Nancy Brittain
Master Senior Field Guide
Joined Open Sky: September 2010
In Wilderness Therapy since: 2010
Interview with Nancy
October 2010
Q. If you were able to meet anyone (living or dead), who would it be and why?
This is a hard question for me because I think I would probably be a little awkward if the people I wanted to meet were actually in front of me! That said, I guess I would like to meet the author David James Duncan. His novels "The Brothers K" and "The River Why" are some of my favorite books. I think he captures the exhilaration and confusion of the transition from adolescence to adulthood with great sensitivity and humor.
Q. What are a few of the defining moments in your life and why?
A defining time in my life was the months I spent in Costa Rica in the spring of 2010 doing a series of yoga trainings. It was during these trainings that I discovered a connection to my deeper self and a desire to further this relationship. Guided by one of the Open Sky therapists, I also explored ways to relate to and be healed by the natural world that went beyond my previous appreciation of wilderness. Prior to these experiences, I had been on track to go to law school, motivated largely by confusion and a fear of the unknown. Spending time with inspiring teachers and fellow students living out non-traditional paths gave me the courage to really explore my own passions and gifts.
Q. Who has been your greatest inspiration and why?
The young women that I have worked with as a camp counselor and wilderness guide have inspired me in many ways. I have been mentored by their courage, their stories, and their willingness to learn and grow. Knowing that some of them see me as a role model is a huge honor and also challenges me to be my best self and live the values I teach. I have also been inspired by the late Senator Paul Wellstone, who was a tireless advocate for the environment, immigrants, and all Minnesotans, and was also my childhood hero. My favorite quote of Paul's is "never separate the life you lead from the words you speak."
Q. What are your unique gifts and/or experiences that help our students?
I am excited to share with Open Sky students my sense of wonder toward the natural world and my own experience of its ability to help us heal from trauma. I look forward to helping my students discover the joy of yoga and the genius of their own bodies, as my own yoga journey has been incredibly rewarding. I also bring several summers' experience guiding backpacking and canoeing trips for teenage girls all over the U.S.. Through solo guiding in remote wilderness and serving on a risk management committee for a Y camp, I have gained a heightened awareness of how to balance risk and safety in a wilderness context.
Q. Why do you work in wilderness therapy?
I love being in the outdoors and I love working with and spending time with young people. Wilderness therapy combines both of these passions. Additionally, the time I spent in wilderness as a teen powerfully shaped who I am today. I have benefited hugely from my opportunities to spend time in wilderness and the guides that have helped me to experience its power and beauty. It is a privilege to be able to do the same for others.
Q. Why do you think wilderness therapy works?
I think our society does a pretty poor job of providing young people with healthy and fulfilling ways to take risks and challenge themselves, and yet these experiences are essential to developing confidence and self-knowledge. I believe wilderness therapy gives students the chance to challenge themselves and discover their own strength in a supportive and safe environment. While wilderness can provide exceptional challenge and moments of discomfort, it can also be incredibly nurturing and healing. I love this dual nature of wilderness and, by extension, wilderness therapy.
Q. What do you think Open Sky students need?
Compassion, a listening ear, non-judgment, smiles, lots and lots of space to move, breathe, and get perspective, boundaries, nights under the stars, affirmation, empathy.
Q. What do you like to do for fun when you aren’t working in the field?
Trail running, cooking with friends, yoga, traveling to new places, reading, taking pictures, arts 'n crafts, talking on the phone with far-flung friends, learning to surf, snowboarding, live music.
Q. Anything else you want to tell us about yourself?
I think that covers it!
Professional Experience
YMCA Camp Widjiwagan
Trail Staff
Instructor Naturalist
Expand Peru
Volunteer Teacher
The Yoga Farm
Volunteer
Education
BA, International Political Economy
The Colorado College, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Fellowhip
Coro Leadership Center
Wilderness First Responder
Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Instructor
