Healing Forest

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel disconnected and alone. Our society is becoming more individualistic, and the strong community bonds that once held us together are weakening. This shift makes it crucial to find ways to reconnect, support each other, and build a sense of belonging. With so much negative news and overwhelming challenges, it’s also easy to feel demotivated. Now, more than ever, we need to find ways to inspire ourselves and those around us.

Engaging people and especially the youth in community projects and activities that promote collective well-being is essential. By doing so, we not only help them develop important life skills but also foster a sense of purpose and resilience.

The Circle of Courage offers a powerful framework to achieve this. Rooted in the values of Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity, it provides a path to strengthen both individuals and communities. This article will guide you through an activity-based learning experience using a nature walk, where each value is explored through reflection and shared experiences.

Circle of Courage: The Story

Years later, three dedicated researchers—Dr. Larry Brendtro, Dr. Steve Van Bockern, and Dr. Martin Brokenleg— rediscovered these ancient teachings. They saw how these timeless values could help modern youth who were struggling in a fast-changing world. Inspired, they created the Circle of Courage model, which blends these traditional insights with contemporary research on child development.

Circle of Courage Walks

We’ll start by meeting in a beautiful natural space. Before we begin our walks, it’s important to set our intentions: we are here to learn, grow, and support each other. During the session all participants will go on 4 solo walks of 10 minutes each. The idea is to spend time alone to think deeply about one of the four values and what it means to you. After each solo walk, we’ll come together in a circle to share what we learned and felt. By sharing we are able to transform individual learning into a collective learning. (Note: the sharing circle is most effective when done is small groups of 7 or less. Give 10 minutes for each sharing circle)

Walk 1: Belonging

In Native American and First Nations cultures, being part of a community was really important. Ella Deloria, a Lakota anthropologist, said it best: “Find a way to connect with everyone you know.” By treating others like family, they built strong bonds based on respect. Historians like Marty noticed that throughout history, tribes—not just individual families—kept their cultures alive. Even if parents weren’t around, the tribe always stepped in to help raise the next generation.

Instructions for the Solo Walk Focused on Belonging: Belonging is about feeling connected to others. It’s knowing that you are part of a group and that you matter. When we feel like we belong, we are happier and more confident.

As you walk, think about the times when you felt like you truly belonged. What made you feel that way? How did others show you that you were important to them? Look around and see how nature creates a sense of belonging—how trees, plants, and animals are all part of a larger system.

Reflection Questions for Group Sharing

1. When have you felt a strong sense of belonging?
2. What can you do to help others feel they belong?
3. How does nature show us the importance of belonging?

“We are all different, which is great because we are all unique. Without diversity, life would be very boring.” — Catherine Pulsifer

Walk 2: Mastery

In traditional cultures, becoming skilled was guaranteed through opportunities to learn and practice. Children learned by watching and listening to those who were more experienced. Skilled individuals were respected as teachers rather than competitors. Everyone aimed to improve themselves, not to outdo others. It’s natural for people to want to be capable and solve problems. Overcoming challenges fuels this desire to succeed. Leading by example and taking responsibility are important values upheld in these cultures.

Instructions for the Solo Walk Focused on Mastery: Mastery is about learning and improving. It’s the satisfaction of getting better at something and knowing you’ve done your best.

Think about a skill or activity you enjoy and have worked hard to improve. How did you feel as you got better? As you walk, notice the effort nature puts into growth and improvement—how a small seed becomes a strong tree through time and effort.

Reflection Questions for Group Sharing

1. What is something you are proud of mastering or would like to master?
2. What steps are important for you to achieve mastery?
3. How can you help others on their journey to mastery?

“Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude.” — Ralph Marston

Walk 3: Embracing Independence

In Western culture, power often meant dominance, but in tribal traditions, it meant honoring everyone’s right to be independent. Unlike strict obedience, Native teachings focused on fostering respect and inner discipline. From a young age, children were encouraged to make decisions, solve problems, and take responsibility for their actions. Adults guided, supported, taught values, and provided feedback, yet children had plenty of chances to choose freely without pressure. This approach ensures that others can always rely on and trust you.

Instructions for the Solo Walk Focused on Independence: Independence is about being able to take care of yourself and make your own decisions. It’s about having the confidence to stand on your own and trust your abilities.

During your walk, think about a time when you made an important decision on your own. How did it feel to take control? Notice how nature shows independence—how each plant and animal plays a role in its environment while still standing on its own.

Reflection Questions for Group Sharing

1. When have you felt most independent?
2. How can you balance independence with being part of a community?
3. What can you do to build more confidence in your independence?

“Independence is happiness.” — Susan B. Anthony

Walk 4: Practicing Generosity

In Native American cultures, the highest virtue was generosity. The main focus in raising Native American children was to teach them the importance of being generous and selfless. As a Lakota Elder put it, “You should be willing to give away your most prized possession without feeling anxious.” By helping others, young people demonstrate their own value: they make a positive impact on someone else’s life.

Instructions for the Solo Walk Focused on Generosity: Generosity is about giving to others without expecting anything in return. It’s about kindness and helping to make the world a better place.

Think about times when you’ve been generous or when others have been generous to you. How did those moments make you feel? Look for examples of generosity in nature—how the sun gives light, or how trees provide shade and shelter. Can you perform one act of generosity for nature during the walk? It could be as simple as clearing some litter, or perhaps watering a plant.

Reflection Questions for Group Sharing

1. When have you experienced or shown generosity?
2. How can you practice generosity in your daily life?
3. What impact does generosity have on your community?

“No one has ever become poor by giving.” — Anne Frank

Circle of Courage: Conclusion

This model has since been used around the world, in schools, youth programs, and communities, to help young people find their place, develop their talents, stand strong, and share with others. The Circle of Courage not only nurtures individual growth but also strengthens the bonds that hold communities together, making it a beacon of hope and resilience in our increasingly fragmented society.

A nature walk is a great way to reflect on, learn and integrate these principles into our daily lives. By embracing Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity, we can build a better future for ourselves and those around us.

Further Reading and Resources

• For further reading on the Circle of Courage, check out Reclaiming Youth Network.
• Understanding Circle of Courage – detailed article by Kym Brown
• 7 outdoor mindfulness exercises for groups.
• For more amazing walks and ideas try our Nature Calm set of activities.