Nature asks us to slow down, notice our surroundings and remember our connection to something larger.  Researcher Kirstin Weir states that “From a stroll through a city park to a day spent hiking in the wilderness, exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders, and even upticks in empathy and cooperation” (2025).   As an evidence-based center for hope and healing, Resilient Retreat brings this research to those experiencing the effects of long-term trauma on 84 acres of conserved Florida landscape.     

We see the impact of nature on healing in our programs every day.  One participant who is a helping professional remarked that being emersed in our natural campus “… put a lot of things into perspective… sometimes you just need to breathe and walk outside to help with the stress and anxiety of the work we do. It really was healing to be out there”.  

Just seven miles from Interstate 75, this natural setting hosts a multitude of modalities to support mental health and build lasting resilience.  Research conducted by Zhang (2025) found that multidisciplinary approaches to intervention are more effective than any single effort alone which is why we offer yoga, Qi-Gong, expressive arts, and support groups alongside our nature programs.  This ‘buffet-style’ approach creates a rich toolbox for survivors of trauma, first responders and helping professionals navigating the long-term effects of trauma while increasing their positive impact on the communities around them.  As access to green space diminishes rapidly in our community, and we learn more about the positive impact of expansive, natural spaces on our mental health and well-being, we are so thankful to be able to offer our programming in a safe, nature focused, accessible and trauma informed environment.  

We, at Resilient Retreat, are keenly aware that most of us have been faced with challenges in our life that have overwhelmed our ability to cope and left us changed.  In fact, the research tells us that 7 in 10 adult Americans have been touched by this type of trauma or adversity in their personal lives.  For many who work in careers that are oriented towards helping others, like those in emergency response, medicine, mental health, education, and human services, this personal experience is compounded by their exposure to the traumas sustained by those they serve professionally.   

While so many in our community are touched by trauma, we are inspired by Helen Keller’s quote ‘while the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it’. At Resilient Retreat, we have the privilege of seeing the growth and change when those who have experienced trauma are supported, connected, and given the opportunity to learn practices that enhance their positive coping skills.  Just like nature, resilience is not a static trait.  No matter where we are starting from, we can all learn ways to be more resilient.   

Focusing on opportunities to make meaning of our life experiences, learn to better regulate our nervous system and emotions, create supportive connections in a safe, nature focused and trauma informed environment, our no-cost, evidence-based, confidential services are designed to provide just such an opportunity for each of us to enhance our resilience.  In our on-going virtual and in-person workshops, our Kind Line telephone line (941-343-0039) for supportive conversations and resource referrals, our day and overnight retreats, and our educational programs, Resilient Retreat is here for the community.  

On Resilient Retreat’s campus you can experience oak hammocks, pastures, ponds, and wetlands.  Come see the natural beauty for yourself at our upcoming fundraiser, Farm to Table: Harvest Moon.  Highlighting local stories of resilience, this event benefits survivors of trauma, first responders and helping professionals and takes place on Sunday, November 15th at 4PM.  Tickets and more information on our programs are available at ResilientRetreat.org.