S9e13: Anna Switzer, PhD – The Human Spirit and the Natural World

Anna Switzer, PhD, outdoor educator, science educator, and educator of educators, shares her Hoffman Process experience and her deep expertise in partnering with Nature’s innate processes for healing and connection.

In 2012, on the recommendation of her medical doctor, Anna came to the Process. Due to the high level of stress Anna was experiencing, her doctor said she should consider doing some emotional work. Within a few months, Anna was at the Hoffman Process. She loved the camaraderie of her Process cohort and remembers many ‘anchor moments’ in her group and alone as she spent time outdoors on the grounds around White Sulphur Springs.

Anna’s mission statement is, “Helping heal the human spirit and natural world through facilitation of mutually positive experiences between the two.” The focus of her work is to try to bring herself and others back into “right relationship” with the natural world.

Anna shares some practical practices you can use to help heal your relationship with the natural world. We hope you enjoy this rich and healing conversation with Anna and Liz.

More about Anna Switzer, PhD:

Anna Switzer, PhD is an outdoor educator, science educator, and educator of educators. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Physics, a master’s in Oceanography, and a PhD in Education. Alongside teaching, Anna derives her most consistent inspiration from the outdoors. She has spent thousands of hours exploring diverse landscapes and waterways; including incalculable time with students of all ages. Anna has worked for several prominent organizations including National Geographic Society and Outward Bound. At National Geographic, she was the Program Manager for Outdoor and Experiential Education. She is also certified as a Nature-Connected Life Coach. Anna’s mission relates to helping heal the human spirit and the natural world through the facilitation of mutually positive experiences between the two and creating and utilizing tools for reflection that invite new behavior. 

Anna loves sharing life-enhancing ideas, tools, and practices with others. Her first book is License to Learn: Elevating Discomfort in Service of Lifelong Learning (Atmosphere Press, 2021). She is writing a second book now that includes a big portion on the processes of nature connection: a big topic in this interview. Anna is also progressing toward ‘owning’ the artist title; watercolor and mixed media are her favorites, especially as whimsical expressions of her love of the outdoors. You can see her artwork at annaswitzer.com.

Follow Anna on Instagram and LinkedIn.

As mentioned in this episode:

Hoffman tool: Recycling

White Sulphur Springs, Hoffman’s old retreat site

Current Hoffman Retreat Sites:
Hoffman Retreat Center in Petaluma, CA
Guest House in Chester, CT
Sanctum, Alberta, Canada

Speaking about Nature and the Hoffman Process:
•   Dr. Dan Siegel on the Hoffman Podcast
•   Trecey Chittenden on the Hoffman Podcast

Quote shared:
“There is more in us than we know if we could be made to see it; perhaps, for the rest of our lives we will be unwilling to settle for less.” ― Kurt Hahn

The Natural Intelligence Toolkit by Anna
•   Practices: Feel the Pull and Wander With a Question

Nature Connection Life Coach