Wild Heart
A thriving Santa Cruz community devoted to hosting events in support of living our Heart’s Desire
Welcome to Wild Heart
We (Mark Nicolson & Caitlin Wild) are devoted to weaving together the joys of being in nature, song, dance, plant medicine and soul work with people in Santa Cruz (and people who love Santa Cruz!)
Our Offerings
Group Medicine Journeys
Retreats:
Upcoming Dates for 2025 are:
Summer: August 1-3 (Quarter Moon) - a few spots left
Fall: November 7-9 (Full Moon)
For more info, read details on this page and
We host and facilitate four weekend group medicine journeys each year. These journeys are deeply in-service to the collective healing and heart-centered wholeness that Mark and Caitlin believe we are being called into during these initiatory times. When a group of caring beings come together with the intention to slow down and listen closely to the heart’s desire, transformation happens. These are in local, gorgeous, carefully chosen homes or retreats in the city of Santa Cruz where plant medicine has been decriminalized. Previous plant medicine experience (or experience with expanded states) will be required.
Mushroom Full Moon Microdosing Hike
Join us for a deeply nourishing time to be in connection with nature, each other and the full moon. Next hike TBA. Join our mailing list for updates.
Space is limited! Registration is required. Suggested donation $20.
On this 3-hour guided hike we'll begin with some introductions from your experienced outdoor guides followed by an opening meditation/land honoring before taking a micro-dose of medicine (~0.2g) and setting out on the trail. The trail has some uneven terrain and is relatively flat. We'll do a thorough orientation of walking at night, how to stay safe and look after each other as well as a bit about the history of Pogonip and the plants & animals we share the land with. Bring flashlights and/or a headlamp (though we may try to hike without them), and some drinking water if you desire. Dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes. Hiking poles optional. For ages 21 and over.
Dance
Ever had that totally empty yet full-to-the-brim feeling after leaving it all on the dance floor?! It’s the BEST! Our curated dance-parties weave movement, magic, emotional release, connection and the deep remembrance that these bodies are meant to move in service of our healing and wholeness.
With deeply thought-out and curated playlists and live music and some facilitation, we curate one or two dances a year in collaboration with dance facilitators. Stay subscribed for updates.
Song
We co-create song circles with gifted community singers and song-leaders.We believe in the magic and healing power of bringing our voices together in celebration of the full spectrum of life: joy, grief, challenge and harmony.
We center the collective use of our voices as a way to transform states of being no matter your skill level. Think you can’t sing? Watch out – our song circles are contagious and may be habit-forming…sign up for our list and we will let you know as soon as we schedule anything.
Foraging & Earth Connection
Caitlin leads forays into the wild where she supports people in remembering their wild soul and the connection we each have with the web of life.
One of the most impactful and fun ways to remember our connection to the Wild Ones is through foraging: learning about medicinal and edible species that grow in our own backyards!
In this practice we learn to slow down, notice our environment and how everything is living in connection with everything else. These forays are also habit-forming and can open your mind to the “doctors” that we live amongst!
Contact Us
