Suzy Loeffler ❋ Eco-Chaplain
The more-than-human world has been one of my greatest teachers, and a source for my spirituality. I believe that much of the trouble in our world today is due to a disconnect from Earth, and our own bodies, which inhibits true connection with others. I live in the Uncompahgre Valley in Southwestern Colorado, unceded Tabegauche, and Uncompahgre Ute land. I have spent over 20 years exploring the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, as well as the adjacent desert region of the Colorado Plateau. All the work I do in my life is inspired by my love and gratitude for this place. I have also been touched by many other mountain ranges, rivers, deserts, oceans, and cultures throughout the world. This deep connection with the place I live has allowed me to closely observe the changes happening in this eco-system. I found I was experiencing sadness and anxiety for the future of our planet, and what sort of world our children and grandchildren would be inheriting. When I embarked on the journey of Eco-Chaplaincy I became aware of the many resources available to allow us to grow our resilience in these times. I met people and teachers who offered practical and grounded tools to navigate the difficult emotions that arise of so much loss, and uncertainty. Now I feel I’m at a place to be able to share some of these resources.
Read this article that explains my own process of coming to Eco-Chaplaincy
My journey…
The natural world has also been a crucial component in my own recovery from addiction and the dis-embodiment at its core. During some of my low points I could rely on the natural world for support. In nature I could feel and trust my body, get in touch with all my senses, calm my mind, and nourish my spirit. I could find metaphors in the forest—notice the sap that oozed from the ancient pinion where a wound was suffered; the pitch that comes of the wound is a powerful medicine for cuts and scars. I could walk though the aspen and marvel at all the “eyes” each of which grew out of a loss, as if clear seeing comes with healing. Aspen bark contains salicylic acid which is a pain reliever, and I have heard of bark tincture being used as a medicine for grief. These noticings helped me feel less alone. When I took the step in my recovery process to honor that I needed help, the paths to healing presented themselves. I began a yoga practice, and was introduced to my first Vipassana retreat. My practices only deepened if I committed to being fully present and embodied. My body-work, or working with at risk youth felt out of alignment if I was not doing the work myself. Despite all the support and help, it has been a full spectrum journey, and wholeness and recovery are ongoing for me. This is the path that ultimately lead me to pursue the healing arts. Through my personal process I have been blessed and privileged to have worked with wise teachers, and to have the learning opportunities I have had. I continue to seek new experiences, thus my offerings represent this continual path of growth and expansion. I feel called to weave together my varied skill sets to assist others on their unique paths. I am dedicated to help facilitate, and honor healing through reconnection with the natural world and getting back in touch with our whole selves.
STUDIES & LIFE EXPERIENCES
Somatic Eco-Therapist (non-clinical)
2019 – Present
Buddhist Eco-Chaplain
2018 – Present
Whole Foods Plant-Based Cook (for retreats + individuals)
2012 – Present
Licensed Massage Therapist / Therapeutic Body Worker
2008 – Present
Wilderness Therapy Guide / Rite of Passage Facilitator (for youth at risk)
1996 – 2006
Studies & Education
Over 10 years of Buddhist Dharma and mindfulness studies in the Theravada tradition including Vipassana meditation practice. Susie Harrington of Desert Dharma helped me to solidify the connections between the dharma path and the wild world through her Dharma in Daily Life trainings, which I participated in for 3 years.
10 years as a wilderness guide for at risk youth. Here I was introduced to therapeutic tools like Neuro Linguistic Programming, and Non Violent Communication. We taught Survival skills (both literally and metaphorically). This was when I was introduced to the School of Lost Borders and rite-of-passage work. We facilitated solos for our students and were able to participate in our own vision fasts.
I went to Massage School in 2008, I have studied and practiced many modalities of body work and therapeutic massage over the years. I am currently training in post-traumatic growth, and somatic therapy to work with a more trauma sensitive approach.
Eco-Chaplaincy training through the Sati Center for Buddhist Studies. This training allowed me work with, and learn from many talented people. I can call on this network for co-creation and collaboration.
Somatic Eco-Therapy certification through the Earthbody Institute (non-clinical). This training introduced me to many practical somatic exercises and experience based activities.
I am part of Joanna Macy’s Work that Reconnects Network, facilitating the techniques from her healing spiral.
As a whole foods/plant-based cook I have had the opportunity to nourish the participants and participate in many Vipassana, yoga, and other retreats.
In my travels I was able to volunteer on Permaculture projects in Central and South America. This was my introduction to whole systems thinking. I also got to live in different cultures that valued community and connection.
The garden I plant each summer is always an invaluable teacher.
