“You can do the tough work while being with others and it can be a lot of fun.” Chris Van Deventer, I AM RESILIENT. Podcast 2022
Chris is dedicated to promoting well-being in ways he has found transformational on his path. In this episode, he brings an open heart and honest vulnerability to share his experiences with mental illness, healing, and transformation. Every single listener will have something to learn from Chris. Speaking to Chris during this recording reminded me that we are not in this alone. We can all hold hands and lift one another out of the darkness and into the light while honoring and being patient with the process.
Understory is an emerging eco-tourism brand based on Vancouver Island. Guided by the values of openness to experience, social connectivity, and an appreciation of the natural world, their mission is to create transformative lived experiences for individuals and groups. As a partner and co-facilitator at Understory, Chris utilizes his mental health experiences to be both creative and vulnerable. He can’t wait to continue his self-growth journey while inviting others to venture further into their own stories.
The understory of a forest is the warm, damp, and sheltered layer below the leafy tree canopy. It is the place in the forest where the smaller trees and saplings can grow under the shelter and protection of big elder trees. Chris and his business partner Liam offer retreats to assist people wholeheartedly in their journeys. They invite people to Understory to heal, grow, and transform in nature.
They will be offering a retreat in the beautiful Sooke, BC May 6th-8th, 2022. Stay connected through their website and social media for future offerings.
You can find Chris here:
Website: https://www.understory.life/
IG: @understory.life
Personal IG: @becoming_christopher_
Some of the tools we discussed:
-Nature
-Balanced nutrition and sleep
-Social Connection
-Expressing Creativity
-MAPS Clinical Trials in Psychedelic Medicine: https://maps.org/news/media/maps-phase-3-trial-of-mdma-assisted-therapy-for-ptsd-achieves-successful-results-for-patients-with-severe-chronic-ptsd/
-Breathwork
-Experiential Medicine
-Medical therapies
-Connection to Self
May you be well!