Sage Petersen
Field Guide
Joined Open Sky: May 2011
In Wilderness Therapy since: 2011
Interview with Sage
July 2011
Q: If you were able to meet anyone (living or dead), who would it be and why?
A: The first person that comes to mind is Leonardo DaVinci. What attracts me to him is that he was very balanced in his genius. He was a spiritual man, an earthly man, an intellectual man, and an artistic man. It seems rare that people of his genius are able to delve so deeply into all of the subjects he did and also see the big picture and how it all comes together. On top of being balanced in these realms, he was also very strong physically. There is a story that says a stallion tore away from its owner and galloped near DaVinci and was stopped in its tracks when DaVinci seized the reigns and rooted into the earth whipping the horse around.
Q: What are a few of the defining moments in your life and why?
A: One defining moment in my life came at the age of 17. I had been in a hard place for a few years, but was very consistent and faithful in my meditations and personal practices. I don’t know if I woke up this way, or if it came on gradually, but one day I was glowing from the inside out. I had a new, deeper understanding of life that was very peaceful. I felt as though every breath was an adventure into myself and of greater love and flow with life. This heightened consciousness lasted for about a week, and though I had withdrawals from letting go of my new-found reality, I realized that I experienced my true nature and that I was moving closer to it every day.
Q: Who has been your greatest inspiration and why?
A: I have many inspirations in my life and they change all the time. There is a quote that goes something like “How many an era in a man’s life has been changed by the reading of a book?” For me, this quote speaks to why my inspirations are many; because everyday can be like reading a new book. Many wonderful beings have come into my life and have inspired me in the way that flowed with that particular era in my life. If I were to name only a few big inspirations in my life they would be: Stalking Wolf for his magical connection to Earth Mother and Bruce Lee for his physical prowess.
Q: What are your unique gifts and/or experiences that help our students?
A: I’ve been blessed to have many teachers of life and have chosen to be a student of life. What I have learned through this lifestyle is that there is a purpose for all happenings and in the end; truth, wisdom and relief from our sufferings prevail. In addition, the guides that I have had in my life have revealed to me that we have the tools to heal and grow. I have learned exercises that have helped to refine my spirit, mind, emotional intelligence and my body, and I hope to share these things with students and inspire a deeper trust in themselves and in the powers of life.
I have experience with alcoholism and drug abuse in my family. I believe my understanding of this will comfort our students and also help them confront their addictions if they have any. I’ve experienced the tension that drugs can put on family connection and I’ve seen how it can break down the strength of the body and mind. Fortunately, I’ve also seen the light that comes with the realization that one has an addiction and how revitalizing it is to make daily choices to let go of addictions. From my observation, one of the greatest allies to overcoming addiction is to have consistent encouragement to let it go and guidance in choosing other avenues to invest ones energy.
Q: Why do you work in wilderness therapy?
A: I work in wilderness therapy because I can’t think of work that is more meaningful than working with young people who are at a shifting point in their life. I think this, coupled with the nurturing powers of Nature, is an extremely wise and powerful transformer. Also, I feel confident that as I witness and encourage transformation of others, so too will my highest path transform.
Q: Why do you think wilderness therapy works?
A: I think wilderness therapy works because it combines the precision of science and the undeniable and unknowable wisdom of Nature. In addition, I feel Open Sky has the advantage of incorporating a holistic approach that includes organic food, ceremony and rites of passage, community building, and incredible guides and staff working behind the scenes.
Q: What do you think Open Sky students need?
A: I think Open Sky students need to be accepted and validated in their challenges. I feel that once they realize they are not their behaviors, they can choose how they flow through a challenge or an addiction, and the strength to make wise choices is born. I also believe that these students need someone who cares enough to hold boundaries with them. This means staying focused on their goals, and bringing to their attention when they have forgotten why they are at Open Sky.
Q: What do you like to do for fun when you aren’t working in the field?
A: I enjoy experiencing the outdoors and observing Mother Nature’s rhythms. I also connect with friends while playing internal body arts such as Tai Chi and Yoga.
Q: Anything else you want to tell us about yourself?
A: Outside of being a wilderness therapy guide, I am a personal trainer of holistic health.
Professional Experience
Durango Kettlebells, Durango, Colorado
Fitness Entrepreneur, Professional Motivator, Teacher
Costa Rica Intentional Vacation Retreat, Nosara, Costa Rica
Organized 4-Day Wellness Retreats
Sage Earthworks, Durango, Colorado
Landscape Entrepreneur
Education
BA, Ethno-Health Perspectives
Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colorado
Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
