For me, this year was all about ‘rewilding’ my self...
…in both body and spirit, I wanted to make conscious choices and changes which would lead me back to a more natural way of life. Over the course of twelve months I read a ton of books on rewilding and nature wisdom, I recorded a podcast to document twelve rewilding-challenges which I set out to fulfil each month, and I began to journal again every morning, a deeply spiritual practice I had neglected for far too long.
But I have now recommitted to what artist guru Julia Cameron famously coined as “Morning Pages”, and I’m amazed at all the ideas that come to mind when it’s undistracted und unhurried. The following ‘Habits of a Wild Woman’ is a guide I wrote for myself, and I have since printed it out and placed on my bedside table.
Please Steal My ‘Habits of a Wild Woman’ Guide:
Morning Practices
- Wakes before dawn to witness the day’s birth
- Guards morning time as sacred space
- Begins day with gratitude and nature observation
- Writes morning pages to connect with inner wisdom
- Takes mindful walks, noticing small natural details
- Creates ceremony around morning coffee/tea ritual
Physical Practices
- Moves body in ways that feel natural and aligned with her cycle
- Exercises outdoors whenever possible
- Practices grounding through barefoot walking
- Takes “wild woman walks” for intentional nature connection
- Prioritises rest when her body demands it
- Listens to her body’s natural rhythms, needs and cycles
Mindset Habits
- Questions any societal “should”
- Honours her intuitive knowing
- Embraces imperfections as natural and special
- Views any challenges as growth opportunities
- Views any rejection as protection!
- Celebrates other women’s successes
- Maintains healthy boundaries without apology
Nature Connection
- Maintains a small garden or potted plants which she may speak to when the mood strikes her
- Creates seasonal rituals
- Tracks moon phases
- Studies local flora and fauna
- Collects natural objects mindfully
- Makes time for solo wilderness moments
Creative Practices
- Documents insights and observations in her journal
- Shares stories and wisdom authentically
- Creates from a place of wild truth, rather than the need to be validated or ‘seen’
- Maintains a nature journal
- Photographs beautiful moments, not for likes but for her own pleasure
- Crafts with natural materials
Living Space
- Creates a sacred corner or altar for herself and her favourite things
- Brings nature elements indoors and celebrates on ‘open window’ policy
- Keeps spaces beautiful yet functional, cleansed and clean
- Allows for plenty of quirks and wild edges
- Displays books and objects for visual inspiration
- Creates cosy nooks for reflection, down-time and reading
Relationship Habits
- Shares wisdom without preaching
- Listens deeply to others’ stories
- Offers encouragement without fixing
- Maintains authentic connections that feel true to who she is
- Creates safe space for others’ growth
- Celebrates women’s unique paths
Self-Care Rituals
- Takes regular social media breaks
- Creates technology-free zones
- Makes time for solitude
- Honors personal rhythms and needs
- Uses natural self-care products
- Practices regular grounding rituals
Learning Practices
- Reads widely about nature and wisdom
- Studies traditional knowledge respectfully
- Learns local plant identification
- Develops outdoor skills
- Stays curious about natural phenomena
- Shares knowledge generously
Professional Practices
- Works with integrity
- Maintains clear boundaries
- Honours her worth
- Creates sustainable practices
- Balances giving and receiving
Speaking/Writing Habits
- Shares from personal experience
- Uses nature metaphors
- Speaks truth with compassion
- Writes regularly to process insights
- Communicates clearly and authentically
Daily Rituals
- Notes synchronicities
- Takes regular nature breaks
- Practices mindful eating
- Creates ceremony in small moments
- Maintains a gratitude practice
- Observes seasonal changes
Growth Practices
- Acknowledges fears without surrendering to them
- Steps regularly into gentle discomfort
- Learns from mistakes openly
- Shares vulnerably when appropriate
- Forever continues developing her skills
- Remains humble while owning her power
I hope the following list of habits inspires you and sparks your imagination. Feel free to copy and share it everywhere.
Do something wild this week!
Love,
G*
Hi ♥️, I’m Gisele Stein, author of feel-good novels with a little magic and places like characters, which i craft from my cosy cabin on Wadandi Boodja in Western Australia. Have a look at my books here. I’m also podcasting as The Earthy Writer, to document my rewilding year: Every new moon, I set a new rewilding intention for the month, and every full moon I share my learnings with you…
