In this training, you will explore the ancient art of mirroring with Nature. Mirroring is a timeless practice rooted in storytelling and oral tradition, and here it is used to deepen our understanding of what it means to be human in relationship with the natural world we belong to. Each morning, you will step through a “gateway” in the wilderness, moving through a different landscape each day to explore different aspects of the psyche. The work is guided by an ecocentric model of human development based on the four directions. In the afternoons, the group gathers to share stories and practice mirroring together.
Learning this art is especially valuable for anyone who guides people or groups in nature, particularly those facilitating mini quests, individual nature mentoring, or coaching. Across history, people have turned to Nature’s mirror for clarity, guidance, and support during important life moments, seeking to move closer to the movement of the soul and to remember their essence. In a broader sense, this training points to the deep connection between personal wellbeing, the health of our communities, and the wider Earth community around us.
Initiation work is about belonging: finding our place in the whole and discovering the strength to serve the work we are called to do in these times, so we may become good ancestors for those who come after us.
You will stay at Chamai, in the Old Rectory of the small village of Hodister in the Ardennes. The retreat center and house are set in a quiet village surrounded by forests and meadows. Delicious vegetarian meals are included. Accommodation is in a spacious room shared by two or three people. Private rooms may be available for a limited number of participants and with an additional supplement. Camping in a tent in the beautiful garden is also possible. Most of the work takes place outdoors in the surrounding forests.
Important: this training is intentionally kept small, with a maximum of 6 participants. Places are therefore limited.
Registration for the Nature & Soul year is completed by filling in the registration form and transferring the participation fee to the designated account, with the mention “Mirroring training 2026.” By registering, you commit to taking part in the training. If the organizing team must cancel the training, an alternative date will be arranged in consultation with the group. If you are no longer able to participate, the full training fee remains due unless you find a replacement participant yourself.
Sophie Vandenkerchove is deeply connected to both inner and outer Wild Nature. She has practiced Zen meditation in the Korean tradition for many years and has received several initiations in Druidism and local Celtic Shamanism. She also trained as a Wilderness Rites of Passage Guide at the School of Lost Borders in California. Her favorite place is the forest, or the pilgrim routes in the Ardennes, where she has received some of her most profound insights about life.
Growing up in the Ardennes forests, Sophie felt a strong bond with the land of her ancestors from childhood. After wandering through wild places in the cities, she returned to the village of her forebears. There, she founded Chamai, a retreat center where she leads trainings, Vision Quests, and nature weekends.
Chamai
Price
On request
Please contact the organizer directly for pricing information
Thu, Oct 22 – Sun, Oct 25