpacking, she learned to disconnect from distractions and reconnect with herself. Now, she’s encouraging others to get outside and blaze their own trail to self-love, turning buried traumas into healthy coping mechanisms.
SPEAKER: Public Lands Alliance Conference
Guardians of the Public Lands: Effective Strategies for Next-Gen Stewardship & Personal Well-Being
Co-Presented by: Sydney Williams, Founder/CEO of Hiking My Feelings and Daniel Huecker, Field Institute Director at Sequoia Parks Conservancy
Inspired results require innovative approaches. So, what will it take to engage the next generation in stewardship of and advocacy for our public lands? Join us as we explore how the integration of stewardship and self-care has yielded tangible benefits. We’ll discuss how stewardship and self-care events reinvigorate parks; engage a new generation of stewards, donors, and advocates; and generate volunteer hours necessary to support increasing conservation efforts.
Group Hike at Mount Rubidoux with Lifestyle Medical
“Hiking Your Feelings helps the traveler turn reflective miles into heartfelt smiles. Hiking includes both ups and downs, but when it’s done as described in this book, you can be confident in both your journey and your destination.”
–Wayne S. Dysinger, M.D., M.P.H., former president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine
Meet at Ryan Bonaminio Park | 5000 Teqiuesquite Ave. Riverside | West side of park near playground and covered picnic area
Sign the waiver: https://hikingmyfeelings.org/waiver
Water and trail mix provided
Wear shoes for hiking and bring sunscreen, outerwear, and extra water and snacks as necessary.
This paved trail is considered to be an easy-to-moderate hike. This hike will be led by Sydney Williams from Hiking My Feelings and will take approximately 1.5-2 hours to complete.
Watch your email for weather updates!
Questions? Email Kelsie.White@lifestylemedical.com
About Hiking My Feelings: Sydney Williams is the author of Hiking Your Feelings: Blazing a Trail to Self-Love (Mandala Publishing, 2024) and founder of Hiking My Feelings, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the healing power of nature. Her fifteen-year (and counting) career in communications has run the gamut from launching Oscar Mayer's social media channels and working with Fortune 500 brands to educating the public about the importance of stewardship and equitable access to recreational opportunities. Through it all, she centers empathetic storytelling and allows her curiosity and enthusiasm to lead the way.
Sydney has been featured in Huff Post, Psychology Today, U.S. News & World Report, and on the SXSW stage. She is also a certified Wilderness First Responder, an instructor at the Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park, an instructor at the Field Institute at Sequoia National Park, and a founding member of the Outdoorist Oath. Sydney has been nominated for Woman of the Year by San Diego Magazine.
Hike + Heal Joshua Tree National Park (Camping + Hiking Retreat)
three days of magic amongst the joshua trees
Hike + Heal Joshua Tree National Park is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings. Inspired by Sydney’s life-changing journey in the outdoors, this event series infuses healing and intention into every activity we do. This isn’t a healing retreat in that we tell you how to heal - we create a space where healing is possible. We offer resources that can transform any experience into a learning opportunity and set the stage for good energy & supportive vibes.
This is a space where you can laugh, cry, relax, tap into your creativity, challenge yourself, and enjoy the rewards as a collective.
Hike + Heal Beyond Zion
Hike + Heal Beyond Zion is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings, in collaboration with Land Beyond Zion Glamping & Tours.
This retreat offers a perfect blend of adventure, self-reflection, and relaxation, all while immersing yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes of the American southwest.
Hike + Heal Joshua Tree National Park (Backpacking Retreat)
three days of magic amongst the joshua trees
Hike + Heal Joshua Tree National Park is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings. Inspired by Sydney’s life-changing journey in the outdoors, this event series infuses healing and intention into every activity we do. This isn’t a healing retreat in that we tell you how to heal - we create a space where healing is possible. We offer resources that can transform any experience into a learning opportunity and set the stage for good energy & supportive vibes.
This is a space where you can laugh, cry, relax, tap into your creativity, challenge yourself, and enjoy the rewards as a collective.
Use code SPACEPACKER23 at checkout to save 20% on registration!
Hiking My Feelings x Highlander Adventure: Kalispell, Montana
Are you ready for the Adventure of a Lifetime?
Ready to go backpacking with us?
Since we started in 2018, we’ve wanted to host a backpacking trip for our community and now the wait is over! After participating in their Big Bear Lake backpacking event earlier this year, we are stoked to partner with the HIGHLANDER team on their upcoming event in Kalispell, Montana! We’ll be leading a workshop to help participants prepare for the mental aspects of a backpacking before the trip, hosting programs on-site and hyping you up on-trail during the event, and offering resources to help you integrate your experiences after you return home a HIGHLANDER.
Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park
three days of magic amongst the sequoia trees
Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings in partnership with the Field Institute at Sequoia National Park, Sequoia Parks Conservancy, and Volunteers In Parks (VIP) Program. Inspired by Sydney’s life-changing journey in the outdoors, this event series infuses healing and intention into every activity we do. This isn’t a healing retreat in that we tell you how to heal - we create a space where healing is possible. We offer resources that can transform any experience into a learning opportunity and set the stage for good energy & supportive vibes.
This is a space where you can laugh, cry, relax, tap into your creativity, challenge yourself, and enjoy the rewards as a collective.
Our Sequoia National Park retreats merge our Inner Wilderness programming with the conservation project we will be completing during the event - exploring how we can heal in nature, and how to bring healing to the lands that help us heal. Watch the video above to get an idea of what we’re up to in the park for our events!
Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park
three days of magic amongst the sequoia trees
Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings in partnership with the Field Institute at Sequoia National Park, Sequoia Parks Conservancy, and Volunteers In Parks (VIP) Program. Inspired by Sydney’s life-changing journey in the outdoors, this event series infuses healing and intention into every activity we do. This isn’t a healing retreat in that we tell you how to heal - we create a space where healing is possible. We offer resources that can transform any experience into a learning opportunity and set the stage for good energy & supportive vibes.
This is a space where you can laugh, cry, relax, tap into your creativity, challenge yourself, and enjoy the rewards as a collective.
Our Sequoia National Park retreats merge our Inner Wilderness programming with the conservation project we will be completing during the event - exploring how we can heal in nature, and how to bring healing to the lands that help us heal. Watch the video above to get an idea of what we’re up to in the park for our events!
People Over Profits at Outdoor Retailer
People Over Profits at Outdoor Retailer
Headed to Outdoor Retailer? If so, be sure to swing by the Ranger Station at 3:30pm on Monday!
I am moderating the People Over Profits panel in collaboration with Sawyer, and I'm honored to be facilitating this conversation with some of our industry's best and brightest minds.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
Gabaccia Moreno: Gabaccia is a Sawyer Ambassador and is the Executive Director of The Outdoorist Oath, a non-profit organization dedicated to the planet, inclusion, and adventure. Gabaccia is a first-generation Mexican-American multi-disciplinary creator and consultant, and on the weekends you can catch her hiking, backpacking, wildflower chasing, tracking, hunting, and fly fishing.
Jahmicah Dawes: Hailing from Stephenville, Texas, Jahmicah is an angler, father, and entrepreneur. He is the founder of the first Black-owned gear shop in the nation, Slim Pickins Outfitters, and is a leader in our industry in his community-driven approach to business.
Sean Kappauf: Founder of non-profit One ATTA Time, Sean has a deep passion for connecting people to the global water crisis. From corporate collaborations to government partnerships, Sean is skilled in bringing multiple parties together to bring Sawyer filters to communities lacking clean drinking water.
Zelzin Aketzalli: Sawyer Ambassador Zelzin "Quetzal" Aketzalli is the first person from Mexico to complete the Triple Crown of Hiking – the Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Pacific Crest Trail. Beyond this achievement, Zelzin is also an outdoor educator and teacher. She is passionate about land advocacy and creating more accessible spaces.
Sydney Williams, Moderator: Sydney is the Founder and CEO of Hiking My Feelings and is dedicated to helping others tap into the mind-body connection and healing power of nature. Out of her own experience in understanding trauma and kicking disease into remission, Sydney has bridged the gap for folks to get familiar with their space in the outdoors. She's an author, podcast host, outdoor instructor, and currently calls Sequoia National Park home.
ABOUT THE PANEL
What is possible when we put people over profits? In a panel discussion led by Sawyer, we'll tap into a well of international experience from industry leaders adopting sustainable practices that promote equality, community empowerment, and environmental stewardship.
Hike + Heal Joshua Tree National Park
three days of magic amongst the joshua trees
Hike + Heal Joshua Tree National Park is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings. Inspired by Sydney’s life-changing journey in the outdoors, this event series infuses healing and intention into every activity we do. This isn’t a healing retreat in that we tell you how to heal - we create a space where healing is possible. We offer resources that can transform any experience into a learning opportunity and set the stage for good energy & supportive vibes.
This is a space where you can laugh, cry, relax, tap into your creativity, challenge yourself, and enjoy the rewards as a collective.
Hike + Heal Joshua Tree National Park
three days of magic amongst the joshua trees
Hike + Heal Joshua Tree National Park is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings. Inspired by Sydney’s life-changing journey in the outdoors, this event series infuses healing and intention into every activity we do. This isn’t a healing retreat in that we tell you how to heal - we create a space where healing is possible. We offer resources that can transform any experience into a learning opportunity and set the stage for good energy & supportive vibes.
This is a space where you can laugh, cry, relax, tap into your creativity, challenge yourself, and enjoy the rewards as a collective.