Bio

Marilyn Zehr, Forest Therapy Guide, Eco-spiritual Director & Minister attuned to the Sacred in the earth and her creatures. That’s what my FB profile says. Here are some valuable additions. Born and raised in a Mennonite family and community in southwestern, Ontario, Canada, I understand both the importance of and sometimes the limitations of community life. I raised three children in Toronto, Ontario. I earned a Masters of Divinity degree and a Masters of Theology degree that allowed me to serve as a spiritual care provider in an inter-generational community, and then as the lead minister in a large urban Mennonite church.

Eight years ago, when I met and married my wife, Svinda Heinrichs, we moved full-time to land that had already claimed me 10 years prior. This is my 18th spring having adventures on this land. In the past 8 years, Svinda and I have quite literally built Rise Above Guest House, the house, the barn and the cabins (oh yah – and then Svinda also built a year-round wash-house). Yes, we had help with these builds, but we are very “hands-on”

The spirit of the land has taught us that the land takes care of us and that this care is available to others. Therefore, our vision statement welcomes all to cycles of healing in connection with the land. We host retreats and gatherings including a wild church we founded called Cathedral of the Trees. In keeping with our vision, we seek to live by the principles of generosity of spirit, community of hospitality, embodied listening, and openness to transformation. These principles attracted three other persons to join us as land-mates for long-term stays in rent and work-share arrangements. Trained as an Eco-spiritual director, an Ordained Minister (now with the United Church of Canada at Windsong United Church in Maynooth, ON), and a Forest Therapy Guide, my heart’s work is to facilitate the reunification of people to the home and heart and spirit of the land of which we are part.

Find out about our work, our intimate retreat space and our gatherings at other locations on this website.