Becoming Human: The Four Shields Model of Nature-Based Therapeutics

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May 17th, 2021 - May 22nd, 2021 | Big Pine, California | Betsy Perluss, Angelo Joseph Lazenka | Training

The Four Shields model offers us guidance in the form of a map to help us find our way back to our origins on this living planet. This earth-based wheel of human nature was handed down to Steven and Meredith in the early days of Lost Borders and has become essential in helping us regain our human wholeness within the wholeness of the Wild.

The Four Shields demonstrates that our lives move with the seasonal cycles and directions found in the natural world, and incorporates all aspects of being: body, psyche, mind, and spirit. It begins in the summer of physical awakening, turns into the fall of our inner depths, moves into the north of our intellect, and emerges in the mysteries of spring. The Four Shields also helps us understand the maladies and symptoms that occur, for whatever reason, when the natural cycles become hindered in our lives. Thus, the Four Shields provides an excellent diagnostic tool, as well as the means for restoring movement and wholeness.    

During this six-day experiential ceremony, we will dive deep into the Four Shields, evoking each shield through teaching, solo time on the land, council, story-telling, and mirroring. Each shield will reveal its essence and provide a doorway to the next shield. We will also look at how the Four Shields teaching is used in wilderness rites of passage, and how it can be applied in other therapeutic settings, schools, and organizations. This will be a hands-on, practical program, as well as a time to deepen your practice of becoming more fully human as a being on Earth.

Program Overview: Direct contact with nature is vital to discerning the shields, and for this reason, each day, you will cross the threshold into ceremonial time on the land (Usually, 2 hours a day). Adhering to the three taboos of solitude, fasting, and exposure to the elements, you will invite and bear witness to the shields as they relate to our human nature and stages of life.

Program Questions Contact: Betsy Perluss at [email protected]

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TUITION: $650-$1,950
DEPOSIT: $200

Sliding Scale: To honor the vast difference of financial resources among us, all of our program tuition is based on a sliding scale. We set forth no criteria and ask that you pay what is appropriate for your circumstances and access to financial resources. You can see recommendations on using the sliding scale here. If the low end of the sliding scale is still too much, scholarship assistance is available , please reach out to the office for more info.

Cancellations: Cancellations are hard on the participant, the School, and the guides. We respect the unpredictability of life, and we are diligent about running an organization sustainably.

  • If you cancel 60 or more days prior to the start date of your program, you will receive a full refund of any tuition paid, minus any deposits.
  • If you cancel 59 days or less prior to the start date of your program, and we can fill your spot, then you will receive a full refund of any tuition paid, minus any deposits.
  • If we cannot fill your spot, and you cancel within 59 days of the start of your program, then we hold you accountable for paying the tuition at the lowest end of the sliding scale.

Submit Waitlist form

This program is full; however, you may add your name to the Waitlist by clicking the Waitlist button below.

Waitlist Form

 

Submit enrollment form

 Please fill out and submit the enrollment form and then pay the program deposit below. Before you pay the deposit, please read deposit section below, all deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. After your enrollment form is complete, please submit all health and liability forms.

Enrollment Form

Pay program deposit

Deposits: This deposit signifies your commitment to the program and is deducted from the tuition balance. All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. They cover the work of the specific course you signed up for, including all communication involved as well as the fee that guides pay to the school administration for the course accounting. 

Additional Deposit: Some programs require a second deposit to help us affirm commitments. Last minute cancellations make it hard to fill openings and incur a loss of income to the School and the guides.

Tuition Balance: Balance of tuition can be paid before or upon arrival. Simply deduct any deposits made from the amount you’ve chosen on the sliding scale.

Additional course details & Materials

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We ask that you arrive the day before, on Sunday, May 16th, and check-in with us by phone (number to be provided) when you arrive, and we'll direct you to our specific camp spot.

Additional Fees: Camping Fees $65-$75. All additional fees will be collected at the time of the program.

You will be responsible for bringing your own food and equipment, though we can provide some gear if needed. We ask everyone to come prepared to live self-sufficiently. You will need to bring shelter and clothing suitable for a full range of inclement weather. 

All participants must submit the required health questionnaire and liability form.

If you have questions about the enrollment process contact us at [email protected] or call 760-938-3333.

There is no required reading for this program.

Big Pine is located in what is known today as the Owens Valley of California, but its true name is Payahuunadü meaning “Land of the Flowing Water.” This valley is the ancestral and contemporary land of the Nüümü and Newe people.

To learn more about our commitment to regenerative relationships please visit Cultural Relations.

program guides

Betsy Perluss

Angelo Joseph Lazenka