CA Mirroring the Four Shields of Human Nature: The Art of Storytelling and Listening

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Sep 21st, 2026 - Sep 26th, 2026 | Big Pine, CA | Kim Belair, Gretchen (Grae) Gerlach

The need to share and listen to stories lived deep in our bones. And yet, in today’s fast-paced world, many of us have forgotten how to truly speak from the heart—or how to listen in a way that honors what is being shared. But storytelling is more than art—it’s survival. It’s how we make meaning, connect with one another, and find our place in the larger web of life.

Without expression, our lives can feel voiceless. Without deep listening, we miss the truth and wholeness of another’s experience—their body, heart, mind, and spirit. The best stories reveal our shared humanity—our essential nature as beings who are physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. And one of the most powerful ways to access those stories is by returning to nature, raw and unfiltered.

In this program, we invite you into a ceremonial space where storytelling and deep listening become tools for transformation. As we “myth” ourselves into being, we also express ourselves into becoming. Through story, we remember who we are—and we discover the courage, clarity, and resilience to grow beyond who we’ve been.

For those of us who hold space for others—whether as guides, therapists, leaders, or community members—learning how to truly hear and reflect the stories shared with us is a vital skill. It’s how we help others (and ourselves) live lives that are deeper, richer, and more aligned with the needs of our communities and the earth.

What to Expect:
 This program blends nature-based ceremony, reflective storytelling, and the practice of council. Through teaching circles, solo time on the land, and shared story council, you’ll explore and develop a personal way of listening and speaking that draws on the full intelligence of your body, psyche, mind, and spirit.

As with all ceremonies at the School of Lost Borders, this experience invites you to cross your edges—to step beyond the familiar and into a place where transformation becomes possible.

Program Questions Contact: [email protected]

 

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TUITION: $800 - $3500
DEPOSIT: $300

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 encourage you to arrive at Baker Creek Campground in the afternoon/evening of Sept 20th (our campsite is available beginning at 4pm), which is the day before we officially start. Our first council will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Sept 21st. We will complete our ceremony by 3pm on September 26th.

ADDITIONAL FEES: Camping Fee of $80 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.

We respectfully acknowledge that our group will be gathering in the traditional lands of the Nüümü and Newe people, known as Payahuunadü, “the land where water flows."

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

program guides

Kim Belair

Gretchen (Grae) Gerlach