Description
Book SynopsisAfter more than twenty years as a professional horsewoman, and applying what she had learned to a half-wild husky dog, Ren Hurst decided to take a deep look into the nature of domestication and humanity’s relationship to other animals. She found that our own domestication--and our resultant disconnection from nature--is the root trauma for much of the human experience, perpetuated by our domestication of others. She then reverse-engineered the conditioning process that leads to domestication and discovered a practical roadmap for deprogramming and undomesticating yourself in order to heal trauma, restore connection, and reclaim the innate wisdom of wildness within.
Sharing enlightening moments from her journey of taking in and connecting with her husky, Denali, the author explains how their growing relationship was testing her to her limits. Yet when she embraced the principles of unconditional love, she found the instinct and intuition necessary so she and the dog could understand one another and find their rightful places within the power dynamics of guardian and dependent. The author shows how, when there is emotional awareness and authentic leadership that links in with your own wild parts, an authentic relationship between human and animal--or between one’s self and another person--is possible.
Looking at the domestication of humanity, the author explains the nature of trauma and disconnection from the perspective of emotional development. She unveils 13 principles of unconditional love for deprogramming yourself, healing the trauma of domestication, and restoring deep connection to inner guidance, your wild soul, and, ultimately, freedom. She also offers experiential practices to help you cultivate authentic, undomesticated relationships free of exploitation and codependency, whether with human or animal companions.
Helping you reclaim the innate wildness within, Ren Hurst explores how to rewild your heart, receive guidance from your wild soul, and approach your life path with authenticity and emotional maturity.
Trade Review“Transformation has a sound, and it’s the voice of Ren Hurst weaving words of wisdom back into the wild flute of our collective spine. Through gorgeous storytelling, Ren explores the devastation of domestication through rewilding experiences with animals.
The Wisdom of Wildness reanimates deep inner passion for freedom, creation, and the embodied miracle of undomesticated life. This book is an invitation to feel it all AND cultivate lives of sanctuary!” * Amy Tuttle, wilderness and threshold guide, council facilitator, and arts and healing practitioner *
“A brave and inspiring story that urges us to reclaim the innate wildness within. Ren’s 13 principles reflect her dedication to unconditional love and are a foundation for a new, wild, and true relationship not just with the animals we care for but with our authentic animal human selves.” * Fay Johnstone, shamanic herbalist, Reiki teacher, and author of Plant Spirit Reiki and Plants That S *
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The Wisdom of Wildness is a brilliant journey of self-discovery. The magic in applying Sanctuary13 principles takes one deeper than imagined to be the conduit of light for oneself while interacting with all of creation, particularly being a conscious human walking the earth. Ren has an uncanny ability to invite the reader into their own infinite and innate wisdom if they are willing to embrace not only the divinity of who they are but the humanness as well. The magical words within this book will invite you to that place of what true self-love is.” * Franny Harcey, HTCP, Healing Touch certified practitioner and intuitive *
“Who do we really want to be in this precious lifetime? Wanting is the first step; getting there amid the many pressures of modern life also takes know-how. Through her many years of experience and experiment to reveal what gets in the way of her own relationships with humans and animals, Ren is now able to offer us a pathway of 13 principles of intention and attention as an essential guide for transformation--what has been for her can now be available for each person willing to commit to such a journey of connection--a connection with oneself and with one another.
The Wisdom of Wildness is an invitation to embark on a journey inward. For this life quest, these pages become a manual of guidance, as an elder companion would--being there alongside to help prepare, inspire, and support the call to journey deeper than before. Let these become your 13 agreements toward a life well lived. And in so doing, your life as a human being on this earth will meet your soul’s birthright.” * Krystyna Jurzykowski, council carrier, wilderness guide, cofounder of Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, an *
“Ren Hurst has to be one of the most influential and visionary humans I’ve had the pleasure of encountering. Our conversations have continued to blow my crown chakra right open--and anyone who reads her books are bound to have their belief systems rattled in the most beautiful way. Ren delicately walks our egos through a complete transformation with her ideas on domestication, and those seeking to walk a path toward enlightenment will surely find that within her words.” * Brittany Quagan, M.S., LPC, licensed professional counselor and spiritual healer *
Table of ContentsForeword by Sarah Byrden
Introduction
PART ONE: SEEK TRUTH1 Original Sin
2 The Wisdom of the Wild
3 Goddess of Death
4 The Root of Separation
5 Instinct
6 The Guardian Contract
7 Intuition
8 The Hidden Cost of Domestication
PART TWO: BE LOVE
9 Inspiration
10 Rewild Your Heart
11 Initiation
12 Undomesticate Your Life
13 Incubation
14 Sanctuary 13
First, Do No Harm
Control Only What Is Yours to Control
Expect Nothing
Love Is Not a Transaction
Speak Only with Reverence
Always Create a Space of Invitation
Honor Every No
Your Boundaries Are Your Responsibility
Everyone Is Always Right
Be Willing to Meet Your Own Needs
Remember to Play
Drop the Story
Feel It All
Recap15 Incursion
16 Restoring the Connection
PART THREE: HAVE COURAGE
17 Integration
18 Reclamation
19 Infinite
20 The Wild Unknown Afterword by Jaye Marolla
About the Author
