Trans-Atlantic & Spring

This morning, I tracked a rainbow fading in through a clouded blue sky. And as I held my gaze for longer than usual, it grew a second rainbow and the 7 or 8 colors emerged with greater effervescence. The vegetation is damp and green here on the cliffs outside of Sintra, Portugal.

I’ve been feeling relief from the open, breathable qualities that spring brings - people going out together, tall ferns, nesting blackbirds - while at the same time anticipating boarding a flight to North America on May 3rd.

I’m heading to Twin Eagles Wilderness School in Idaho to step into the roles of mentor, instructor, program director, and rite of passage guide. It’s a recurring seasonal move, and one that feels deeply aligned with the thread I’ve been following: how can I help youth and adults find their footing in the world, and what does it mean to be genuinely initiated into a life that’s awake and connected to something true?

I’ll also be enacting a vision fast guided by my mentor, Tim.

Before I go however, there’s a good stretch ahead through April in Portugal:

If you’re within reach of Sintra/Lisbon this weekend, come out on Sunday. Melina and I are sharing…

The Edge of the Village: Permaculture & Ecological Stewardship through Deep Nature Connection 📅 Sunday, 12 April 2026 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM 📍 Terra Alta, Ulgueira, Portugal

→ Register: events.kambium.earth

This hands-on learning day blends sensory immersion with permaculture design thinking. We will guide you through core routines of deep nature connection, wilderness skills, and storytelling, with the intention of drawing out the gift that makes you a sensitive, connected, and knowledgeable steward of the land.

Melina and I will also be at Harmonia at Traditional Dream Factory in Abela, Alentejo — one of our most visited bases and group of people in Portugal. We’ll be offering workshops across the weekend: nature connection practices and wild edible & medicinal plant foraging. Harmonia is a beautifully curated 100-person spring music festival.

→ More details at:  traditionaldreamfactory.com

Finally, just tonight, I completed the 12th and final session of a 6 month enrichment container of nature based mentoring development, wilderness skills & naturalist training, and initiation and rite of passage guide training held by Twin Eagles Wilderness School. If you're interested in knowing more about my experience, I'd love the opportunity to have a call and reflect further. Reply here and let me know.

With care,

Joshua