For anyone seeking proof that the natural world can inspire individuals to heal, hope, dream or write heartfelt stories and poems, look no further than Wendy Nadherny Fachon. The journalist, author, poet, podcaster, nature walker, youth educator and lyricist, whose work appears monthly in Natural Awakenings Greater Boston/Rhode Island, showcases her wealth of talent on StoryWalking.com.

“My platform is intended to inspire families, educators and young learners with a unique approach to storytelling, one that moves beyond reading and into lived experiences. I feel that stories are more meaningful when they are experienced, rather than read. Through guided exploration, reflection and interaction with the natural world, I encourage participants to step outside, observe more closely, and reconnect with the quiet details of the commonplace as well as the mystical aspects of life,” says Fachon.

Even after nearly seven years of monthly podcasts on the Story Walking Radio Hour on DreamVisions7Radio.com, Fachon’s genuine enthusiasm for discovering Mother Nature’s secrets on her daily story walking experiences has never diminished. The podcast series brings together the inspiring voices of parents, educators, authors, wellness practitioners and nature lovers from all walks of life, that share their stories and methods for reconnecting children with nature and mindful living.

Posting regularly on Substack.com/@WendyNadhernyFachon, she documents her daily walking experiences and describes how nature-inspired storytelling helps to encourage a child’s imagination, cultivate their curiosity, develop an appreciation for the mystery of life, and create meaningful connections to the world.

Whether blogging about the entries in her Nature Journal, what to write in a pocket notebook every day, or about a lesson from her children’s book The Angel Heart, Fachon’s words educate and inspire a sense of wonderment and the imagination. Offering an entry example about a naturally formed object that suggested it could be shaped into a bird’s nest, she says, “I found it on a walk. It was a ball of finely woven maple tree stems blown together by the wind, like tumbleweed. I took my maple nest home and did something artsy. I turned it into a safe place for my Angel Heart to land … in my elderberry bush. While only five to 10 common bird species nest in elderberry shrubs, some 120 species use elderberry branches for shelter, cover and perching, while also finding insects and berries to feast upon among the branches. What a sweet place to land!”

The Angel Heart comes with a parents’ reading guide aimed at strengthening parent-child bonding and communication. Fachon’s next major project is co-creating The Angel Heart Curriculum Companion, designed to help families and educators deepen literacy, empathy and emotional reflection through guided activities linked to the story.

Every journey begins on a walk to remember, a walk to discover, and a walk to heal. “My Story Walking blends guided listening, nature connection and reflective exploration for families, educators and seekers. The Story Walking website's seven paths are designed for every walker and are crafted to meet families, educators, spiritual seekers and nature lovers where they are. From eco-detectives to spiritual and mystical connections, or school connections to environmental concerns and solutions, I encourage everyone to listen to examples on StoryWalking.com,” says Fachon. 

In a world that often moves too fast, Fachon reminds us to slow down, look at the clouds, and remember that we are all connected to the mysterious, beautiful rhythm of life.

Story Walkers can follow Fachon on Facebook@StoryWalkingRadioHour, on Instagram @StoryWalkerWendy, on Linkedin@WendyFachon or find Story Walking EcoDetectives on YouTube.